The new public library in Prato, the Lazzerini Cultural and Documentation Institute, which was inaugurated on 24 November 2009, is located in the heart of the historical centre, in the Santa Chiara district. Here we find ourselves in the beautiful architectural environment of the old Campolmi Factory, the largest 18th-century industrial complex inside Prato’s medieval walls, which also houses the Textile Museum.
It is a centre for the dissemination of culture, information and knowledge, at the service of citizens of all origins and ages.
Access to the library and its services is free and opening hours meet the needs of its users.
This is a versatile and multifunctional space where people can meet, chat, read and get the news, surf the web, discover new things and explore them in greater depth, take courses, and participate in meetings, workshops and exhibitions.
Most of the library ‘s books and audio-visual resources can be taken from the shelves: a vast selection of documents is available, including books, films (on DVD and VHS), music CDs and DVDs, digital documents, newspapers, and current affairs and specialized magazines, both in print and online.
Each room has reading and study stations as well as help available to the public at all times to facilitate searches and direct users to the discovery and use of the different opportunities that the library offers.
In all sections of the library there are computers for consulting online catalogues, reading newspapers and magazines, accessing data banks, web surfing, and viewing films and satellite TV, as well as stations for listening to music. All rooms are provided with free Wi-Fi connection.
To borrow material and access some of the services, users must be registered and present their card, which is valid in all municipal libraries in the province of Prato.