Nestled in the heart of Catanzaro, within the serene Villa Margherita park, lies the Biblioteca comunale Filippo De Nobili, a treasure trove of history, culture, and knowledge. This historic library, founded on June 2, 1889, has evolved over the centuries to become a beacon of learning and a sanctuary for book lovers and scholars alike.
The journey to establishing a public library in Catanzaro was fraught with challenges. One of the earliest attempts dates back to 1839 when a small library, part of the royal lyceum of Catanzaro, was opened to the public. However, due to a lack of interest and a limited collection, it eventually closed. The current library owes its existence to the efforts of Senator Giuseppe Antonio Rossi and Francesco Laratta, who successfully instituted it in 1889. Initially named Biblioteca municipale di Catanzaro “Onestà e Lavoro,” it was housed in the first floor of the town hall, the former Palazzo De Nobili, built by Baron Emanuele De Nobili and sold to the municipality in 1863.
In 1910, the library merged with the Biblioteca Popolare di Catanzaro, founded in 1868. This merger marked a significant milestone in its development. Under the leadership of Baron Carlo De Nobili, and later his son Filippo De Nobili, the library flourished. Filippo, an esteemed writer, poet, historian, and lexicographer, directed the library until 1958, attracting numerous intellectuals and notable figures, including Piero Calamandrei and Corrado Alvaro.
In 1958, following a termite infestation, the library was relocated to the picturesque gardens of Villa Margherita. The new premises were inaugurated on November 4, 1958, in a ceremony attended by Undersecretary of State for Public Works Tommaso Spasari and writer Umberto Bosco. It was then renamed Biblioteca comunale Filippo De Nobili in honor of its long-serving director.
Under the directorship of Augusto Placanica in the 1970s, the library underwent significant modernization, transforming it into a contemporary institution. Further renovations in 1997 saw the addition of new spaces, including a multimedia room and a historical archives room. On October 15, 2009, the library reopened to the public, offering lending and consultation services, with a grand inauguration following in November.
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The library's initial collection comprised around a thousand books from private donations. Over time, it grew to include volumes from dissolved religious congregations in the 1880s, although poor conservation and thefts led to a reduction in the collection. A significant boost came when the royal lyceum's books were finally transferred to the municipal library, following a ministerial decree.
Among the early acquisitions were the books of philosophy professor Paolo Emilio Tulelli, bequeathed to the city upon his death. The library's collection has since been enriched by volumes from the Presidio Militare library, which closed, and donations from prominent individuals such as philosopher Francesco Fiorentino, Cesare Sinopoli, and Augusto Placanica.
The Biblioteca comunale Filippo De Nobili houses several ancient and valuable works. One of the most notable is the Libro rosso della città di Catanzaro, chronicling parliamentary immunities granted to the city from the 1300s to the mid-17th century, including a privilege bestowed by Emperor Charles V in 1536. The library also boasts 11 incunabula (books printed before January 1501), 508 cinquecentine (16th-century books), 972 books from the 17th century, and 1959 books from the 18th century.
Additionally, the library holds numerous manuscripts, including the Massinissa Presterà, Sinopoli, and De Nobili collections, the latter compiled mainly by the De Nobili family of barons and spanning 53 volumes.
The Biblioteca comunale Filippo De Nobili is divided into four main rooms, each serving a unique purpose. The consultation room provides access to the library's extensive collection, while the hemerotheque, named after journalist Peppino Impastato, offers newspapers, magazines, and journals for perusal. The youth room caters to younger readers with a wide array of books, and the A. Placanica conference room, named in honor of the esteemed bibliographer, hosts various events and lectures.
Visiting the Biblioteca comunale Filippo De Nobili is not just a journey through books but a walk through history. Its rich heritage, coupled with its serene setting in Villa Margherita, makes it a must-visit for anyone with a love for literature, history, and culture. Whether you're delving into ancient manuscripts or exploring modern collections, this library offers a unique and enriching experience in the heart of Catanzaro.
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