News
On May 10, 2026, Budapest’s Szabadság Square came alive as the city gathered to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of Hungary’s accession to the European Union. The day-long event brought together people from all walks of life for a packed schedule of concerts, a public running race, and diverse family activities.
A session held at Pixel bookstore in Patras (20 March 2026) attracted a diverse audience of librarians, educators, and members of the public. The LibCommon project and its approach to commons-based innovation in education and libraries were introduced, encouraging dialogue around shared knowledge practices. Organised in collaboration with the University of Patras, the discussion highlighted the role of libraries as inclusive and collaborative learning environments. Participants actively engaged in the exchange, reflecting strong interest in the project’s themes and objectives.
The event took place at the University of Thessaly Central Library in Volos (10 March 2026), bringing together approximately 100 participants, including academics, librarians, educators, and students. During the event, the LibCommon project was presented, highlighting its objectives, activities, and key results so far. The discussion focused on educational commons and collaborative learning practices, emphasizing how synergies between libraries, universities, and schools can enhance teaching and learning processes. The event fostered active participation and exchange of ideas among attendees.
This e-Handbook brings together the initial reports developed collectively to document six innovative library experiences during the familiarisation trips to France, Greece and Spain. Aimed at librarians, higher education teachers and students and policymakers, its purpose is to capture, synthesise and share effective models of collaboration between universities and libraries, highlighting how libraries function as commons and learning hubs for students and wider communities.
As a follow-up to the international familiarisation trips carried out in France, Spain and Greece, the University of Szeged’s Klebelsberg Library and Archives organised an internal dissemination event to support knowledge sharing and maximise the institutional impact of the mobility activities. The event was held on 22 January 2026.
Libcommon wishes you a joyful Christmas and a successful, inspiring New Year.
Thank you for the trust, collaboration, and shared commitment throughout the year.
We look forward to continuing our work together and building meaningful impact in the year ahead.
Warm wishes,
The third and last Familiarization Trip of the LibCommon project took place from the 17 to the 21 November, bringing partners together in Barcelona and the city of Vic.
Over five days, participants explored innovative library models, community-driven initiatives, and new approaches to strengthening the social, cultural and democratic role of libraries. The visits highlighted how public, university and community libraries can act as inclusive spaces that empower citizens, promote literacy and foster civic engagement.
From October 13 to 17 2025, the partners of the European project LibCommon: Universities and Libraries as Commons-Based Innovative Environments for Learning, Civic Engagement and Democracy, gathered in Athens for the second Familiarization Trip, full of inspiration, ideas exchange, libraries and collaborative spaces visits, and experiential learning around the concept of “commons.”
Paris & Lille - From Sunday 7th September to Friday 12th, delegations from University of Lille (ULILLE - France) University of Thessaly (UTh - Greece), University of Vic (UVIC - Spain) and from University of Szeged (Hungary) were in France for a first FamTrip. The idea of the week was to immerse participants in the ecosystem of French libraries, showcasing innovative approaches, collaborative projects, and strategic exchanges focused on commons, open resources, and community engagement. The itinerary provided opportunities for cross-sectoral learning.
The LibCommons consortium held its first project meeting on 26–27 June 2025 in Thessaloniki, Greece, hosted by the University of Thessaly. Partners from UVIC, ULILLE, and RCISD gathered to revise results and align on the upcoming work.
