What They Say About Us

Numerous figures from the cultural and economic fields have expressed highly positive views of the project for the European library. Here, we would like to share comments made by Edoardo Boncinelli, Diana Bracco, Roberto Calasso, Guglielmo Cavallo, Giuseppe Guzzetti, Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi, Dieter Simon, Marco Tronchetti Provera, André Vauchez, Umberto Veronesi and Edoardo Vesentini.

Edoardo Boncinelli
Libraries have always been the greatest monuments to the human culture. With the advancement of computer technology, centralized libraries have become a necessity for developed countries. Italy needs a central, modern library and its ideal home is the city of Milan.

Diana Bracco
In an open, changing society capable of stimulating and encouraging the exchange of ideas, culture is an extremely important added value, even in terms of economy and appeal. After La Scala, we now have the possibility to focus our commitment on another extremely important project: the European Library of Information and Culture, which will be a true infrastructure of knowledge, an incentive in spreading our country’s humanistic and scientific culture, and the hub through which to connect ourselves to the network of major European and Mediterranean libraries.

Roberto Calasso
I truly hope that the plans for the European Library are carried out, and in a reasonable amount of time, unlike the customary timing that Milan has imposed on us for years now. The current state of libraries in Milan is deplorable, despite the fact that the city boasts large, historically important institutions such as the Ambrosiana and the Brera. Still, it’s far easier to list what is lacking today and what isn’t functional or feasible. A project that aims at a high quality structure and functionality inspired by the American model is therefore bound to be a precious acquisition for the city.

Guglielmo Cavallo
An innovative library such as the one planned for Milan, which has both books and tools for consulting digital materials, can truly satisfy the research practices consolidated in the past while observing the transition toward those of the future.

Giuseppe Guzzetti, President of the Cariplo Foundation
The European Library of Milan is an objective to be achieved for the internationalization of Italian culture and to help support Lombard and Milanese entrepreneurship.

Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi
When Gutenberg started up the great adventure of printing in 1455, he spoke of chains being broken so that truth could take wing. Since then, words have doubtlessly flown through an incredible number of books. However, with computer technology, a new, extraordinary “flight” has begun. Following in the footsteps of and in connection to similar experiments already conducted abroad, the European Library of Milan is becoming the foremost symbol of the application of all the benefits that computer technology has to offer, interconnected with printed books, so that texts can be made available in new, direct forms, so that interdisciplinary research can be developed by weaving together all the branches of knowledge, so that the dialogue between libraries, cultures and nations can become an everyday reality.

Dieter Simon
Investing in culture is the most farseeing way to prepare for the future. For this reason, given its vast interdisciplinary prospects and its modern approach to interconnecting books and digital supports, the European Library project deserves to be welcomed with open arms by those who cultivate knowledge and those who love Italy.

Marco Tronchetti Provera
Our country hasn’t yet succeeded in introducing a modern library where the latest technologies can make the best possible use of the inestimable heritage at our disposal. For this reason, I see a unique opportunity in the creation of the European Library in Milan, a new large-scale structure dedicated to culture and information similar to those recently built in major cities around the world.

André Vauchez
Italy isn’t lacking in libraries, some of which have a wide collection of manuscripts and ancient books. However, it’s still without a large, modern, interdisciplinary, open-shelf library. This should be the European Library of Milan, and the international scientific community hopes it will be built soon.

Umberto Veronesi
I was excited and almost fascinated to read about the plans for creating the European Library. This is a wonderful initiative that could bring fame and prestige to our country; the rightful tribute to the illuminated minds that have made Italy one of the most important centers of culture, with internationally renowned figures connected to the worlds of art and science. I hope the commitments of the region, the city and the various institutions (and, if I may add, my humble wishes) can make this important project succeed and give us this gift.

Edoardo Vesentini
This initiative of building a new library with open shelves and digital supports connected to all the branches of knowledge is undoubtedly important for interdisciplinary research and, in particular, for furthering scientific culture in Italy.