Fondazione Per Leggere

Fondazione Per Leggere – Biblioteche Sud Ovest Milano is an Italian non-profit foundation established in May 2006 and headquartered in Abbiategrasso, in the province of Milan. It was founded by 58 municipalities (Comuni) and today coordinates a network of 60 libraries serving more than half a million residents across an area covering roughly one third of the province of Milan. The foundation's mission is threefold: to promote reading in all its forms, to enhance the documentary and book heritage held in the libraries of South-West Milan, and to improve the quality of public reading services offered to citizens. The foundation operates as a library system, providing shared catalogues (including an online catalogue and a digital library), training for librarians, and cultural projects. Its initiatives include the "Lab Munari" project dedicated to Bruno Munari, the "Corsi nel Cassetto" adult education courses, the "Primavera per Leggere" fundraising campaign, and participation in the Festival della Biblioterapia. It also runs a travelling exhibition on Bruno Munari and organises events such as "Fare libri! Dentro i libri!" at the Castello Gallarati Scotti in Cozzo Lomellina. As a membership-based institution, Fondazione Per Leggere is governed by its founding municipalities and operates under Italian law for foundations. It relies on public funding and private donations, with campaigns such as "Donatore di Libri" and "Sostieni la Lettura" inviting citizens to support its activities. The foundation publishes news and updates through its website and newsletter, and maintains a press review section. With its extensive network and focus on public reading, Fondazione Per Leggere plays a key role in the cultural infrastructure of the South-West Milan area, ensuring access to books, digital resources, and lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse population.

Fondazione Per Leggere – Biblioteche Sud Ovest Milano was founded in May 2006 by 58 municipalities in the South-West area of the province of Milan. Its creation was part of a broader effort to create a unified library system that could pool resources and offer more efficient services to citizens across a wide and diverse territory. The foundation is headquartered in Abbiategrasso, a town in the Milan metropolitan area. From its inception, the foundation aimed to promote reading, enhance the book and documentary heritage of the participating libraries, and improve the quality of public reading services. Over the years, it has grown to coordinate a network of 60 libraries, serving over half a million residents in an area covering approximately one third of the province of Milan. The foundation has developed several flagship projects. The "Lab Munari" project, dedicated to the legacy of Italian artist and designer Bruno Munari, includes a travelling exhibition that has been hosted in various locations, such as the Castello Gallarati Scotti in Cozzo Lomellina. The "Corsi nel Cassetto" programme offers adult education courses, with editions such as Autumn 2026. The "Primavera per Leggere" fundraising campaign, which involved all libraries in the network, supports reading initiatives. The foundation is also a partner of the Festival della Biblioterapia in Laveno Mombello. In addition to cultural programming, Fondazione Per Leggere provides essential library services: a shared online catalogue, a digital library, and training for librarians. It also engages in advocacy and fundraising, with campaigns like "Donatore di Libri" and "Sostieni la Lettura" encouraging public support. The foundation maintains transparency through its website, where it publishes its statute, governance information, and press review. As a membership organisation, the foundation is governed by its founding municipalities, which represent the public interest. It operates under Italian law for foundations and is a key player in the cultural infrastructure of the South-West Milan area, ensuring access to books, digital resources, and lifelong learning opportunities for a diverse population.

• 2026

  Autumn edition of Corsi nel Cassetto announced; summer closure calendar published.

• 2023

  The foundation documents its history and services from 2006 to 2023 in a timeline.

• 2006

  Foundation established in May by 58 municipalities, headquartered in Abbiategrasso.

A collaborative public library foundation promoting reading and cultural access in South-West Milan.

• Online Catalogue (Catalogo OnLine)

  A shared online catalogue of the library network's holdings.

• Digital Library (Biblioteca Digitale)

  Access to digital resources and electronic materials.

• Lab Munari

  A project dedicated to Bruno Munari, including a travelling exhibition.

• Corsi nel Cassetto

  Adult education courses offered in multiple editions.

1. 1Homepage - Fondazione per Leggerefondazioneperleggere.it
2. 2Chi Siamo - Fondazione per Leggerefondazioneperleggere.it
3. 3Fondazione Per Leggere - Wikidatawikidata.org