In preparation for a project with a focus on the cultural heritage of books in the widest sense, and conceived to have a wide appeal, the Soprintendenza per i beni librari e documentari in Bologna is in the course of writing descriptions of libraries and other institutions in Emilia-Romagna. The region is rich in such institutions which appeal through their history and architecture as well as through their collections. Here is a first selection, to which additions will be made.