Public libraries are vital pillars of European society, transcending their traditional function as repositories of books to become dynamic, multifaceted institutions. The Multifaceted Role of Public Libraries: A Synergy Info Pack, published by CORDIS, highlights 14 EU-funded projects that showcase the evolving role of libraries across Europe. This compilation emphasises how libraries serve not only as centres for literacy and knowledge preservation, but also as inclusive hubs promoting community engagement, democratic participation, cultural preservation, and social cohesion.

Chapter 1, “Libraries and People,” presents projects such as HERUN, which develops sensory-based reading programmes for children with autism and other learning disabilities, and G-BOOK 3, which raises awareness about gender equality through literature. Make-a-thek reimagines libraries as makerspaces promoting creativity, sustainability, and local craft innovation, while Ulysses’ Shelter fosters transnational cultural exchange through literary residencies.

Chapter 2, “Libraries for Democracy and Engagement,” examines initiatives like LIBRI, supporting the integration of third-country nationals, ECS, advancing citizen science, and LOE for GOOD, using bibliotherapy to nurture social well-being and mental health.

Chapter 3, “Libraries and the Economy,” explores projects preparing libraries for the digital age, including LibrarIN, ELAN, TELL, LIBRA.I., and DigLib, which enhance librarians’ skills, introduce AI literacy, and connect libraries to EU funding opportunities. Together, these projects illustrate how libraries are reinventing themselves as inclusive, technologically adept, and socially engaged spaces, critical to community resilience, lifelong learning, and active citizenship.

This info pack demonstrates that libraries are living institutions, evolving to meet modern societal needs while remaining central to cultural, educational, and democratic life.