Milan Inaugurates ‘Baol’: A New Chapter for Community Reading
Milan, February 16, 2026 – The city of Milan has marked a significant cultural milestone with the inauguration of ‘Baol’, its first free-offer library. Located at Viale Molise n. 47, this new literary hub is the brainchild of the Calvairate-Molise-Ponti Tenants Committee and is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. The project, whose name is both an acronym and a nod to Stefano Benni’s work, draws inspiration from similar successful initiatives in Bologna, Naples, and Rome.
A Community-Driven Project to Foster Literacy
The 35-square-meter space, featuring a street-facing window, houses approximately 6,500 volumes. The collection is diverse, catering to both adults with a wide range of fiction and a substantial selection of books for children and young adults. Books can be borrowed for a month or purchased with a symbolic offer, making literature accessible to everyone.
Grazia Casagrande, president of the Committee, and her husband Massimo Gentili, long-standing community figures, coordinate the project. Casagrande acknowledges the challenge: “We know it’s a challenge; it’s not a neighborhood of readers, and many families are crushed by more pressing needs… But we have to start somewhere: we want everyone to come and browse, perhaps to find a gift for the children and then, little by little, who knows, start to fall in love with reading.”
Beyond Books: A Hub for Community Support
‘Baol’ is not an isolated endeavor but integrates seamlessly with the broader activities championed by the Committee, which has been active in the neighborhood for over thirty years. These services include the ‘Emporio solidale’ (Solidarity Emporium) at Via Molise n.5 and the facilities at Via degli Etruschi n.1, offering after-school programs, legal and housing assistance, language courses, drawing classes, and theater workshops.
Volunteer-Powered Accessibility
The library operates thanks to the unwavering commitment of its volunteers, opening three afternoons a week – Tuesday to Thursday from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM – and on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This volunteer-led model ensures that the library remains a vibrant and accessible resource for the community.
Massimo Gentili, with a lifetime of experience in publishing, leverages his connections within the industry. “After a lifetime of working in publishing, Massimo and I can count on the friendship of several publishers, from Solferino to Marcos y Marcos to Feltrinelli, as well as many writers, from Andrea Bajani to Alessandro Robecchi to Gianni Biondillo and many others, who donate their books to us and are available to present their works here,” he noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the project.
Strategic Collaborations and Future Outlook
The ‘Baol’ team is also exploring collaborations with the municipal library of Calvairate, aiming to expand their reach and impact. This strategic partnership underscores the commitment to creating a more literate and engaged community.
This initiative follows a trend of community-led literary projects across Italy, demonstrating a growing desire to make culture and education more accessible in urban areas. The success of ‘Baol’ will serve as a model for future endeavors, proving that even in challenging environments, the power of books and community spirit can thrive.
The opening of ‘Baol’ is a testament to the dedication of local residents and volunteers who believe in the transformative power of reading. It represents not just a library, but a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social cohesion in the Calvairate-Molise-Ponti district of Milan.
