PINTO, Maria de Fátima M. M.. Women and public reading in early 20th century Portugal: a look upon female presence in the libraries. []. , 38, pp.79-96. ISSN 0874-6885.

The extension of education and the popularization of reading were two important pillars of liberal modernism. The expansion of literacy emphasized a gap between men and women, shown in access to education and reading supplied by public resources, despites specific geographical features. Absent from the libraries, the woman figure asserted in the social representation of reading and education, articulating housework and educational functions. Certain women authors, a minority in literary world, veiled themselves behind male pseudonyms and their work had a low visibility in the libraries, even when public recognition was awarded. This text intends to contribute to the understanding of the place occupied for women in the evolution of public reading in Portugal at the dawn of 20th century

: literacy; female literature; popular library; public reading.

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