Discover projects aiming to transform Europe’s public libraries

A new CORDIS Synergy Info Pack presents fourteen projects from different countries, sectors and funding programmes working together towards a common goal: making Europe’s public libraries fit for the future.

Public libraries have long been a fundamental pillar of Europe’s social fabric. Once seen as quiet havens for reading, today they have reinvented themselves as dynamic, multi-faceted institutions with multiple functions that are important for our societies. Today’s libraries are not just about books, but about people, communities and innovation. While preserving and disseminating knowledge, public libraries have become vibrant centres offering a wide range of services and resources, as well as spaces for learning, creativity and social interaction. They foster democratic values and civic participation, celebrate culture, preserve heritage and enrich the life of local communities. While public libraries remain the cultural and social foundation of our communities, they face challenges such as lack of funding and resources, as well as the demands of an increasingly digital world. For libraries to continue to play a central role in our lives, they need to have the resources, technology and support to attract new users and offer new services. A new Synergy Info Pack highlights fourteen European-funded projects working to support public libraries in their diverse and changing roles. Each of these projects, supported by the Creative Europe, Horizon Europe, ERASMUS and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund programmes, contributes to the multi-faceted role that libraries play today.

Libraries and people

The publication begins by presenting projects that support communities through a new library model. This chapter includes the HERUN project, whose team is designing an inclusive, sensory-based reading programme for all children, including those with autism or other learning disabilities. Also featured are G-BOOK 3, a project that uses libraries as a means to raise awareness of gender-related issues, and make-a-thek, which reinvents libraries as places to explore creativity, craft and community. The VVK NextGen project promotes reading among teenagers and spreads socially relevant messages by translating graphic novels into Slovenian and collaborating with local libraries.

Libraries and democracy

The second chapter presents how libraries promote democratic values such as integration, civic engagement and social cohesion. In LIBRI, local libraries are used to integrate third country nationals into our communities, while in ECS, libraries function as resources to empower the citizen science community in Europe. It also highlights how LOE for GOOD helps libraries to foster dialogue, attract new users, build communities and promote social well-being.

Libraries and the economy

Finally, the publication looks to the future with a question: “How can libraries maintain their mission to foster a love of reading and learning, while at the same time adapting to a digital environment that demands innovation and new skills? According to the projects presented in this chapter, the answer to this question lies in funding and training. For example, 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 meet the digital demands of modern library users, while the RL:EU project helps libraries access EU funding.

Write the next chapter

Together, the projects presented in this Synergy Info Pack write the next chapter for Europe’s public libraries: a chapter in which these historic institutions will be transformed into spaces where everyone can access technology, participate in educational programmes, celebrate culture and learn together. Download and read the Synergy Info Pack on the multi-faceted role of public libraries.

About Synergy Info Packs

The Synergy Info Packs published by CORDIS highlight synergies between projects funded by various European Union funding programmes. The projects featured in this Synergy Info Pack were funded through the Creative Europe, Horizon Europe, Erasmus and the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund programmes.

More information: CORDIS