About the Dawit Isaak Library
The Dawit Isaak Library is the world’s first library entirely dedicated to freedom of speech. On its shelves and in its digital database are books and information about works that have been banned, burned, or censored, as well as works by writers who have been silenced, threatened, imprisoned, or forced into exile for their words.
About the Dawit Isaak-library
The shelves of the Dawit Isaak Library hold books that have been banned, burned, or censored – all written by people who have been silenced, threatened, imprisoned, or forced into exile because of what they wrote. The collection includes books from all over the world, both contemporary and historical.
The library offers the public and researchers a unique opportunity to find and read literature that is otherwise difficult to access or scattered across different locations. Here you will also find non-fiction about freedom of expression, censorship, artistic freedom, democracy, and related topics.
Why the Dawit Isaak Library Exists
Malmö is a city where free speech and artistic freedom are given space. This is important because a democratic society works best when we can access the widest possible diversity of ideas and perspectives. The Dawit Isaak Library is a place where threatened content is preserved and where crucial conversations can take place.
The library reminds us that freedom of expression is never something we can take for granted. Here in Malmö, we have created a meeting place for free thought, difficult conversations, and literature that might otherwise risk being silenced. The library serves as a counterbalance to today’s increasingly polarized public debate – a space where different voices can be heard and where we can challenge and reflect on our own views.
At the same time, the library is a resource for research and deeper study of these issues – a place where knowledge about freedom of expression can grow and be shared.
Our Collections
On the shelves and in our digital database you will find books and information about works that have been banned, burned, or censored, as well as works by authors who have been threatened, silenced, imprisoned, or forced into exile. Today, the collection contains around 6,000 titles, and it continues to grow with new works from all over the world.
Database of Banned Literature
In collaboration with the University of Gothenburg, Lund University, and Swedish PEN, with support from the Swedish Academy, the Dawit Isaak Library has launched The Dawit Isaak Database of Censorship (DIDOC) – a unique database that documents and makes visible banned and censored literature worldwide.
If you would like to see which books are part of the Dawit Isaak Library’s collection, you can search through the Malin Catalogue and the digital Dawit Isaak Database of Censorship (DIDOC).
Would you like to tell us about books or authors that should be represented at the Dawit Isaak Library? Please let us know at: dawitisaakbiblioteket@malmo.se.
About journalist Dawit Isaak
The library is named after Dawit Isaak, a Swedish-Eritrean journalist who is the longest-imprisoned journalist in the world without trial. He has been held in prison in Eritrea since 2001.
Sidan senast uppdaterad: