An automated newsstand in the square: “Municipalities should follow our example”

Castel Del Rio (Bologna), July 4, 2025 – “Newspapers are a fundamental bulwark of freedom .” This was underlined by Alberto Baldazzi , mayor of Castel del Rio , who, the other day, together with Luca Ceroni , general manager of Monrif and Daniele Pozzi and Gianni Melini , director of Diffusion, inaugurated in the square the automated newsstand that will allow the citizens of the village in the Imola Valley to get information on a daily basis. In fact, when, in recent months, the mayor Baldazzi closed the only newsstand in the town, he did not lose heart and contacted our newspaper with the aim of finding a solution.

“I am proud to have been among the pioneers of the project. Newsstands have always contributed to keeping the squares alive,” explains Baldazzi, “ they are an important meeting place and place for discussion. I couldn’t resign myself to the idea of ​​losing the only one we had in town .” An example that many other mayors in Italy can follow, to the delight of readers. Like those who, the other day, in the Santerno Valley , took part in the “christening” of the automatic newspaper dispenser. “It was a wonderful gift,” emphasizes Maria Carla Lelli, a retired literature teacher with a smile on her face. “I am very attached to my community and I sincerely thank all the people who worked to create the device.”

“It’s very convenient,” reiterates Arnaldo Corticelli , who has been buying the newspaper for 80 years now and was one of the first to experiment with the do-it-yourself newsstand. “Just insert coins or banknotes, type in the number and it’s done.” For the Alidosians, the lack of a newsstand was felt . “Last year we had to travel all the way to Fontanelice (a neighboring town that is kilometers away, ed. ),” testifies Giovanni Pizzi.

“It was needed, a town like Castel del Rio cannot survive without newspapers”, Corticelli reiterates. A strong and clear message, also directed at the institutions. In the smaller villages, but also in the cities, there are many residents who complain about difficulty finding a newsstand near their home. And so vending machines can become a very practical solution to overcome any difficulties; always focusing on teamwork. As happened in Castel del Rio, where the SD company of the blacksmith Davide Sbaraccani created the special newsstand that will be 'taken care of' above all by the owner Paola Camaggi. A project that also saw the Pro Loco as a protagonist.

In short, by joining forces, solutions can be found, because reading and information are essential elements for the democratic life of a community. Considering that, in an increasingly digitalized world, paper continues to have its timeless charm. "We hope that the new newsstand will contribute to bringing young people closer to reading - concludes Mayor Baldazzi -. It is our duty to enhance verified and quality information".