Milan's Warm Welcome: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Sends Positive Messages Home about the World Financial Outlook

Kniffel, Leonard, American Libraries

Those who wondered why the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) would meet in Italy in the heat of August got their answer August 25, when the city of Milan opened its treasures to IFLA. At a time of year when half the city has left for vacation, it seemed as if the entire Duomo, La Scala, and the city's businesses and museums belonged to the world's librarians.

Among the delights was what was billed as a "social dinner," and by its description many delegates wondered how the local organizers were going to pull off a dinner at "all the major restaurants of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and surroundings" when IFLA conference registrants numbered over 3,000. But pull it off they did, with. Italian style. Registrants received a voucher good for a complete meal at a restaurant of their choice in the Galleria shopping arcade, a splendid iron and glass construction that was one of the first of its kind in Italy when it opened in 1867.

Following the dinner, the Duomo, Milan's massive cathedral, offered a free harp and violin (a Stradivarius, no less) concert. …

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Publication information: Article title: Milan's Warm Welcome: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions Sends Positive Messages Home about the World Financial Outlook. Contributors: Kniffel, Leonard - Author. Magazine title: American Libraries. Volume: 40. Issue: 10 Publication date: October 2009. Page number: 66+. © 1984 American Library Association. COPYRIGHT 2009 Gale Group.

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