ESC-MISINFO: Public libraries as playful spaces for critical thinking and active citizenship

May 2025 marked the launch of an exciting new Erasmus+ project, ‘Escape misinformation in the library’ (ESC-MISINFO), aiming to strengthen young Europeans’ critical thinking skills in navigating the digital media landscape, combating mis/disinformation, particularly related to climate change – all using game-based activities and co-creative practices.

Running from 2025 to 2027, the project wants to empower public libraries to embrace their role in non-formal education and youth work. Escape room-style games, participatory workshops, and peer learning initiatives will equip young people with the tools to critically assess digital content, question sources, and understand the impact of online narratives – especially those related to environmental issues.

ESC-MISINFO brings together five partners from four countries: Cultuurconnect (Belgium), Public Libraries 2030 (Belgium), FRSI (Poland), PiNA (Slovenia), and the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington (United States). Each partner brings its own area of expertise to the project, from youth engagement, to game-based learning, media literacy, and public library innovation. In this project, PL2030 is responsible for the overall coordination of the project, as well as the communication and dissemination activities.

PL2030 hosted the consortium in Brussels in May to kick-off the project and plan ahead for the next two years. The project activities will include escape room pilots, training and capacity building, co-creation and peer exchange, the development of toolkits and resources, as well as ongoing dissemination activities. Taking place in Belgium, Slovenia, and Poland, ESC-MISINFO will train 18 library staff across 9 libraries to lead game-based MIL activities, and engage a total of 180 young people in immersive, game-based learning about misinformation and climate change.

To stay up to date with the project news, visit the project website, follow ESC-MISINFO on Facebook, orsign up to the newsletter!