The Historical Library in Zaragoza will host two special events on 17 and 20 November featuring Susanna Barquin and Jesús Pescador. These sessions are part of the 'Biblioteques que parlen llengües pròpies' (Libraries that speak native languages) programme, which has been allocated a budget of €50,000 for 2026.
The Provincial Council of Zaragoza (Diputación Provincial de Zaragoza, DPZ), through its Archives and Libraries Service, aims to celebrate the cultural diversity of the region with these activities. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture and is part of an annual programme promoting the Aragonese and Catalan languages in the region.
José Manuel Latorre, the deputy in charge of the Archives and Libraries Service, emphasised the significance of this programming in protecting linguistic diversity. He stated, "The Diputación de Zaragoza is firmly committed to preserving and revitalising Aragonese and Catalan, which are essential parts of our historical and cultural identity." Latorre also noted that hosting these activities in emblematic spaces like the Historical Library enhances their visibility and makes them accessible to the public as a living tool for cohesion.
The programme will commence on Tuesday, 17 November, at 12:00 with a talk titled 'Conversa amb Susanna Barquin'. The series will continue on Friday, 20 November, also at 12:00, with a storytelling session 'Històries de l’Ebre / Historias del Ebro', led by Jesús Pescador. Due to limited availability, interested individuals must register in advance by calling 976 28 88 00 (extension 8392), with access through the entrance at Plaza de España.
These events are part of a broader annual programme structured into eight action blocks, which include talks, publications, training, workshops, reading promotion, storytelling, performing arts, exhibitions, and graphic dissemination actions. Through this strategy, the provincial institution seeks to encourage knowledge, learning, and everyday use of the native languages of Aragon in municipalities and spaces where they remain culturally rooted.
The programme includes activities such as:
- Literary talks and meetings with writers in Aragonese and Catalan from the region, to be held in various municipalities.
- Publication of the Linguistic Atlas of Aragon and the Aragonese language.
- Project REPLEGA: creation of an Aragonese lexicon dictionary with web and mobile applications.
- Reading promotion and storytelling 'Istorias de l’ortal' in Aragonese, with seven activities scheduled without specific dates.
- Reading promotion 'Històries de l’Ebre' in Catalan from Aragon.
- Commemorative exhibition of the 550th anniversary of printing in Aragonese (1476-2026).
