SALA BORSA OF BOLOGNA: A JOURNEY THROUGH CULTURE, HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
März 1, 2026
BOLOGNAART
In the beating heart of Bologna, overlooking Piazza del Nettuno and just a short walk from Piazza Maggiore and our Art Hotel Commercianti, lies one of the most beloved cultural institutions for Bolognese and visitors alike: the Sala Borsa Library. Housed inside a historic building that chronicles centuries of history and transformation, Sala Borsa is not just a library, but a lively, dynamic and open place that offers a wide range of activities for adults and children.
A place rich in history and culture
The Sala Borsa Library is located inside the Palazzo d’Accursio, a building with medieval origins that is less than 200 meters from our charming hotel in Piazza Maggiore. Over the centuries this has held various roles: municipal seat, commercial exchange, fair space and finally, since the 2000s, public library. Inaugurated in December 2001, Sala Borsa is now one of the symbols of the Bologna city of culture and knowledge.
As soon as one enters the main atrium, the sight is striking: a large space covered by a bright glass and steel structure, with transparent floors revealing the archaeological excavations below. Right here, beneath visitors' feet, the remains of the Roman Bononia can be seen, as well as evidence from the Etruscan and medieval eras. Access to the archaeological area is free and allows visitors to take a true journey through time, walking among ancient roads and building foundations.
An exclusive world inside the Library
Sala Borsa is more than just a traditional library. It is a multifunctional space, open to all, offering innovative and inclusive services. Inside there are several sections: one dedicated to adult fiction and nonfiction, a collection of newspapers and magazines from around the world, and stations for free Internet access. The library also houses an extensive video library and a music section with CDs and vinyls.
Admission is free and free of charge. Anyone can access the spaces to read, study or simply relax. But what really makes Sala Borsa special is its ability to be a welcoming space for all age groups, with activities and services tailored for adults, young people and children. By booking a stay at our our boutique hotel and apartments in Via d'Azeglio, you can reach Sala Borsa in less than two minutes on foot.
Activities and Services for Adults
Sala Borsa offers a busy calendar of events and activities designed for adult audiences, ranging from the promotion of reading to science popularization, from lectures to creative workshops.
Reading groups and author meetings: thematic meetings are organized periodically, where literature enthusiasts gather to discuss novels, short stories, and essays. There is no shortage of book presentations, featuring Italian and foreign writers.
Courses and workshops: Sala Borsa hosts free or reduced-cost courses on a variety of topics, such as: creative writing, computer literacy, podcasting, and digital photography. Language courses for foreigners and intercultural meetings are also particularly popular.
Events and lectures: lectures, seminars and debates on current affairs, art, science and philosophy are held throughout the year. The library also adheres to the "Living Library" program, where people ready to tell their life stories can be "borrowed," encouraging encounters and dialogue between different cultures.
Digital services: for those who cannot physically go to the library, Sala Borsa provides a rich online catalogue of ebooks, audiobooks, periodicals and streaming movies.
Spaces and Activities for Children and Youth
One of the most beloved aspects of Sala Borsa is the attention given to the younger audience.
The Children's Sala Borsa is a real world apart, located on the ground floor, with colorful and welcoming spaces designed to entice children to read and explore.
The Children's Library offers books for all age groups: from picture books for very young children to novels for young adults. There are also audiobooks, DVDs and educational games. The shelves are child-friendly and the environment is designed to stimulate curiosity and the pleasure of discovery.
As for activities for children 0-6 years old, regular events include reading alouds, often led by volunteers or professional actors, who enliven stories and tales by involving children and families.
Creative and educational workshops include activities in handicrafts, drawing, writing and theater. Themed workshops, such as those dedicated to holidays or seasons, as well as coding classes for children and teens, are held during the school year and vacation periods.
In the special events and shows section, there is no shortage of theatrical offerings, puppet and puppet shows, and film screenings dedicated to youngsters. During the Bologna Children's Book Fair, Sala Borsa Ragazzi becomes one of the beating hearts of the event, welcoming authors, illustrators and themed workshops.
Book a stay with your family at our hotel in the center of Bologna and discover all the activities that Sala Borsa and the city of Bologna have in store for the little ones.
