Tirana: The Jesuit Bookstore Celebrates Its First Year

The Libraria Atë Zef Valentini successfully concludes its first operational year and charts a new vision for the future.

A concluding meeting for the first year of operations was held at the Atë Zef Valentini Bookstore, marking a moment of reflection and strategic planning for the future of this cultural institution in the heart of Tirana.

During the meeting with the staff, a comprehensive analysis of the first year’s performance was conducted, clearly highlighting the strengths that have accompanied the bookstore’s development: the qualitative selection of titles, the organization of literary and cultural activities, the building of a loyal community of readers, and the creation of a welcoming space for intellectual dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Particular emphasis was placed on the bookstore’s role as a center that promotes the book not only as a cultural product but as an instrument for civic formation and education.

A significant portion of the discussions was also dedicated to areas for improvement. Strategies were analyzed to further strengthen the relationship with readers, enhance cultural programming, expand collaborations with authors, scholars, and institutions, and increase the educational and cultural impact of the Libreria Atë Zef Valentini in Tirana. The common goal remains for the second year to be even more fruitful, with a more structured approach and a consolidated vision for sustainable growth.

Special attention was also given to the bookstore’s relationship with the Atë Zef Valentini Social Center. Participants evaluated the collaboration achieved so far as fruitful and full of development potential. Concrete strategies were discussed to make this relationship even more synergistic, harmonizing educational, social, and cultural programs in service of the community.

The meeting was led by Mr. Berardino Guarino, Economist of the Euro-Mediterranean Province, Fr. Zef Bisha, and Fr. Stefano Corticelli, who emphasized the importance of a long-term vision, sustainable management, and the strengthening of the bookstore’s cultural identity as part of the broader educational and social mission of the Society of Jesus.

This meeting marks not only the conclusion of a successful first year but also the beginning of a new phase of development for the Libreria Atë Zef Valentini, with the ambition of becoming an increasingly significant reference point in the city’s cultural life.