THE ITALIAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF ITS PUBLIC LIBRARY
From March 21st, the library opens to the public with two initiatives on the intersection between narrative, visual and performing arts, dedicated to both adults and children.
After a long work of renewal of its catalog that has led to the inclusion of hundreds of new titles and new thematic sections, the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago announces the reopening to the public of its library, that will be accessible again for consultations and loans from March 21st.
The library of the Istituto has a catalog of almost 4000 titles including books and DVDs. The collection includes, among others, a large section dedicated to Italian fiction, specialized and thematic collections, and a section dedicated to children and young readers.
The library is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10:30am to 4:00pm or by appointment to be requested at iicchicago@esteri.it
“Our library is a fundamental resource for the Istituto’s community, and for all those interested in learning about Italian culture through books” – says Luca Di Vito, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago. “With this work of re-cataloging the library we decided to mainly expand the offer of contemporary fiction titles, but also to create new thematic sections, including a very important one dedicated to children’s publishing and young readers, which we hope will become a point of reference for many families in the area.”
Families will be invited to preview this new section on Sunday, March 17 at 2:30pm, and to participate in a creative and reading workshop with Susanna Mattiangeli, author and winner of the Andersen 2018 prize, and Children’s Laureate 2022-24. Mattiangeli will present a reading of her book Uno come Antonio, illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio, and will involve children in an artistic workshop on the encounter between words and images. The initiative will take place in italian language.
On the occasion of the reopening of the library, the Istituto will host a public opening of the exhibition Teatricci, on Thursday, March 21 at 6-8:00pm, presenting an installation and selection of artworks by Italian artist Alessandra Ricci. The project originates from the artist’s passion for theater and illustrated books, from the fascination for the unpredictable magical content of old wooden boxes and their past. Teatricci gives life to fairy tales, novels, operas or new tales, inspired by a marionette or by the emotion of a backdrop.
The exhibition will be on view until April 19th. Visits Monday-Friday from 11:00am to 4:00pm or by appointment to be requested at iicchicago@esteri.it
