Public Libraries are vital: New EU Report Calls for Stronger Recognition and Investment

Public libraries are generally seen as simply a place for borrowing books and a quiet place to read the newspapers. A new report, 'Strengthening Europe through public libraries', published by the European Commission argues that their role has expanded far beyond these traditional library services. Public libraries as now essential institutions that support education, digital inclusion, community resilience, democratic participation, cultural engagement, and social wellbeing. Developed by an Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group of 36 experts representing 25 EU Member States, the report urges policymakers to recognise public libraries as vital public services deserving sustained investment and strategic support. The findings come at a time when European societies are facing rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and increasing social and economic challenges.

Europe is home to an estimated 67,000 public libraries, welcoming around 757 million visits each year and serving approximately 75 million registered users. 

According to the report, these institutions represent one of Europe's most significant yet underutilised public assets. Rather than functioning solely as repositories of books, modern libraries have become community hubs that provide free access to knowledge, digital technologies, cultural activities, lifelong learning opportunities, and safe public spaces where people from all backgrounds can connect and participate. 

The report identifies ten major societal challenges that public libraries are already helping to address across Europe:

• Supporting lifelong learning and improving literacy and skills.
• Expanding access to culture while strengthening diverse cultural ecosystems.
• Building stronger, more inclusive communities.
• Reducing the digital divide by improving digital access and literacy.
• Promoting democratic participation and combating misinformation.
• Encouraging innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
• Supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.
• Improving health, wellbeing, and social care.
• Contributing to both urban and rural development.
• Helping communities prepare for and respond to crises and disasters.

These examples demonstrate that libraries have become flexible institutions capable of responding to local needs while contributing to broader European policy objectives. One of the report's strongest messages is that libraries play an increasingly important role in strengthening democratic societies. By providing free access to reliable information, encouraging media and information literacy, and offering inclusive spaces for public dialogue, libraries help citizens make informed decisions and actively participate in democratic life. Their commitment to openness and equal access positions them as trusted institutions in an era characterised by misinformation and digital fragmentation.

As digital technologies reshape everyday life, libraries have become critical providers of digital inclusion. Many public libraries now offer internet access, digital skills training, computer workstations, and support for people who may otherwise struggle to access online services. These services are particularly valuable for older adults, job seekers, students, migrants, and residents of rural communities. The report argues that strengthening libraries' digital capabilities will help ensure that technological progress benefits all citizens rather than widening existing inequalities.

Irish Libraries

In Ireland, libraries provide an important social and educational role in Ireland, with over 17 million visits made every year by 765,000 registered members, 76 million items issued across 330 branch libraries and 30.5 mobile libraries (including one cross border service). Operated by Local Authorities, they play a vital role in ensuring equality of access to information, reading and learning material. In recent years, libraries have greatly expanded their offering and continue to adapt to the changing needs of their communities, with a roll-out of digital services including e-books, and access to journals and catalogues online and, in between 2012 and 2017, added 45 new or extended library branches. They also provide affordable internet access and support for people who may not own a computer, an important service, particularly in areas with low connectivity and/or high numbers of older people. 

Of concern however is the ‘electronic content crisis facing libraries’. One example given by the Library Association of Ireland calls for ‘increased transparency and sustainability in ebook costs and licensing. In public libraries, the average cost of an ebook is three times the cost of a print book, with far greater restrictions on how it can be used. In academic libraries the situation is even worse – academic ebook costs can often be ten times as much as for the same paper book. Price rises are common, sudden and appear arbitrary. The CIAEM cites examples of well-known publishers increasing costs for a single-user ebook by 200% or more with no warning in 2020’. Access to information is vital for education, culture and democracy.

As part of their commitment towards equity of access, library membership is now free for core services. Social Justice Ireland welcomes the broadening of the scope of the library service, the removal of late fees, the introduction of Libraries Ireland, the availability of e-learning and electronic resources etc. However, it is important
that these developments do not result in a closing or downgrading of smaller branch libraries, which play a significant role in supporting communities. A new strategy for the public library service, The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 sets out three strategic themes for the delivery of the library service, People, Spaces and Connections. Social Justice Ireland welcomes the inclusion in the strategy of how the targets and objectives relate to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Report Recommendations

To strengthen public libraries across Europe, the expert group proposes action in six key areas:

• Developing stronger legal and policy frameworks.
• Increasing sustainable public funding.
• Improving data collection and evidence-based policymaking.
• Investing in the professional development of library staff.
• Promoting sustainability, accessibility, and social inclusion.
• Accelerating digital transformation. 

The report also stresses that free access to public libraries should remain a fundamental principle, ensuring that every citizen can benefit regardless of economic circumstances.