Public libraries are vital democratic and social infrastructures that foster intergenerational fairness by empowering citizens of all ages to engage critically, creatively, and responsibly in society.
Grounded in the UNESCO Public Library Manifesto, they guarantee free access to reliable information and knowledge, offering safe and trusted spaces to counter misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.

Libraries act as civic laboratories, spaces of dialogue, experimentation, and participatory learning — where people co-create solutions to local and global challenges. The capacity of libraries in fostering social resilience will be also highlighted in the upcoming report of the OMC group on libraries under the current EU work plan for culture.

To ensure that today’s decisions do not harm future generations, the EU Strategy should recognise libraries as key partners in promoting solidarity, lifelong learning, and civic resilience.
Investing in libraries means investing in Europe’s democratic fabric and its capacity to imagine and build fair futures for all generations.