Revitalizing Neglected Public Spaces in Ljubljana

An outdoor “Library Under the Treetops” in a Ljubljana park.

(Rhodes, D., Wolcott, P., & Luminita. (2015, April 29). Library Under The Treetops, Ljubljana. Retrieved from https://www.urbantravelblog.com/feature/ljubljana-outdoor-libraries/)

Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, is recognized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its literature. The city hosts many international literature events, including the Fabula Festival which showcases more than 60 internationally recognized artists such as Mueller, Galloway, Franzen and Kureishi (Ljubljana, n.d., para. 2). Ljubljana promotes inclusive access to reading through diverse initiatives such as the Ljubljana Reads project to encourage youth engagement with literature. These social innovations transform the current mindset regarding literature and promote the culture of reading for everyone.

The city supports reading for all, which is evident in the outdoor libraries called Libraries Under The Treetops. Citizens are invited to read newspapers, books and magazines in the comfort of the outdoors. Diverse initiatives like these enliven public spaces by combining literature and appreciation for the environment. The project’s founder, Tina Popovič, intended to promote reading culture while simultaneously revitalizing neglected public spaces (Rhodes, Wolcott & Luminita, 2015, para. 4). Spreading reading culture in a casual outdoor setting creates a sense of playfulness and completely transforms the way people interact in a shared space. It helps to revive lesser-known areas as well. The project attracts tourists, students and volunteers alike to participate and contribute, which further increases the positive social impact of the initiative. Libraries Under The Treetops serve as a reminder that civic engagement revitalizes communities and their culture.