“Fostering democratic participation and citizen engagement through local libraries”
The study visit organised by the Finnish partner, Nouseva Rannikkoseutu , officially launched the Poetry4Participation project with a particular focus on the role of local libraries as key community hubs for civic involvement. Held across the municipalities of Liminka and Raahe, the event brought together 103 participants from seven European countries to exchange best practices on democratic participation. The local libraries’ expertise in implementing experimental and creative initiatives to reach diverse audiences—such as offering Finnish lessons to migrant populations and using classic literature to discuss human rights—was critical in advancing the consortium’s dialogue.
The mobility had a highly collaborative and dynamic feel, highlighting the strong trust and teamwork established between the local community, schools, and NGOs. Participants were particularly inspired by the creative ways children were included in political literacy, as well as the educational programs covering alternative forms of active citizenship. The atmosphere was welcoming and decidedly non-hierarchical, culminating in an improvised, multilingual poetry reciting activity initiated by the participants themselves within the library space. Ultimately, the visit reinforced the shared belief that accessible public services are essential for fostering community life, cooperation, and European solidarity.
