We got proposals from projects from 23 different countries for this award! The jury had a hard time choosing. But while these projects weren’t selected they deserve an honourable mention:
- Take the Library to the Streets! Artful Community Inclusion (Ireland)
- LibraryLab: Intergenerational Changemakers Hub (Bulgaria)
- Dordthuis brugwachtershuisje (bridge keepers house) – the world’s smallest third place (Netherlands)
- Green Shelf Network (South Africa)
- Let’s chat with an accent (Iceland)
- Cicloficina na Biblioteca (Portugal)
⬇️ Read more about some of the projects here below ⬇️
Take the Library to the Streets! Artful Community Inclusion (Ireland)
In Dublin’s multicultural North-East Inner City, Marino College’s Creative Minds Festival uses art to celebrate diversity and build community.
What began in a small school library grew into vibrant city-wide parades, workshops, and cultural feasts involving over 1,300 people. Students, local residents, artists, and migrants collaborate on props, music, food, and storytelling rooted in global myths and local legends. Backed by national and EU support, the festival fosters inclusion, pride, and youth voice—transforming the school library into a powerful engine for creativity, belonging, and social cohesion.
Dordthuis brugwachtershuisje – The World’s Smallest Third Place (Netherlands)
In Dordrecht, the new public building ‘Dordthuis’ will unite library services, social services, and more — designed to connect citizens and strengthen local democracy.As a preview, a pop-up mini Dordthuis opened inside the tiny bridge keeper’s house, seating just 2–3 people with beautiful river views. Here, strangers, neighbors, and policymakers meet to discuss city life and community issues in a democratic, co-creative spirit. This unique, intimate “third place” invites real conversations beyond information exchange.
The dream is for Dordthuis to become the city’s welcoming heart — a space to belong, connect, and participate fully in civic life.
Green Shelf Network (South Africa)
The Green Shelf Network reimagines libraries as modular gardens that combine eco-literacy with library services. Patrons borrow books and gardening tools, tend seedling beds made from recycled bookcases, and attend workshops on composting and urban gardening—all within their local library.
Despite limited resources, this innovative project earned an Honorable Mention for inspiring sustainable community engagement. With further support, the network plans to grow globally, creating green learning spaces that connect people with nature and promote sustainability.
Let’s chat with an accent – Spjöllum með hreim (Iceland)
Language learning meets laughter in Reykjavík’s weekly “Spjöllum með hreim” sessions. These free, no-pressure gatherings invite Icelandic learners to connect over tea, games, crafts, reading, and museum visits. Rotating themes support varied learning styles and focus on spoken interaction—where mistakes are welcome and community is key. With experienced facilitators and a warm atmosphere, the project reduces social isolation and makes learning fun.
The team now asks:
– Can libraries offer parallel kid-friendly activities so single parents can join?
– What are great vocabulary games for mixed-language groups of children?
Get a feel for the vibe: Chat and Play | Chat and Read | Chat and Explore | Chat and Craft
