Discover the projects working to strengthen Europe’s public libraries
Public libraries have long been an essential thread in Europe’s social fabric. Once seen as quiet sanctuaries for reading, they have been reinventing themselves as dynamic, multifaceted institutions playing multiple important roles in our societies. Today’s libraries are not just about books – they are about people, communities and innovation. While public libraries preserve and disseminate knowledge, they have transformed into vibrant hubs offering a wide range of services and resources, as well as spaces for learning, creativity and social interaction. They also foster democratic ideals and citizen involvement, cherish culture, preserve heritage and enrich local community life. Although public libraries continue to serve as the cultural and social bedrock of our communities, they face challenges such as a lack of funding and resources, and the changing needs of an increasingly digital world. If libraries are to continue to play a central role in our lives, they must have the resources, technology and support needed to attract new users and offer new services. A new Synergy Info Pack highlights 14 EU-funded projects working to strengthen public libraries in their diverse and evolving roles. Funded by Creative Europe, Horizon Europe, ERASMUS+ and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), each of the featured projects contributes to the multifaceted role of today’s libraries.
Libraries and people
The publication opens by featuring projects which support their communities through a new type of library. This chapter includes HERUN, which designs an inclusive, sensory-based reading programme for all children – including those with autism and other learning disabilities. Also featured are G-BOOK 3, a project using libraries as a means for raising awareness about gender-related topics, and make-a-thek, which reimagines libraries as places to explore creativity, craftship and community. And by translating graphic novels into Slovenian and working together with local libraries, the VVK NextGen project encourages teenagers to read while also conveying powerful social messages.
Libraries and democracy
The second chapter shows how libraries drive democratic values such as inclusion, civic engagement and social cohesion. LIBRI uses the local library to integrate third-country nationals into our communities, while ECS leverages libraries to empower Europe’s citizen science community. The Pack also highlights how LOE for GOOD helps libraries nurture conversations, gain new users, forge communities and contribute to social well-being.
Libraries and the economy
Lastly, the publication turns to the future and asks, ‘how can libraries maintain their mission of fostering a love of reading and learning while also adapting to a digital environment, which requires innovation and new skills?’ According to the projects featured in this section, the answer is through funding and training. For instance, projects such as TELL, LIBRA.I. LibrarIN, ELAN and DigLib provide libraries, library associations and librarians with the training, tools and strategies they need to serve the digital demands of modern library users, while the RL:EU project helps libraries access EU funding.
Writing the next chapter
Together, the projects featured in this SIP write the next chapter for Europe’s public libraries – a chapter that will see these storied institutions transition into spaces where everybody can access technology, engage in educational programmes, celebrate culture and learn with one another. Download and read the Synergy Info Pack on the multifaceted role of public libraries(opens in new window)
About Synergy Info Packs
Published by CORDIS, Synergy Info Packs highlight the synergies between projects delivered under various EU funding programmes. Projects in this Pack were funded through Creative Europe(opens in new window), Horizon Europe(opens in new window), Erasmus+(opens in new window) and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund(opens in new window) (AMIF).