The aim of the project Libraries for All - ESME is to initiate an EU-wide upgrade of local public libraries into “Libraries for All” with a European perspective. EU-wide, local public libraries are usually run by municipalities. They have a similar setup, comparable structures and the common goal of serving the local community as easily accessible places of learning and communications.

About Project

By upgrading local public libraries into "Libraries for All", the symbolic cultural capital of the local migrant population will become an integral part of local public libraries. By serving the community as a whole, the libraries will be enhanced into local contact points for implementing common European integration strategies. The pilot projects will include libraries in four different European regions (Austria, Sweden, Germany and Czech Republic). A central focus will be the introduction of Advisory Boards for Multiculturalism (ABMs). The ABMs will consist of the librarians and specifically qualified members of the local immigrant communities.

Further on, the project will:

• Set up the project website.
• Will implement a cycle of seminars for librarians, immigrant organisations and expert organisations in integration in four European countries.
• Will publish a manual on how to create a “Library for all”.
• And will, with the cooperation of local partners, help other public libraries achieve the goal of a multicultural library.

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This web pages reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.