On June 25, 2024, Public Libraries 2030 and Muntpunt co-hosted the first RL:EU Multiplier Event in Brussels’ Muntpunt Library. Organised in the format of a ‘Breakfast Session’, participants had the opportunity to learn more about funding opportunities at European level, and discuss the challenges they face in accessing EU programmes. The event was unique in bringing together both French and Flemish speaking Belgian libraries from across Brussels (as well as the north of France!), and the interactive format of the session allowed for sharing of experiences, challenges, and understanding each others’ local contexts.
Bringing together both Flemish and French-speaking Belgian public libraries was a powerful move to bridge the language divide, and allow for both groups to exchange on the common challenges they face, the work they are doing, and what they would like to get involved in.
Launch of the RL:EU Workbook
The session began with a presentation of the Resourcing Libraries project, and the launch of the ‘RL:EU Workbook ‘Unlocking resources for public libraries: A practical guide to accessing EU funds’ by PL2030. This workbook introduces the different EU funding programmes available to libraries, and provides a step-by-step guide into designing and implementing an EU project.
The workbook is now available to download online. Click here to download
Speaker presentations
We then heard from Patricia Huyghe (Head of Programme, De Krook Library), Alexandra Cromphout (Muntpunt) and Jurgen Waegeman (Head Librarian, Muntpunt) on how the work that both libraries have been doing at European level, and how they got involved.
The session wrapped up with an expert panel discussing how public libraries can benefit from EU resources. The panel was composed of:
- Joris Eeraerts, Belgian Flemish member of EU expert group on libraries, Department of Culture, Youth and Media, Flanders
- Marco Cecchinato, Chargé de mission – National Support Service EPALE Belgium
- Roel van den Sigtenhorst, Muntpunt Director
The article was first published on the RL:EU website.