Growing with culture. The role of libraries within local cultural ecosystems to promote well-being, beginning early childhood

Abstract

The article examines the role of libraries within territorial cultural ecosystems as cultural welfare hubs aimed at promoting well-being and reducing social inequalities, with a specific focus on early childhood. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the social determinants of health and on internationally recognised intersectoral approaches, the contribution frames culture as a strategic lever for human development and social cohesion across the life course. In the Italian context, characterised by increasing poverty, marked territorial disparities and a persistent demographic decline, libraries emerge as low-threshold, proximity-based infrastructures capable of supporting parenting, early cultural participation and community building, in integration with educational, social and health services. The analysis focuses in particular on the Cultura per Crescere programme promoted by the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, presented as a paradigmatic case of territorial innovation and of a shift from a project-based approach to an ecosystem-based model. Through public–private partnerships, capacity-building pathways and impact-oriented evaluation tools, the programme enhances the role of libraries as connective nodes between actors and policies, contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable territorial cultural ecosystems for community well-being, starting from the earliest years of life.