The Library of the House of Literature

The Library of the House of Literature is located in the Borromini complex of the former Oratorio dei Filippini in Piazza dell'Orologio, in the historic centre, and is entirely dedicated to Italian and foreign literature of the twentieth century. Returned to being part of the system of libraries in Rome in 2017, it is the result of the cultural work promoted and carried out by the Department of Cultural Policies and makes use of the collaboration with institutions, universities, public and private cultural associations, both Italian and foreign.

The venue offers various spaces for reading in the galleries, in the two internal rooms and in particular in the cloister which, with its fountain and melangoli grove, represents an ideal place for concentration.

The House of Literature also offers numerous initiatives such as presentations of editorial news, conferences on literary themes, conferences, writing and reading workshops and seminars, bibliographic and documentary exhibitions dedicated to Italian and foreign authors. It also hosts reading clubs, writing workshops and seminars, as well as exhibitions by artists, painters, sculptors and photographers, enhancing intercultural communication.

Inside the library is the collection of the writer, literary critic and playwright Enzo Siciliano, consisting of about 20,000 volumes, monographs, periodicals and old books available to users for consultation only. The core of the works of Italian literature contains many first editions by authors of the twentieth century.

Photo credits: courtesy of The Library of the House of Literature official site