Anyone strolling along Rua do Ouvidor is in for a pleasant surprise when they come across the charming Livraria e Edições Folha Seca. The bookstore was founded in 1998 at the Centro de Artes Hélio Oiticica and, at the end of 2003, was relocated to Rua do Ouvidor, one of the most important streets in Rio's literary history: it was home to periodicals, newspapers, and publisher-bookstores such as Garnier, Francisco Alves, and José Olympio.
Interior of the bookstore - photo from a personal collection
Image description: The image shows a bookstore called "Livraria e edições Folha Seca". The spatial layout begins on the left, where there is a series of shelves full of books organized by genre. A metal ladder is positioned between the shelves, making it easier to reach the higher books. In the center, there is a wooden staircase leading up to an upper level, where more books and some artworks hanging on the walls are displayed. On the right, there is a checkout counter with an employee behind it, and in the background, more shelves with books and some decorative objects. The walls are green and black, creating an interesting contrast.The name "Folha Seca" is a tribute to the move invented by the Botafogo star Didi, which consists of making the ball fall unpredictably, just like a leaf detaching from a tree. In addition, the expression appears in the lyrics of the samba by Nelson Cavaquinho and Guilherme de Brito, which is often played during the Livraria's festive moments:
Quando piso em folhas secas/caídas de uma mangueira/penso na minha escola/e nos poetas da minha estação primeira.
Conceived by Rodrigo Ferrari and his former business partner Daniela Duarte, the bookstore became a meeting point for artists, intellectuals, historians, journalists and politicians, as well as enthusiasts of football, samba and the history of Rio de Janeiro. Described by many as "the most carioca of bookstores," the space became known for its traditional samba circles, such as the one held on January 20th, the feast day of São Sebastião and the store's anniversary.
Interior of the bookstore - photo from a personal collection
Image description: This is a photograph of a bookstore. On the left, we see a person facing away, holding a yellow bag. In front, there is a table with open books and colorful covers. In the background, there are shelves full of books organized by genre. On the right, the wall is green and has framed pictures and photos hanging on it. In the upper right, there is a staircase with a black railing.The setting reflects the interests of bookseller Rodrigo Ferrari, a former History student, who never actually finished the course, a carioca, a Flamengo fan, passionate about samba, who worked at the legendary Dazibao bookshop in the 1990s. Because of his experience and passion for Rio, Ferrari was awarded the Pedro Ernesto medal by the City Council.
To keep the bookstore open due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rodrigo came up with a fundraising campaign called "A livraria Folha Seca precisa de você" ("Livraria Folha Seca needs you"). Several ways to contribute were created, such as book bundles with autographed works and ceramic mugs featuring illustrations of Rua do Ouvidor and Livraria Folha Seca drawn by caricaturist Cássio Loredano. The fundraiser exceeded its original goal, surprising the bookseller — such was the engagement of his loyal audience.
