Original article: Universidad de Chile conmemora el Día del Libro entregando miles de ejemplares de Gabriela Mistral Continuing its long-standing tradition, the University of Chile will celebrate World Book Day on April 23 with its «Free Books» initiative. This year, the distribution will feature an anthology by Gabriela Mistral, published by the university, titled «The Damned Word and Other Urgent Writings,» showcasing a selection of 10 prose texts that allow for a rediscovery of the poet as a public intellectual. These writings, originally published between 1906 and 1955, cover topics such as women’s education, social justice, democracy, and the advocacy of peace.
The «Free Books» initiative originated as a proposal from the Vice Presidency of Extension and Communications to celebrate World Book Day beyond the confines of library shelves. This initiative has become one of the most emblematic events at Casa de Bello, transforming the distribution of texts into an act of cultural democratization. In previous editions, the event has successfully gathered a diverse audience in front of the Central House, evolving into a space where students, workers, and passersby in downtown Santiago spontaneously come together around literature.
Pilar Barba, Vice President of Extension and Communications at the University of Chile, emphasized that this activity reaffirms the institution’s social role. «As a public university, we believe that broadening access to knowledge and fostering critical thinking is fundamental to democracy. Therefore, with this initiative, we aim for something very concrete: to bring reading into homes and everyday life, as a real way to exercise the right to culture,» said Pilar Barba.
The copies will be distributed for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the front of the Central House from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, or until supplies last. This initiative aims to enhance access to literary heritage and is the main event in the agenda with which the University of Chile commemorates Book Month, reaffirming its connection with the community through open activities throughout the month.