The City of Cuneo is currently undertaking the restoration and repurposing of one of its most significant historic buildings: Palazzo Santa Croce.
Located in the heart of the historic centre, the building spans over 7,200 square metres. By the end of 2026, Palazzo Santa Croce will be transformed into Cuneo’s new Civic Library — a cultural hub of reference not only for the provincial library network but also for cultural and research institutions across the entire Region. With over €20 million in funding from public and private sources, the project aims to create a multifunctional space dedicated to culture, creativity and communities.
The Municipality of Cuneo is developing a masterplan that reimagines the library as a dynamic public space shaped by cultural expression, at the heart of a new creative district under development in the city. Palazzo Santa Croce is set to become a multidisciplinary cultural centre, part of an emerging “cultural citadel” in the historic city centre. This area already hosts numerous cultural and creative institutions, including the civic museum, public theatre, music production centres, exhibition spaces and university premises. This major investment in the Civic Library represents the first step in a broader vision to rethink Cuneo’s historic centre through the lenses of culture, innovation and research.
Within this journey, the Municipality of Cuneo and Fondazione Artea are curating READING FORWARD, a series of events aimed at exploring best practices in librarianship and identifying innovative management models to address contemporary challenges in the library and cultural sector. Directors of major international libraries have been and continue to be invited to Cuneo to share expertise and experiences. The meetings focus on redefining the identity and mission of the new library, drawing direct inspiration from global perspectives while restoration work on Palazzo Santa Croce is ongoing. Key themes include transmedia storytelling and digitalisation, research and education, accessibility and inclusion, local identity and community engagement, contributing to redefining the role of the library in contemporary society.
The series kicked off in November 2024 with , Neus Castellano Tudela, director of Barcelona’s Gabriel García Márquez Library, followed in 2025 by Krist Biebauw, , director of Ghent’s “De Krook” Library (Belgium), Reinert Mithassel, head of the “Deichman Biblo Tøyen” section in Oslo (Norway), Roel Van den Bril,cultural coordinator of Mechelen’s “Het Predikheren” Library (Belgium), and finally Vincent Eches, director of the Cité internationale de la bande dessinée in Angoulême (France), together with Roel van den Sigtenhorst, general director of Muntpunt in Brussels (Belgium).
The conference programme will continue throughout 2026, with major events bringing together culture professionals, policymakers and international guests to discuss the future of libraries, with particular attention to Cuneo’s.
AGENDA 2026
Wednesday 4 February
Spazio Incontri – Fondazione CRC
via Roma 17, Cuneo
Ilona Kish – Director of Public Libraries 2030 – European Platform
Public Libraries 2030 is led by a team of professionals and consultants who share a commitment to strengthening the role of libraries across Europe. With diverse expertise in policy, innovation and engagement, they work together to support libraries in empowering citizens and promoting inclusive societies. Drawing on experiences from various sectors, the team collaborates on project development, building strategic partnerships and promoting the future of public libraries. Their experience and passion help shape initiatives that connect, inspire and create lasting impact.
Wednesday 11 March
Spazio Incontri – Fondazione CRC
via Roma 17, Cuneo
Marie Østergaard – Director of Aarhus Public Libraries
Aarhus Public Libraries network is one of Denmark’s most innovative cultural systems, characterised by its widespread presence in neighbourhoods and a strong focus on inclusion. Its centrepiece is Dokk1, the central library located on the city’s waterfront and designed as an open, multifunctional hub. The building, featuring modern and sustainable architecture, includes extensive study areas, family spaces, event halls and advanced digital technologies. Dokk1 is not just a library but a true community centre promoting participation, creativity and learning. Overall, the network integrates physical and digital services, ensuring accessibility and strong connections between the city’s various branches.
>> More information coming soon
Missed the previous meetings? No problem, you can watch them all on our YouTube channel : Click HERE
READING FORWARD. Dialoghi sulla biblioteca
A project by: Comune di Cuneo e Fondazione Artea
With the support of: Banca di Caraglio
In collaboration with: Confindustria Cuneo
Media partner: La Stampa
