The distinction, granted for the best reading promotion initiative in public libraries, underscores the configuration of the Jaume Fuster as a cultural center that goes beyond traditional lending and consultation services. This library, located in Plaça Lesseps, was born with a “democratic wrapper” and a different approach, aligned with the goal of the Barcelona City Council to create centers that foster neighborhood cohesion.
Inaugurated in 2005, the library was the result of a key participatory process involving local residents. Its creation followed the launch of the Barcelona Library Consortium in 2001, which promoted locating facilities in central and well-connected points to ensure strong territorial links and broad projection across the city.
The main objective was to turn the library into a genuine cultural center, a hub of activity that responded to the needs of the Gràcia neighborhood and hosted activities programmed for the entire city.
In addition to the constant commitment to promoting reading, services have been added such as extended hours, nocturnal study rooms, and quality facilities, including an exhibition hall and a large auditorium with capacity for 250 people. Programming is developed in cooperation with the publishing sector, generating book presentations, tributes, concerts, film screenings, and debates.
This model of cultural integration is seen as a challenge to replicate in other Catalan cities, where libraries still function primarily as consultation and lending rooms. The success of the Escena Districte Cultural in Barcelona's civic centers, featuring over 30 proposals of circus, music, and theatre, demonstrates the potential of these spaces as axes of urban cohesion.
