LIBROMAT Project Expands: New Location Coming Soon in Martina Franca

Martina Franca is getting ready to welcome a new space dedicated to shared reading. Following the success of the first LIBROMAT in the historic centre, a second bookcrossing point officially takes shape in the “Fabbrica Rossa” district, just a few steps from the Church of the Holy Family.

The project, launched more than a year ago with the support of Councillor for Culture Carlo Dilonardo, was later taken over by Nunzia Convertini and only came to a concrete conclusion a few days ago.

The agreement, signed on 13 March between the municipal administration, the association Riflessi d’Arte APS‑ETS, and the Nuovo Centro Sociale Anziani Ricreativo Culturale Sandro Pertini OdV, will last for nine years. Nunzia Convertini, Councilor for Heritage and deputy mayor, commented with satisfaction on the outcome, underlining the role of the Municipality and the Heritage Department in bringing the project to life. Eleonora Zigante, president of the Nuovo Centro Sociale Sandro Pertini OdV, thanked the Municipal Administration and the Heritage offices for the support received so far, and expressed the hope of continued cooperation also in the operational phase. Tonio Cantore, president of Riflessi d’Arte, recalled that the space will also be shared with the Sandro Pertini OdV association and highlighted how the area, recently renovated, is suitable for welcoming children and hosting presentations and cultural events.

The agreement provides for the concession, free of charge for nine years, of a local situated inside the small villa in via Pulito. An important step that marks the evolution of a project born over a year ago and carried forward with determination until its concrete realization.

The aim is clear: to make books more accessible and to spread the culture of reading beyond the historic centre. The new LIBROMAT will therefore be located in a strategic position, designed to be easily reached by families, young people, and the elderly, offering a welcoming space where it is possible to stop and read even outdoors.

Tonio Cantore, president of the association, thanked the municipal administration and the Heritage Department, highlighting the commitment demonstrated by Nunzia Convertini in finding a functional and easily accessible location, as well as the availability and cooperation of the Heritage offices, which have helped make the project possible.

In the coming weeks, the fitting‑out works will begin: shelves, bookcases and hundreds of volumes will give life to an open and dynamic environment, faithful to the spirit of the first LIBROMAT. As always, the contribution of the community will be essential. The association has already launched a fundraising campaign to support the related expenses and allow the service to start as quickly as possible.

The municipal administration is also satisfied with the result achieved, pointing out how the project contributes to strengthening the city’s cultural network and to creating new opportunities for meeting and participation.

The new LIBROMAT will not be just a place to pick up or leave a book, but a living space capable of generating relationships, ideas and culture. A small seed that, thanks to everyone’s involvement, can grow and become a reference point for the entire district.

Those who wish to contribute to the project’s realization can participate in the active online fundraising campaign: