When people become books: evolution and practices of the living library in Italy

Abstract

This paper examines the phenomenon of the 'Living library' as a cultural and social practice in the Italian context, analysing its origins, geographical spread, organisational features, and perceived impact on participants. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating two distinct and complementary phases of inquiry: a systematic mapping based on publicly accessible digital sources, through which 754 editions organised between 2007 and 2026 were identified, and a structured questionnaire administered to 25 organisations, including public libraries and third-sector associations. The findings document a significant quantitative expansion of the phenomenon, a marked typological and geographical heterogeneity, and a generally positive perceived impact on both “readers” and 'living books'. The Living Library emerges as a practice well aligned with the mission of contemporary public libraries and as a tangible expression of recent trends in library science, effectively implementing the directions set out in international guidelines on intercultural dialogue, civic participation, and social cohesion.