A.MASCI’ CIVIC LIBRARY

The cultural institution, named after the great jurist of the 19th century, was established on March 24, 1981. The new headquarters is located in Largo Ospizio (Ka Spixi) and occupies the premises of the former state kindergarten. The building, completely renovated by the Sophia architect Lucio Franco Masci, contains within it 10,000 volumes divided into sections among which the one dedicated to the ethnic-linguistic minorities of Calabria and above all to the Arbëreshe one stands out for its size, with very rare texts, periodicals and numerous degree theses on the Arbëreshe language, on the history, traditions and characters of the Albanian-speaking communities who have contributed with their works to making the history of our nation. Also of notable interest is the section dedicated to specialist magazines such as: Dita Jote, Zjarri, Katundi Ynë, Lidhja, Arza, Zëri i Arbëreshëvet, Zgjimi, Shêjzat, Jeta Arbëreshe. Another valuable section is dedicated to the history of Calabria. The Civic Library also houses a valuable ancient collection made up of volumes dating back to the 16th century. The material collected on Pasquale Baffi and his correspondence is very significant. The Civic Library also houses a large section dedicated to comics, with a rich collection of 4,000 copies donated by the Tashunka Uitko Association of comics aficionados. Over the years there have been numerous donations from private individuals who have increased the library’s book holdings. Our library also boasts collaborations with the Universities of Cosenza, Palermo, Naples, Rome, Florence, Bari, Potenza, Salerno, Foggia, Perugia and the German Universities of Constance and Mannheim, as well as with the Universities of Tirana and Prishtina, with the Department of Culture of the Calabria Region.

Contact person: Franco Antonio Miracco