Donnas library at 40

Donnas library was officially opened on 6 November 1986. Forty years on, the municipality and the regional department for Education and Culture are marking the anniversary with four days of free events, from Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 November, at the library on Piazza XXV Aprile.

A longer history than it seems

Book lending in Donnas did not begin in 1986. As early as 1875, a popular lending library was set up at the request of the schools inspector. A reading centre then opened in 1952, and in 1954 the Region gave it books in French.

The present library was first housed on the ground floor of the primary school, in the large building put up in 1894 on the initiative of Federico Selve. In 2006 it moved to the first floor of the neighbouring building, the former nursery school, where it has more room.

More than 30,000 items

It belongs to the Aosta Valley library network and holds more than 30,000 items: novels, children’s and young people’s books, comics, magazines, DVDs and a collection devoted to the Aosta Valley. Two special collections set it apart: one on vines and wine, fitting in the home of Donnas DOC, the other on folk tales from around the world. A research group based there also publishes studies on local heritage, including a book on the patois, the people and the trades of Donnas, which won the René Willien prize.

The four-day programme

Wednesday 18 November is the main evening of celebration. At 5.15 pm, ‘Rattoppè’ combines singing, ventriloquism and puppets for younger children, with Paola Lombardo and Mario Cosco. At 6.30 pm, Enzo Bologna leads a session on folk dancing. Official speeches follow at 8 pm, then the cultural association Artistica ‘Marco Ghiringhello’ gives a concert at 8.30 pm. The evening ends at 9.30 pm with some treats to share.

On Thursday 19 November, from 8.30 pm to 11 pm, the library turns into a cinema: a surprise film on the theme ‘changing the way we look at the world’ is followed by a discussion. On Friday 20 November, from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, groups of young musicians play in a variety of styles. On Saturday 21 November, from 10 am to 11.30 am, volunteers from ‘Nati per leggere’ offer story readings for children aged 0 to 6 and their families.

Practical information

• Dates: Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 November 2026.
• Venue: Donnas library, Piazza XXV Aprile.
• Times: Wednesday from 5.15 pm; Thursday 8.30 pm–11 pm; Friday 5.30 pm–8.30 pm; Saturday 10 am–11.30 am.
• Price: free entry to all events.
• Organisers: the municipality of Donnas and the regional department for Education, Culture and Identity Policies.

In Donnas you can also explore the Roman road to Gaul and the cooperative winery.

Source: Valledaostaglocal.