Milan to Open 10 New Neighborhood Bookstores: A Boost for Local Culture
Milan, April 3 – The Milan City Council has approved a new initiative to establish 10 new neighborhood bookstores in municipal spaces. This move, announced yesterday by the city’s Redazione attualità, aims to revitalize local communities and support independent booksellers.
A Tender for Vibrant Community Hubs
Ten municipal spaces will be allocated for bookstores through a public tender, the basic criteria of which have been approved by the city council. These spaces will be leased or granted for use to either open new neighborhood bookstores or renew existing ones. The initiative emphasizes creating ‘vibrant, accessible places capable of building relationships,’ rather than just shops that sell books.
Locations Across Milan’s Neighborhoods
The selected spaces, ranging from 30 to 190 square meters, are located in popular housing complexes across various Milanese districts. The addresses include:
- Via Scaldasole (Ticinese)
- Via Palmanova (Cimiano)
- Piazzale Dateo (Indipendenza)
- Viale Lombardia (Piola)
- Corso XXII Marzo (Porta Vittoria)
- Via Sant’Abbondio (Chiesa Rossa)
- Via Rimini (Moncucco)
- Via Nikolajevka (Forze Armate)
- Via Satta (Quarto Oggiaro)
- Via Borsieri (Isola)
Supporting Independent Bookstores and Community Engagement
Emmanuel Conte, Councillor for Public Property, stated, “We are not just looking for shops that sell books, but lively, accessible places capable of building relationships.” Tommaso Sacchi, Councillor for Culture, added, “We support independent bookstores, which are under pressure from an increasingly difficult market and rising costs, prioritizing micro-enterprises and realities rooted in the territory to enhance widespread culture and the social function of books.” Alessia Cappello, Councillor for Economic Development, concluded, “Bookstores are places of encounter and growth. We support their role in the urban fabric. Investing in reading places means investing in the quality, cohesion, and future of our cities.”
Tender Conditions: Culture and Social Impact Prioritized
The evaluation criteria for the tender will heavily favor cultural and social proposals, accounting for 70% of the score, while the economic offer will make up the remaining 30%. Proposals that include cultural initiatives, collaborations with schools and associations, neighborhood activities, and proximity services will be particularly valued. Micro-enterprises will be given priority over larger entities, and years of activity in the sector will also be a favorable factor. Applicants will also have the option to propose refreshment points or other activities to economically support the initiative, provided they do not exceed 30% of the total space.
A City-Wide Commitment to Reading and Community
This initiative underscores Milan’s commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and strengthening community ties through the power of reading. By strategically placing these new bookstores in accessible neighborhood locations, the city aims to create new hubs for learning, social interaction, and cultural enrichment for all residents.
The project is expected to be a significant boost for the local economy and cultural sector, offering new opportunities for independent booksellers and enriching the daily lives of Milanese citizens. The tender process will soon be underway, inviting proposals that align with the city’s vision for dynamic and inclusive cultural spaces.
Source: https://www.milanotoday.it/attualita/bandi-librerie-quartiere-2026.html
