Lampedusa's mayor launches book drive to create first public library
In 2013, Lampedusa, a tourist island with over 6,000 residents, had no public library or bookstore. Mayor Giusi Nicolini launched a call for book donations to remedy this. The response was overwhelming: thousands of volumes arrived in over 400 boxes from individuals, associations, publishers, and municipalities across Italy. Notably, Turin-based publisher Claudiana donated 120 books from its catalog, many for children. Palermo bookstore Modusvivendi hosted a presentation in late August and started a fundraiser, collecting about €500 in book vouchers so far. The library is set to open next winter, and Nicolini hopes to include sections on immigration and the Mediterranean Sea, with a long-term vision for a research center on migrants and the region's cultural landscape.
Key facts
- Lampedusa had no public library or bookstore as of 2013.
- Mayor Giusi Nicolini initiated a book donation campaign.
- Over 400 boxes of books were donated from across Italy.
- Claudiana, a Turin publisher, donated 120 books, many for children.
- Modusvivendi bookstore in Palermo raised about €500 in book vouchers.
- The library is expected to open in winter 2014.
- Nicolini plans sections on immigration and the Mediterranean.
- A future research center on migrants and regional culture is envisioned.
Entities
Institutions
- Claudiana
- Modusvivendi
- Comune di Lampedusa
- Artribune
Locations
- Lampedusa
- Italy
- Turin
- Palermo
- Mediterranean Sea