Abruzzo libraries: Avezzano expands hours while Sulmona protests neglect

The Abruzzo Region and the Municipality of Avezzano have reached an agreement to extend the operating hours of the Ignazio Silone Regional Library. Under the three-year protocol, the facility will be open every weekday afternoon until 7:00 PM and will also open on Saturday mornings. This initiative, supported by municipal resources, aims to better serve students, researchers, and the local community of approximately 140,000 residents.

However, the expansion in Avezzano has sparked protests from the Sulmona Library Committee regarding the state of the Giuseppe Capograssi Regional Library in Sulmona. The committee criticized Regional Culture Councilor Roberto Santangelo, alleging that while solutions are being found for other areas, the Sulmona library remains in an inadequate, cramped space with severely restricted hours. The committee expressed frustration that Sulmona's cultural needs are being ignored despite the region's involvement in the L'Aquila 2026 Italian Capital of Culture initiative.