The library on Via Dante in Quartu Sant'Elena reopens, renovated and one year ahead of schedule. A project financed with 500,000 euros of Pnrr funds, the first completed among the interventions in Sardinia with the resources of the Plan. The structure, both for the central library and for the children's library, is now a modern public space, completely accessible and inclusive, designed to meet the needs of all age groups and with particular attention to people with physical, cognitive and sensorial disabilities.
"We believed a lot in the investments and opportunities that the PNRR offered us and we are dedicating ourselves to the implementation of the program with great enthusiasm and determination", said the mayor of Quartu, Graziano Milia. "Overall we are managing 30.5 million euros for 9 projects on PNRR funds and at the same time we also have other interventions financed with Cohesion Funds from 2014-2021 and with Funds from 2021/2027, therefore an additional 20 million in European funds arriving in Quartu. This means that we are subjecting the entire municipal machine to a great effort, and having obtained this first result, the reopening of the Library, the first PNRR project concluded in Sardinia and one of the very first in Italy, encourages us to move forward with ever greater enthusiasm . We are obtaining this result - which will be celebrated with three days of inauguration next weekend, at the same time as the city stage of Monumenti Aperti - one year ahead of the PNRR deadlines. We were told that the use of these resources would be accompanied by a relaxation of the rules and instead this was not the case, indeed, probably from this point of view we are in a worse condition than when we started. Despite this, we expect to respect the deadlines also for the other projects in progress".
The project, curated by Società Rete Gaia of Cagliari and implemented by specialized companies in compliance with minimum environmental criteria and the Dhsh principle (“Do no significant harm”), concerned physical accessibility, with the adaptation of ramps, platforms and toilets, the installation of bells on the courtyard doors for the physically disabled, tactile maps and a tactile path for the visually impaired and blind. Users will also be able to take advantage of new internal fittings, such as furniture (shelves, desks, chairs) for study and relaxation areas, outdoor spaces shaded with sails, including an area dedicated to children, a PC station for the physically disabled and visually impaired. The lighting and signage were also new: the system was redone with adjustable systems to avoid reflections and internal and external signage was installed for orientation and identification of services . Inclusive materials such as books, specialist manuals and multimedia resources for welcoming people with disabilities were also purchased. These interventions have transformed the library on Via Dante into a laboratory of social inclusion, with multifunctional spaces for cultural, educational and social activities, ensuring universal accessibility and promoting dialogue between culture and citizenship.
Completing the project one year ahead of the deadline of the PNRR represents an extraordinary achievement for Quartu Sant'Elena, which stands out as the first Sardinian municipality to conclude an intervention financed with PNRR funds . This milestone underlines the efficiency and commitment of the municipal administration in enhancing cultural heritage and promoting inclusion as a fundamental right for the entire community.
The official inauguration with the opening of the new spaces to the public will be held from 9 to 11 May, in synergy with the “Monumenti Aperti” initiative . The program includes games and entertainment for children and teenagers on Friday 9 May from 4 pm. On Saturday 10 May there will be guided tours by students from the “BR Motzo” high school (9 am-1 pm and 3-7 pm) and at 12:30 pm the musical performance by Caterina Melis; then the multi-ethnic lunch by the Arcoíris Odv Association at 1 pm and, from 3:30 pm, the round table “The culture of inclusion”, with representatives of the Municipality, Europe Direct Regione Sardegna, University of Cagliari and testimonials. At 7:30 pm the evening concert by the bands Musalibre and Red Hot Sauce. Sunday 11 May, guided tours (9-13 and 15:30-19) and training activities “Libraries don’t change, librarians change” at 9:30, curated by Pasquale Mascia. In particular, the round table on Saturday 10 May (at 15:30) will be a moment of reflection on cultural inclusion policies and Universal Design, with the aim of consolidating the role of the library as a space for social innovation and promoting good practices between institutions, universities and civil society.
(Online Union)
