Attending the EBLIDA Conference in Prague last month provided a timely reminder of the value of international library cooperation. Across Europe, libraries are grappling with many of the same challenges including sustainability, public trust, digital access, and their role in democratic society. Sharing ideas and practical approaches across borders helps us see both what we take for granted and where we might push further.

Culturally and historically, European libraries are close neighbours. We share a strong tradition of publicly funded library services that support access to knowledge, learning, and participation in democratic life. Seeing how those shared values translate into different systems was one of the most valuable aspects of the conference.
 

The strong foundations of our public library system

One key observation was how easy it is for us in England to underestimate the strength of the foundations underpinning our public library system.

Many countries do not have what we currently benefit from, including:

• Legislation mandating a public library service
• Free access at point of use
• National data collection
• National e‑lending platforms for eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers
• A shared professional ethics framework
• A library self‑improvement framework
• A national library strategy
• A sector development agency with dedicated funding.

The challenge for governments is how to build on these assets to create the conditions in which libraries can fully contribute to a forward‑looking society.
 

European collaboration in practice

Two substantial pieces of work stood out as examples of what European library collaboration can achieve.

The Green Librarian’s Handbook draws together an impressive range of resources to support libraries’ environmental and sustainability work, from policy and funding guidance to case studies, reading lists and even a Green Librarian playlist. As Andrew Cranfield, EBLIDA Director, puts it, the handbook is “a call to action and an invitation to reimagine what our libraries can be in a time of profound environmental and social change”.

The handbook collates ideas that have been tested by library staff across Europe, in both library spaces and wider community settings. In the UK, environmental and sustainability activity has become increasingly mainstream in libraries over recent years. Seeing this work set in a wider European context highlighted just how much UK libraries are contributing.

Providing confidence about libraries’ role

The presentation that made the strongest impression on me focused on the OMC Libraries document, which will be launched in Dublin in October.

Developed for the European Commission by library leaders from 25 countries, this is a high‑level framework for library development. It clearly and confidently sets out why libraries are essential to prosperous, forward‑looking democratic societies, and identifies the conditions and foundations that enable them to succeed.

Although the document was produced within an EU context, the principles it articulates are universal. The framework is highly relevant to the UK and offers a useful lens through which to test our own policy conversations and sector ambitions.

What was striking was not just the content, but the confidence of the narrative. Libraries are not presented defensively or apologetically, but as a core part of democratic and social infrastructure. It is a reminder for us to be equally clear and bold in how we talk about the value and role of libraries at home.