The project aimed to enhance public libraries' participation in EU funding programmes and boost their knowledge and confidence as partners in EU-funded projects. It sought to equip libraries with tools to find partners, develop sustainable proposals, and extend knowledge of funding opportunities to smaller libraries, rural communities, and networks. Through interactive sessions (both online and in person), the goal was to foster connections among libraries locally, regionally, and across borders. The RL:EU project also aimed to highlight public libraries' potential as innovative and dynamic partners in achieving EU policy goals, identifying challenges they face in accessing EU resources and providing policy recommendations and concrete initiatives to address them. Additionally, the project sought to build a sustainable community of library professionals across Europe to exchange ideas and showcase libraries' roles in accessing cultural contents, skill-building, and lifelong learning opportunities.
PL2030, EBLIDA, and PiNA jointly applied for the “Resourcing Libraries” project to harness the potential of European public libraries for connecting, exchanging, and engaging in European-wide collaboration. This was based on research, needs analysis, and prior experience with European library partners. From an advocacy perspective, the consortium recognised the vital role of public libraries in advancing EU policy goals, such as sustainability, inclusion, and democracy at the local level. The project’s aim was twofold: to foster knowledge-sharing on common European topics among libraries in the partner countries, and to support their access to EU resources, particularly project funding with learning and training resources. The project addressed the need of public libraries for better access to EU funding by tackling gaps in information on funding programmes, creating opportunities to connect with European partners, and building knowledge and capacities in project design, application, and management.