The Europe Challenge

The Local Challenge

This library curates a diverse manga collection, whilst actively building a youth and LGBTIQ-friendly collection that emphasises individuality and identity within society. Last year, during the city’s manga fairs, the library experienced many pride/progress flags and self-identification within their community. They decided to team up with Kraftwerk to help those who want to express their identity in a safe space, through manga making! 

The Initiative  

The library and Kraftwerk is working hand in hand to offer a series of manga activities such as workshops ranging from character building, storyboarding and digital creations and a newly developed comic/manga app for the more introverted crowd. The library’s gaming team offers easy-access cooperative games on different gaming platforms using a 3D-print area where people can create their cosplay outfit. 

After The Europe Challenge

By forming their Manga events, the Challenge team have created a solid community and now host a regular Manga book club. They have also become known as a generous and active (non-commercial) place for “nerds” and anyone who would like to join in. As a library, they have explored how can libraries serve people’s interest throughout their lives? They are exploring what else can be done to be more interesting, inclusive and diverse service. They even attracted the older community as well as their local youth in their manga initiative.  

Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.