Creative Encounters: Manifesto Library
Join artist Zoe Thompson for an evening of making inspired by Livraria Lello’s Manifesto Library: a permanent library of books challenging power and censorship.
As part of Dua Lipa’s London Literature Festival, you’re invited to an evening of exploration and discovery as we create new book dust jackets that illuminate and celebrate the Manifesto Library’s collection.
Working with London-based artist Zoe Thompson, craft new covers drawing on the tradition of radical DIY zine culture and Thompson’s distinctive collage practice, investigating what it means to make the suppressed and hidden visible.
In June 2026, the Manifesto Library opened in Livraria Lello, an iconic bookshop in Porto, Portugal. This new, permanent library is a collaboration between Livraria Lello and Service95 Book Club (founded by Dua Lipa) and is dedicated to books that challenge power, censorship, exclusion and dominant narratives, creating a living cultural space for reading, debate and public reflection.
The Manifesto Library is not an archive of censorship, but a contemporary statement about the role of books in society. Dua Lipa says, ‘here you will find 100 books that ask questions, or have been questioned. Some have been banned by school districts for themes of race or sexuality. Others, written for LGBTQIA+ readers, have been restricted from display. In some cases, the author has paid for their words with their life. This library is a shrine to books that have disappeared, to authors whose courage unmasks structures of power and control, and to readers who refuse to be told what book they are allowed to read.’
So join us for this extra special Creative Encounters, your creative space in the heart of the city, bringing together Londoners old and new for art, making and conversation.
Founded by Dua Lipa, the Service95 Book Club is a space to enjoy all things literary, including Dua’s hand-picked Monthly Reads and her exclusive author interviews, plus new book trends, recommendations from the Service95 team and more ways for you to read the world differently.
Need to know
Our friendly sessions are designed for both those attending on their own or with others.
We recommend arriving early to secure a seat. If the event reaches capacity, you may need to queue as we operate a one in, one out system.
Zoe Thompson is a London-based zine-maker and facilitator. Inspired by the history of zines – DIY culture, the 1990s Riot Grrrl movement, independent magazines of the Harlem Renaissance – Thompson champions the importance of physical media and the power of zine culture as a radical tool of expression and of producing and archiving counter culture.
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
28 Oct 2026, 6pm
Run time
2 hours and 30 minutes (approx)
All timings are approximate and subject to change
Standard entry
Free – no ticket required
Concessions
Learn more about concession discounts
Refunds and exchanges
Find out more about our refund and exchange policy
Make a donation
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For your visit
This event is held at the The Clore Ballroom Southbank Centre
The Clore Ballroom is open six days a week.
Tuesday, 10am – 6pm*
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
*If we’re hosting a performance, the building will stay open until the event ends.
Plan your visit
The Clore Ballroom is located inside our Royal Festival Hall on Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
There is step-free access to The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, via a ramp.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Next to The Clore Ballroom is our Ballroom Cafe where you can grab a coffee and a piece of freshly made cake. Also on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.