Festival of Books and Reading
The reading promotion event in Casalfiumanese, in the Bologna Apennines
About Festival of Books
A Town for Readers
The Festival of Books and Reading is the event that every year, between May and June, transforms Casalfiumanese—a municipality of just over three thousand inhabitants in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna—into a small town designed for readers. Promoted by the Municipal Administration and the Villa Manusardi Municipal Library, the event has roots in a tradition spanning over forty years, closely linked to the 'Invito alla Lettura' (Invitation to Reading) project, which involves local schools, young residents, and all library patrons.
A Widespread Celebration Across Libraries, Schools, and Hamlets
More than a single event, the Festival is a widespread exhibition that unfolds over several weeks and reaches not only the main town but also hamlets like San Martino in Pedriolo and Sassoleone. The program includes meetings with writers and illustrators, writing and illustration workshops, animated readings for the youngest children, and exhibitions set up in the library spaces, housed in the eighteenth-century Villa Manusardi surrounded by its park, on Viale Andrea Costa.
Books as a Journey
Each edition revolves around a theme that serves as a common thread for the events. The festival gives ample space to national early childhood reading promotion programs, such as Nati per Leggere (Born to Read) and MammaLingua, with readings designed from the earliest years of life. For the town's nursery, primary, and secondary schools, dedicated meetings, workshops, and author visits are planned, while the public is invited to exhibition openings and the awards ceremony that concludes the annual 'Invito alla Lettura' program.
A Community Project
The Festival of Books and Reading is the result of the work of library staff and the municipal administration, supported over time by local entities from the Imola and Romagna areas, such as the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Imola and the BCC Ravennate Forlivese e Imolese. The events are free and represent an opportunity to experience the library as an open space for meeting and growth for the entire community of Casalfiumanese.
Festival of Books — edition 2026
For 2026, the Festival of Books and Reading in Casalfiumanese reaches its 42nd edition, with a theme that invites travel and discovery: "Beyond the Page, Beyond the World - Journeys and Discoveries for Growth". The event takes place between May and June 20, 2026, involving local schools, the Villa Manusardi Municipal Library, and the town's hamlets.
Among the events are meetings with illustrator Lenina Barducci and Carlotta Passarini for nursery schools, workshops with Marco Paci and Enrico Folli for primary schools, a writing workshop with Luca Occhi for secondary schools, as well as the exhibition "Atlases of the Imagination" featuring original illustrations and sketches by Marco Paci.
Programme Festival of Books 2026
Nursery Schools
- May 22, 10:30 AM — meeting with illustrator Lenina Barducci
- May 25-26 — visit by illustrator Carlotta Passarini to the hamlets
- May 27, 9:45 AM — Carlotta Passarini at the "Maria Immacolata" nursery and private school
Primary School
- May 25-26 — activities in San Martino in Pedriolo and Sassoleone
- May 27-28 — workshops with Marco Paci and Enrico Folli, with the exhibition "Atlases of the Imagination"
Secondary School
- May 20-21 — writing workshop with Luca Occhi
Villa Manusardi Municipal Library
- June 6, 10:30 AM — "Piccolissime storie" (Tiny Stories), readings for children aged 1-3 (free)
- June 13, 10:30 AM — "Crescendo a tempo" (Growing in Time) musical pedagogy workshop
Exhibition
"Atlanti dell'Immaginario" (Atlases of the Imagination): original illustrations and sketches by Marco Paci, available during library opening hours.
Highlights Festival of Books 2026
- 2026 Theme: "Beyond the Page, Beyond the World - Journeys and Discoveries for Growth"
- Meetings with illustrators Lenina Barducci, Carlotta Passarini, and Marco Paci
- "Atlases of the Imagination" exhibition with original sketches by Marco Paci
- Early childhood readings with "Nati per Leggere"
Prices Festival of Books 2026
Practical information — Festival of Books
Where
The main events are held at the Villa Manusardi Municipal Library, Viale Andrea Costa 27, 40020 Casalfiumanese (BO), with initiatives also spread across schools and the hamlets of San Martino in Pedriolo and Sassoleone.
How to Get Here
Casalfiumanese is located in the Bologna Apennines, along the SS 610 Montanara road, in the Santerno valley south of Imola. It is easily accessible by car from the Imola exit (A14) by driving up the valley; the nearest train station is Imola, from which you can continue with bus connections.
Admission
Participation in meetings and workshops is free. Reservations may be required for some events: it is advisable to contact the municipal library.
Information
Municipality of Casalfiumanese, tel. +39 0542 666122 — official website comune.casalfiumanese.bo.it.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Books
Biblioteca Comunale Villa Manusardi
Viale Andrea Costa 27, 40020 Casalfiumanese