A house for readers. That’s what the Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo was designed to be. More than just a repository for books. It is a community hub. A place for connection.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo was established in 1976. Its first location was in Villa Nogara on Via Manzoni. In 1988, it moved to an area in Palazzo Trivulzio. Finally, in January 2014, the new location opened on Via Agnese Pasta 43.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo is also the Centro Sistema Bibliotecario Milano Est. The cataloging center and administrative offices operate here. Since March 1, 2015, the library has been part of CUBI. This network unites 70 libraries. It combines the Sistema Bibliotecario Milano-Est with the Sistema Bibliotecario Vimercatese.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo is named after the poet Vittorio Sereni. It was conceived as a welcoming space. All citizens can find something to suit them here. There are books CDs and DVDs. Over 70000 volumes are directly accessible. Users can borrow and return items. Self-service stations use Rf-Id technology.
Visitors can browse the internet. Free Wi-Fi is available. Study at equipped tables. Relax on designer chairs. These are spread over three floors. The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo spans over 1600 square meters. People can use their free time creatively. They can attend cultural events. Spend pleasant hours with friends. Children have a dedicated 220 square meter room.
Alterstudio Partners designed the Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo. Marco Muscogiuri is the designer and artistic director. He believes libraries should be “cultural squares”. Places for social gathering. Attractive open and easy to use spaces. Innovative and versatile for meeting friends. Meeting new people. Qualified librarians are available. They welcome and guide visitors. They cater to every information need.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo respects the urban constraints. It reinterprets traditional building styles. It combines them with contemporary architecture. There are staggered floors and large windows. These open onto internal courtyards. Zinc laminate covers the entire building. Forming both the roof and facade.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo faces an internal courtyard. A cycle pedestrian path crosses it. On the other side, it faces Via Agnese Pasta. Also the former Church of S. Andrea. Pavement materials emphasize continuity. They link the interior and exterior. The entrance atrium is a covered square. The “city living room.” Services with high public impact are located here. Reception information and lending services. New books, themed sections and exhibitions. A newsstand and refreshment area.
A central staircase rises vertically. It overlooks the internal courtyard through a large window. It connects the staggered floors. The Music Entertainment and Leisure section is on the basement floor. It opens onto an underground courtyard. Walls are covered with hanging greenery. The Children and Young Adults section is on the mezzanine. It features an area specifically for toddlers. Two levels showcase open shelves. Narrative and non-fiction sections. Numerous reading spots and a study hall. A terrace and multipurpose hall are on the top floor.
The warm welcoming interiors blend custom furnishings. Pieces of Italian and international design. Windows and walls are decorated. Large illustrations by Italian illustrators. Including Chiara Armellini and Silvia Bonanni.
The Biblioteca Vittorio Sereni Melzo was built. It was part of compensation projects. Agreement between Tangenziale Esterna Spa. The Municipality of Melzo for the TEEM construction. The building is in energy class A. It uses groundwater heat pump systems. Efficient and effective climate control. Reducing energy consumption. Heating and cooling by 76%.