Vibo Valentia Named Italian Book Capital 2021

Vibo Valentia has been awarded the title of Capitale Italiana del Libro 2021. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini and jury president Romano Montroni. The city was chosen from five finalists: Ariano Irpino, Caltanissetta, Campobasso, Cesena, and Pontremoli. The jury praised Vibo Valentia for the quality and clarity of its initiatives, which aim to integrate books into daily life. The title, established by Franceschini in 2020 under Law No. 15 of February 13, 2020, promotes reading and provides a €500,000 grant for project implementation. The first edition in 2020 was awarded to Chiari, Brescia, one of the municipalities hardest hit by the pandemic. Montroni emphasized that the competition creates lasting synergies beyond the award period, noting Italy's low reading rates compared to other European countries. Franceschini highlighted that the initiative draws from the Italian Capital of Culture model, which itself was inspired by the European Capital of Culture. The process fosters community engagement, comprehensive planning, and public-private partnerships. The title mirrors the UNESCO World Book Capital, awarded annually since 2001; the only Italian city to have received it is Turin in 2006, in collaboration with Rome.