A aplicação da biblioterapia para crianças no ambiente da biblioteca pública: relato de experiência de estágio na Biblioteca Municipal de Ibaté

Abstract

Bibliotherapy is a broad concept that combines subjects such as therapy and books. There is a wide range of possibilities for therapeutic activities involving books, stories, and even poetry to support people who are experiencing difficult situations and seeking an alternative form of assistance to address their problems. The concept of Bibliotherapy is associated with therapeutic practices and with the understanding that reading can reinforce the idea that no one is alone, particularly when individuals identify with characters or other people facing similar challenges. This study aimed to analyze the impact of Bibliotherapy in a public library setting attended by children seeking refuge from their daily routines and the demands of school life. The methodology was structured in three stages. Stage 1 consisted of conducting bibliographic research on the concept of Bibliotherapy, Social Librarianship, and studies concerning school-age children. Stage 2 involved documentary research on statistics related to the use of the collection of the Ibaté Municipal Library. Stage 3 consisted of developing and conducting bibliotherapeutic sessions with first-grade elementary school children at the Ibaté Municipal Public Library. The analysis showed that the children who participated in the bibliotherapeutic activities appreciated being listened to and sharing their personal experiences in a safe environment whose purpose was to provide support, understanding, and assistance in recognizing and interpreting their emotions. In addition to creating a sense of comfort among participants, Bibliotherapy may also have a remedial effect, since sharing concerns, fears, insecurities, and personal experiences can help individuals understand that they are not alone and that others may identify with the same feelings of distress.