The Europe Challenge

Libraries are part of everyday experience of millions of people living in Europe. The European network of libraries deserves recognition as our critical social infrastructure.

A new EU report, Strengthening Europe through Public Libraries, confirms this through evidence gathered by 36 experts from 25 EU Member States through an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) working group established by the Council of the European Union. It offers one of the clearest Europe-wide pictures yet of the impact public libraries have on people’s lives and on society as a whole.

The report also calls on governments and policymakers to make better use of public libraries in addressing today’s biggest challenges. It highlights where libraries can make the greatest difference, shares inspiring examples from across Europe, and sets out practical recommendations to help libraries maximise their impact in the years ahead.

The seven key roles libraries play in their communities — Community Builder, Storyteller, Guide, Facilitator, Protector, Catalyst, and Motivator — are brought to life through seven initiatives participating in The Europe Challenge 2025/26.

Watch the short films below to meet the libraries and communities behind them.