Dalle Case del Popolo alle biblioteche sociali

Abstract

Social Research and on-field-analysis are mandatory for the understanding of social movements despite data systematization and interpretation of social changes are very challenging in the scenario of the Modern Liquidity. In particular, a field of investigation with great opportunities is represented by the so-called “third place”, a space for meeting and social practice. In this context two cultural phenomena occur: 1) in the field of libraries, the London experience of “Idea Store” and the many European replicas which, starting about twenty years ago, have represented a significant innovation, in particular in the world of public reading for its multidisciplinary vision; 2) some experiences of the movement of the “Houses of People”, in the final part of the last century. The article carries out a preliminary analysis of these experiences taking into account the various similarities that can be found in their practice, despite their different historical and social origins. By analyzing their positive effects and weaknesses, it also aims to trace out some evolutionary hypotheses for the immediate future.