To mark Europe Day on May 9th, the EUROPE DIRECT Paesi Vesuviani center is renewing its local commitment by promoting the “May Books Europe” series. This extensive program of cultural events, spanning the entire month of May, aims to explore the foundational values, history, and future prospects of the European Union through literature, art, and active citizen participation. The initiative stems from a desire to transform major EU-related observances into tangible opportunities for dialogue, providing spaces for open discussion and shared growth.
The festival primarily takes place at the EUROPE DIRECT Paesi Vesuviani center in San Giorgio a Cremano, while also extending to other local cultural and educational venues—such as the Botanical Garden of Naples, which hosts specific events, and the Sac. Giovanni Alagi Municipal Library. The program follows a multidisciplinary path designed for a diverse audience: ranging from orientation sessions on opportunities provided by European programs like Erasmus+ to participatory workshops focused on sustainability, civic education, and digital citizenship.
In addition to educational activities, "May Books Europe" features initiatives with a significant social impact, promoting books in dynamic ways—including the "All You Can Read" format, which offers information booths and the sale of books by weight. The program also includes in-depth historical and literary explorations, such as guided reading groups centered on foundational texts of Europeanism—including the Ventotene Manifesto, which is also reinterpreted through stencil art—as well as direct encounters with young local authors.
The event is built upon a robust cooperative network that the EUROPE DIRECT Paesi Vesuviani center has cultivated over time with local organizations, including the Sac. Giovanni Alagi Municipal Library, the Parteneapolis Cooperative, TwoPlusTwo, and La Bottega delle Parole. This synergy leverages local expertise and reaffirms the significance of Europe as a shared home for values and opportunities.