Build a Partnership with Libraries, Matchmaking Webinar, 8 September
Would you like to build a partnership with libraries? Join the online Creative Europe Matchmaking session on Tuesday 8 September, 2026.
The Build a Partnership with Libraries webinar on Tuesday 8 September, 2pm to 4pm CET (1pm to 3pm Irish time) aims to encourage cooperation between libraries, NGOs, organisations and institutions from the cultural, arts, book and publishing sectors.
The goal is to help libraries become more familiar with the funding opportunities offered by Creative Europe, to apply more frequently, and to play a more active role within the programme. This event is organised by the Creative Europe Desks network.
By attending the webinar you will:
- Find more about Creative Europe and other funding opportunities
- Present your idea for a project involving libraries
- Find partners from across Europe
- Establish international contacts, and strengthen your consortium.
Application for Project Pitchers
Would you like to present your project at the event? The involvement of libraries must be a key component of all proposed projects, as this event is designed to strengthen their role in European cultural cooperation and Creative Europe partnerships. Even if your project isn’t selected for a live presentation, it won’t be lost! With your consent, all submitted presentations and participants’ contact information will be compiled into a publicly accessible database, which will facilitate further partnership-building.
- Pitch your project and find partners for a project involving libraries.
- Fill out the application form by 23 August 2026.
Maximum seven projects will be selected from among the submissions to be presented live during an online session. - The organisers will contact the selected applicants by 31 August.
Application for Observers
For participants who would like to attend the matchmaking session as observers, you can register here:
- Join matchmaking session and find partners for a project involving libraries.
- Your subscription will be automatically confirmed, the zoom link will appear in the confirmation message after you submit the form.
Strengthening Europe through Public Libraries
There are an estimated 67 000 public libraries serving 757 million visitors and 75 million registered users each year in Europe. These libraries represent a significant, yet underused, asset for Europe and Europeans in addressing social, cultural and educational challenges.
In the report, Strengthening Europe through Public Libraries, experts identified ten key societal challenges where libraries across Europe are taking local responsibility to address the needs of their communities.
The challenges include:
- Enhancing lifelong learning in a literate and skilled society
- Ensuring access to culture and promoting a rich, diverse cultural ecosystem
- Fostering social cohesion and building communities
- Narrowing the digital divide
- Strengthening the resilience and the functioning of democracy
- Stimulating economic competitiveness, development, employment and growth
- Contributing to environmental sustainability
- Improving health and wellbeing
- Supporting urban and rural development
- Building resilience for crises and disasters.
In their conclusions, the expert group emphasises how vital it is for public libraries to be recognised as essential services for which free access must be guaranteed.