THE EDUCATIONAL ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN THE GRECO-ROMAN CIVILIZATION AND THE FORMATION OF THE SOCIAL CHARACTER OF READING

Abstract

The paper delves into the interplay between the history of books, the evolution of libraries, and reading habits in the Greco-Roman world. It examines how literary production and reading practices were influenced by social and cultural conditions, shaping the relationship between readers and literature. By exploring book production, library institutions, and reading attitudes of that era, it becomes apparent how reading literature not only requires but also enhances linguistic, social, and cognitive skills, thus impacting overall quality of life. This historical perspective underscores the educational role of libraries as hubs for reading, fostering culture, and emphasizing the communal aspect of reading. It suggests that the notion of reading groups as interpretive communities, as we understand them today, has deep historical roots, catering to individuals' mental needs and serving societal functions within each collective.