Storie Libere: Voices Shaping Culture is the theme that shapes the 2025 programming of the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago. The initiative aims to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Liberazione as the starting point of an Italian and European journey toward building a free and democratic society, also made possible by the significant contribution of the United States.
Inspired by this anniversary, the Institute seeks to explore the Storie Libere of intellectuals, artists, young leaders, and communities who have focused their reflections and artistic practices on concepts of freedom and personal, social, and cultural liberation, contributing to the development of contemporary Italian culture and society.
The image inspired by Storie Libere: Voices Shaping Culture was created by illustrator Elisa Talentino for the Institute and symbolizes this process of discovering our history and present.
Becoming a member of the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago allows you to download two e-books and two audiobooks per month from our online digital library, featuring a network of over 6,000 Italian libraries, have access to Italian newspapers included in the digital newsstand, and participate more actively in the life of the Institute.
Our 2025 membership offer:
- Tote bag highlighting 2025 theme Storie Libere: Voices Shaping Culture, designed by illustrator Elisa Talentino
- Access to the digital library platform
- Access to the newsstand featuring Italian and international newspapers and magazines
- Borrowing privileges for books and DVDs from the physical library of the Institute without security deposit
- Discounts and complementary tickets to events and initiatives organized by third parties in collaboration with the Institute
- Discounted parking for all events held at the Institute
Please note: gadgets for the 2025 membership will be available for pick-up or shipping starting on January 6th.
Join by filling in the membership registration form and pay the $50 membership fee (students currently enrolled in ItalCultura language courses: $35) by mailing a check made out to the Italian Cultural Institute to the following address: 500 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1450, Chicago, IL 60611
The credentials for accessing the digital library will be sent via email and access is valid until 1/31/2026.
Click here to discover our digital library and learn how it works.