TIRANA, Oct. 13 /ATA/ – Albania’s National Library has signed a cooperation agreement with the National Central Library of Florence, with support from the Italian Institute of Culture in Tirana, to strengthen the preservation and promotion of the countries’ shared cultural heritage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Alessandro Ruggera, director of the Italian Institute of Culture, recalled that cooperation between the two institutions began in 2024 with an exhibition dedicated to Venice, featuring antique books published in the city and preserved at Albania’s Sotir Kolea Centre.
The new agreement aims to expand cooperation in professional training, scientific research and the promotion of library and documentary heritage.
Through the exchange of expertise and experience, as well as the development of innovative methods and technologies, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities to preserve and enhance Albania’s National Library collections.
The project is funded by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Its first phase includes a training programme lasting several weeks for three specialists from Albania’s National Library.
Ruggera said the partners hoped to continue their cooperation through additional funding and training opportunities, joint exhibitions and restoration projects.
Particular emphasis will be placed on restoring antique books, which represent a valuable documentary resource and preserve an important part of the country’s intellectual heritage. The exchange of expertise with Italian institutions is expected to strengthen professional skills in the conservation and protection of these collections.
The National Library’s extensive holdings are also expected to benefit from additional space once construction of its new building is completed. Together with expanded cooperation with Italian partners, the project is expected to create further opportunities to preserve, study and promote Albania’s library and documentary heritage for future generations.
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