Biblioteca civica di Mestre, Public library in Mestre, Italy

Biblioteca civica di Mestre, known as VEZ, occupies the historic Villa Erizzo in central Mestre. It was set up on the English public library model, the first in Veneto with open-shelf access, and began in 1953 in the Palazzo della Provvederia with a single 80 m² reading room holding 32 seats, offices and book storage on the first floor.

The civic library was established by the Venice municipal administration on 14 November 1952, after a committee formed within Mestre's Associazione Civica gathered support and petitions. It opened on 11 October 1953 in the Palazzo della Provvederia, with an 80 m² reading room holding 32 seats and offices and book storage on the first floor. Rosanna Saccardo organised it on the English public library model, the first in Veneto with open shelves; lending began in 1960 and a youth section opened in 1965 in via Torre Belfredo. It is now housed in the historic Villa Erizzo in central Mestre.

The library serves families and students seeking a quiet place to study and explore books across many subjects and interests. Its collection, from contemporary publications to rare works, reflects how the community values access to knowledge and learning resources.

Visitors need a valid identity document to register and receive a library card that grants access to the library system. The building is accessible and easy to locate in central Mestre with ample space for browsing and studying.

The building houses a dedicated children's library section that introduces young readers to books and learning from an early age. This special area demonstrates the institution's commitment to fostering a reading habit in the younger generation.