Erasmus+ Program & Epale: a window of opportunities for Public Libraries, as Adult Education Providers
Main Info
TCA Description
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” Albert Einstein.
Public libraries play an essential role in the adult education landscape and are places for formal, informal and non formal adult education.
AT EU level, the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 has provided for the creation of a group of Member States’ experts focusing on “Building Bridges: strengthen the multiple roles of libraries as gateways to and transmitters of cultural works, skills and European values”.
This group has received a mandate to explore different dimensions and areas in which public libraries can play a societal role:
- the cultural and social dimension of libraries as a community hub or third place;
- democracy building, citizen engagement in libraries, and fighting disinformation;
- sustainable development (education and learning, inclusion, participation, resilience of community and environmental issues);
- digital, media, green and other forms of literacies;
- promoting literacy and reading including promoting literature from other countries.
To meet these challenges, Epale and Erasmus+ projects for libraries offer a clear added value for public libraries. Indeed, Erasmus+ and Epale can help in improving the knowledge of the staff, acquiring new experience abroad, testing new materials, developing cooperation with European partners, which are essential factors for developing libraries in a wide range of directions.
Participants at this TCA will have the opportunity to:
- Network with participants from different European countries working in public libraries.
- Discuss common challenges that public libraries – as adult education providers - are facing nowadays.
- Discover Epale and Erasmus+ opportunities for public libraries: project types, added value of European cooperation, first steps for an Erasmus+ project / Epale publication.
- Work in small groups around future common Erasmus+ projects.
- Get inspired by good practices examples implemented by public libraries, in link with their role as adult education providers.
- Participate to a study visit to an innovative Belgian public library (B3, Resources and creativity centre).
- Listen to stakeholder’s presentation on the role of public libraries in Belgium and Europe.
Please note that the TCA will focus on Public Libraries as Adult Education providers (formal, non formal, informal) and activities/strategies implemented in that regards.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics: how can public libraries reach specific target groups, challenges of digitalization (including AI,…) in public libraries, what competences for the 21st century librarian, how to promote active participation and volunteer engagement, rethink / transform libraries into community places, public libraries as a place for well-being and mental health, public libraries to promote cultural heritage, contribution of libraries to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), developing a communication strategy for more visibility and collaborations, …
Participants wishing to share a good practice implemented in their library, a project or an approach they are proud of can bring material (poster, resource, presentation, …). An informal and interactive moment is foreseen during the seminar for this inspiring exchange of practice session.
Partners and participants
Any participant working in a public library or any stakeholder involved in a public library, interested in the role of public libraries as adult education providers, and willing to initiate Epale and/or Erasmus+ projects in his/her library.
Pending booked places
Accepted places