A Public Library as a Cultural Catalyst
Public and civic libraries have the capacity to carry cultural resources to a broad population. When a library is staffed by people who understand the role they play, those staff can mobilize the community to pursue cultural and educational goals with energy and organization. The Cocentaina library is a robust example. It serves a community that values reading and learning, providing extensive and well-equipped reading facilities and hosting a wide range of events. The staff have learned to recognize and celebrate the library’s value, including the recognition that comes from national institutions. The Ministry of National Education, Culture and Sports awarded a career achievement to Dolors Insa Ribelles, the director of the Pare Arques Municipal Library in the town of Cocentaina for her dedicated service to culture and books.
During Valencia Book Day, a new category highlighted libraries that excel in promoting reading. The library in the town of Onda, Castellón, is noted for its activities to promote reading. In recognition of her leadership at Cocentaina, Dolors Insa received the award, described as a valuable contribution to the research and dissemination of children’s and youth literature. The award also celebrates nearly four decades of professional practice that foster a lasting love of books and a deep cultural engagement through diverse programs tailored to community needs.
Even a first-time visitor to the Cocentaina library is likely to be impressed by its size and facilities. In a town with about 11,500 residents, the library offers spaces for different age groups, with sections for younger children and for older readers. There are quiet reading areas, rooms for meetings or group study, and a media library, all within a large, cohesive building that also houses the Municipal Archives. The current library stands on the site of the town’s first reading and lending room on Passeig del Comtat, preserving a sense of architectural continuity.
Insa recalls that there were only a few books in the early days, yet she believed people would come to the library if she acted to attract them. From the start, she focused on animation and engagement, launching activities that turned classics into experiences. It soon became clear that collaboration with schools would be essential to building reading habits from a young age. Each academic year has since included multiple sessions with local schools, exploring themes such as the diverse types of families portrayed in children’s stories. The library’s outreach extended beyond the building into the community through various projects and programs.
Dolors Insa also extended library services beyond the building’s walls. The library was a pioneer in offering summer reading programs as a leisure activity, moving lending out into the broader community. Books were lent to rural schools so that students could access titles not readily available in their town’s limited stock. A notable example is the Bibliobicicleta, a collaboration with the CRA Mariola-Benicadell network that brings books to Alfávara, Agres, and Gaianes on two wheels. This initiative generated strong anticipation among participating students and families, bridging the gap between towns and libraries.
Insa emphasizes the importance of seeking niche references and chose to specialize in children’s and youth literature while still serving adults through activities such as a book club. She takes pride in the project, noting that it helped cultivate the habit of reading—particularly among women—some of whom had little prior exposure to reading. The library also hosts educational activities for adults, including workshops for parents on how to foster a reading-friendly home. The goal is to make reading a shared family value and a daily activity rather than a rare event.
The library leadership continues to expand its reach, narrating its mission to influence others. Dissemination efforts include a local radio program that recommends books for children, teens, and adults. In recent years, digital education has grown as a tool for bibliographic documentation and internet research, supporting students and researchers who rely on organized, accessible references. The continued expansion of services demonstrates a commitment to making reading a practical, everyday resource across ages and backgrounds.
Reflecting on the award from the Generalitat, Insa expresses gratitude and humor about the recognition. She notes that the real satisfaction comes from the work itself and the social duty she believes in from the outset. The recognition, she says, acts like a cherry on top. Looking ahead, she plans to continue guiding the library’s mission, maintaining programming beyond the immediate future and ensuring ongoing engagement with the community. The drive to promote reading remains at the heart of her work, and the library’s future programs are already planned well into the upcoming year. The story of Cocentaina’s library highlights how a community hub can evolve into a vibrant center for learning, culture, and connection, powered by dedicated leadership and a clear sense of purpose. [Citation: Generalitat de Catalunya and Valencia regional cultural authorities]