With the support of Transavia, the URBAN LIBRARY is taking shape in Alba Iulia - an unconventional alternative for spending leisure time in the OTHER CAPITAL.
On May 16, the Urban Library of the Other Capital will be launched, a project born from the idea of two local young architects, Octavia and Lucian Loiș (ȘEZI). For the idea to become reality, the Transavia company decided to financially support this unconventional urban library concept, turning the vision of the two architects into 9 points of interest on the city map.
The project involves placing a number of 10 book houses, in the form of mini-libraries, in 9 representative locations in the city. In the city center, books can be „borrowed” from in front of the Students„ Culture House and from the alley in front of the Economic College. The location that actively concentrates the most bookshelves is the Citadel: in front of the 4th Gate, between the two cathedrals; in Custozza Park / Citadel Square; in Unirii Park and on Saint Eugene Alley, under the bridge connecting the 4th and 5th Gates of the Citadel. The last three mini-libraries will be located in the Dendrological Park, in the ”Chinese” Park in the area of the ”Horea, Cloșca și Crișan" College, and in the park near Saint Catherine's Church, respectively.
Transavia, a company founded in Alba Iulia and which has become the national leader of the poultry market, is the one that financed the construction of all 9 mini-libraries. Dr. Eng. Ioan Popa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Transavia, says that „Social responsibility is a mission that we have undertaken and embedded in the company's DNA since its very first day of existence. Over time, we have been actively involved, not just declaratively, in supporting the local community, from renovating hospital wards at the County Hospital to cultural activities such as, right now, the Urban Library in the Other Capital. I believe that everything that can bring added value to such a solid community as we are here in Alba Iulia must be supported.”.
Each of the 10 urban mini-libraries will feature a unique, innovative design, ranging in shape from a pencil to subtle cubes with repetitive patterns. The common thread among them is the choice of materials used by the architects in their construction: ash wood, metal, glass, or even ball bearings. This initiative also supports the ongoing Metamorphosis project, which aims to contribute to neighborhood development with a focus on other types of needs that citizens, especially children, have regarding living and recreational spaces.
The small houses will host books for various age groups, predominantly for children, in the spirit of the Metamorphosis project. Their supply will come from various sources, ranging from the Alba County Library or the Humanitas Bookstore, which have already actively involved themselves in the project, to companies or even individuals.
Anyone with a passion for reading is welcome in any of the 10 mini-libraries in Alba Iulia. Residents of Alba Iulia and visiting tourists will have the opportunity to either “borrow” a book, provided they leave another book in the mini-library for another reader to borrow in turn.