Sala Borsa, then, is much more than a library: it is a place to meet, exchange and grow. Whether you want to read a book, participate in a workshop, attend a cultural event or simply take a break while admiring the beauty of the spaces, this library is the perfect example of how a public space can be inclusive and alive.
To best discover the world that hides Sala Borsa, book a stay atArt Hotel Commercianti!
A place rich in history and culture
The Sala Borsa Library is located inside the Palazzo d’Accursio, a building with medieval origins that is less than 200 meters from our charming hotel in Piazza Maggiore. Over the centuries this has held various roles: municipal seat, commercial exchange, fair space and finally, since the 2000s, public library. Inaugurated in December 2001, Sala Borsa is now one of the symbols of the Bologna city of culture and knowledge.
As soon as one enters the main atrium, the sight is striking: a large space covered by a bright glass and steel structure, with transparent floors revealing the archaeological excavations below. Right here, beneath visitors' feet, the remains of the Roman Bononia can be seen, as well as evidence from the Etruscan and medieval eras. Access to the archaeological area is free and allows visitors to take a true journey through time, walking among ancient roads and building foundations.
An exclusive world inside the Library
Sala Borsa is more than just a traditional library. It is a multifunctional space, open to all, offering innovative and inclusive services. Inside there are several sections: one dedicated to adult fiction and nonfiction, a collection of newspapers and magazines from around the world, and stations for free Internet access. The library also houses an extensive video library and a music section with CDs and vinyls.
Admission is free and free of charge. Anyone can access the spaces to read, study or simply relax. But what really makes Sala Borsa special is its ability to be a welcoming space for all age groups, with activities and services tailored for adults, young people and children. By booking a stay at our our boutique hotel and apartments in Via d'Azeglio, you can reach Sala Borsa in less than two minutes on foot.
Activities and Services for Adults
Sala Borsa offers a busy calendar of events and activities designed for adult audiences, ranging from the promotion of reading to science popularization, from lectures to creative workshops.
Reading groups and author meetings: thematic meetings are organized periodically, where literature enthusiasts gather to discuss novels, short stories, and essays. There is no shortage of book presentations, featuring Italian and foreign writers.
Courses and workshops: Sala Borsa hosts free or reduced-cost courses on a variety of topics, such as: creative writing, computer literacy, podcasting, and digital photography. Language courses for foreigners and intercultural meetings are also particularly popular.
Events and lectures: lectures, seminars and debates on current affairs, art, science and philosophy are held throughout the year. The library also adheres to the "Living Library" program, where people ready to tell their life stories can be "borrowed," encouraging encounters and dialogue between different cultures.
Digital services: for those who cannot physically go to the library, Sala Borsa provides a rich online catalogue of ebooks, audiobooks, periodicals and streaming movies.
Spaces and Activities for Children and Youth
One of the most beloved aspects of Sala Borsa is the attention given to the younger audience.
The Children's Sala Borsa is a real world apart, located on the ground floor, with colorful and welcoming spaces designed to entice children to read and explore.
The Children's Library offers books for all age groups: from picture books for very young children to novels for young adults. There are also audiobooks, DVDs and educational games. The shelves are child-friendly and the environment is designed to stimulate curiosity and the pleasure of discovery.
As for activities for children 0-6 years old, regular events include reading alouds, often led by volunteers or professional actors, who enliven stories and tales by involving children and families.
Creative and educational workshops include activities in handicrafts, drawing, writing and theater. Themed workshops, such as those dedicated to holidays or seasons, as well as coding classes for children and teens, are held during the school year and vacation periods.
In the special events and shows section, there is no shortage of theatrical offerings, puppet and puppet shows, and film screenings dedicated to youngsters. During the Bologna Children's Book Fair, Sala Borsa Ragazzi becomes one of the beating hearts of the event, welcoming authors, illustrators and themed workshops.
Book a stay with your family at our hotel in the center of Bologna and discover all the activities that Sala Borsa and the city of Bologna have in store for the little ones.
Sala Borsa, then, is much more than a library: it is a place to meet, exchange and grow. Whether you want to read a book, participate in a workshop, attend a cultural event or simply take a break while admiring the beauty of the spaces, this library is the perfect example of how a public space can be inclusive and alive.
To best discover the world that hides Sala Borsa, book a stay atArt Hotel Commercianti!