The lead organization for the project was La Maison Bleue (France), responsible for its coordination. The association’s objective was to implement its first European project within the framework of ERASMUS+. Some of its members had already been introduced to European funding opportunities, particularly ERASMUS+, through networking events organized by INTERCULTURA (France) and by participating in collective European initiatives. The project, titled "European Houses of Reading", enabled La Maison Bleue to better define its strategy concerning its third place, the "Point Lecture". One of the key priorities of the association’s mission was to enhance the role of young people within La Maison Bleue. However, the low participation rate among 17- to 25-year-olds—representing less than 10% of its members—raised concerns among youth workers. This project helped the association to develop new areas of focus, allowing it to: Implement initiatives to encourage greater youth engagement; Create or revitalize book-related mediation activities; Strengthen partnerships focused on youth (MEET); Support activities promoting civic engagement in alignment with its educational mission.
Young people held mixed feelings toward libraries, as they tended to distance themselves from institutions in general and formal practices in particular. Reading, as traditionally presented, reminded them of the school environment, whereas their leisure activities, often shared within peer groups, fostered conviviality and interaction. Thus, cultural practices remained a means for adolescents to build and assert their identities among their peers. It was challenging for education and leisure professionals to ignore this fundamental shift, which often led adults to question and doubt their own roles when engaging with young people. This project enabled young people who were distant from reading to embrace the practice independently through these atypical, non-conventional reading spaces. The three organizations involved shared a common context of social and educational challenges. The right to and access to reading for all young people were therefore expanded through this project. The connection between reading and social inclusion was highlighted for young participants, with civic engagement playing a central role, thus recognizing and valuing the new skills acquired by these young people.