Manuscripts and ancient books for children and young adults. Considerations and review of educational projects and activities

Abstract

In the last few years Italian libraries and public/private cultural institutions have organized several workshops on manuscripts and ancient books, specifically addressed to children and teenagers. The paper analyzes these educational activities paying particular attention at the different locations where the workshops took place and at the different skills of the professionals involved in each project. The paper then focuses on the opportunity to shape specific educational projects taking into consideration the specific target of these activities as well as their significance, as for the younger public this could be the first – and perhaps unique – chance to approach the libraries' historical collections.