The Redes da Maré Bebeteca is a community facility dedicated to early childhood, created to promote reading, play, and social interaction experiences for children aged 0 to 6 and their caregivers. Designed to meet the needs of early childhood, the Bebeteca features furniture that encourages exploration and interaction, toys and ethnically and racially diverse dolls that promote diversity and representation, helping children build their identity and self-esteem, as well as a collection of approximately 80 children's books carefully selected for this age group. Conceived to engage babies and young children, the space fosters sensory development, social interaction, play, and reading in a safe and welcoming environment.

Opened in December 2025, the Bebeteca consists of two complementary facilities: a permanent unit located on the ground floor of the Lima Barreto Library in Nova Holanda, and Bebeteca LAB, a mobile unit with a compact structure that travels to different locations throughout Maré. In addition to welcoming visitors at its permanent location, the initiative brings reading, play, and social interaction activities to public facilities and community spaces across the territory, including the Jorge Amado Municipal Library at the Herbert Vianna Cultural Arena and Early Childhood Development Centers (EDIs), expanding access for children and their caregivers to experiences that are essential during early childhood.

The permanent Bebeteca at Lima Barreto Library is open from Tuesday to Friday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., welcoming children aged 0 to 6 accompanied by a responsible adult.

Part of the Early Childhood in Maré: Care, Well-being, and Policy Advocacy project, developed by the Education axis, Bebeteca aims to promote child development during early childhood, strengthen family bonds, and guarantee children's rights to reading, play, and social interaction.

Developed in partnership with the Van Leer Foundation and Descobrir Brincando (Discover Through Play), the initiative emerged from listening to families in Maré, who identified the need for safe and accessible spaces for young children. Its creation resulted from a participatory process that brought together residents, caregivers, educators, and local organizations around the shared goal of promoting early childhood rights.

Visit to the Maria Amélia Castro e Silva Belfort Nursery

BEBETECA: A SPACE FOR CARE, PLAY, READING, AND SOCIAL INTERACTION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD IN MARÉ

 

The Bebeteca's activities are facilitated by trained local educators who encourage curiosity, imagination, and child development through reading experiences and playful activities. The space also hosts initiatives developed in partnership with public schools, strengthening a network of care and protection for children and families in Maré. Activities include visits from early childhood education classes, community engagement initiatives, school enrollment campaigns, and referrals to health and social assistance services.

The initiative also organizes monthly meetings with families to discuss topics related to early childhood and access to rights, strengthening support networks and promoting the exchange of experiences within the community. These meetings address issues such as the right to play, mental health, access to social benefits, neurodiversity, excessive screen time, armed violence, and the lack of safe public spaces for young children. This work also extends to local professionals who work with young children and to Redes da Maré educators engaged in caregiving roles.

Between January and June 2026, the permanent Bebeteca recorded 604 visits by children aged 0 to 6 and 436 visits by caregivers. Attendance data and participation analyses demonstrate the consolidation of a group of families who either live in the surrounding area or attend nearby educational institutions, reinforcing the Bebeteca's role as a community space for social interaction, care, and relationship-building in Maré. In addition to its regular activities, the project promotes discussion circles, partnerships with schools and public facilities, and advocacy initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights of young children.