LiBri: Libraries in Service of Exiled Communities

In the spring of 2024, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) launched an ambitious program in France called LiBri (Library Bridges), co-financed by the European Union through the European Fund for Asylum, Migration and Integration. Its ambition: to improve the welcome of exiled individuals in European libraries by reinforcing cooperation between librarians and solidarity actors. 

With 1.1 million asylum applications filed in 2023 in Europe, the question of the integration of migrants remains a major issue. Libraries, which number 65,000 in Europe, play an essential role in this reception, by facilitating language learning, access to administrative procedures, and social and professional integration. However, these establishments suffer from a lack of means and resources to deploy appropriate inclusion initiatives. 

In response to this observation, a European consortium led by BSF was formed around the LiBri project. Alongside us, several organizations engaged in the field of libraries and the reception of exiled people are participating in this initiative: l’Association des villes et des territoires accueillants (France, l’ANVITA), Information Society Development Foundation (FRSI, Poland), Culture and Information System Centers (Lattia), Communities of the Future Association (Romania), Biblioteche Senza Frontiere (Italy), and le Bureau européen des associations de bibliothèques, d’information et de documentation (EBLIDA).

“All stages of the integration process for people in migration situations can be accompanied by the action of libraries. From conveying the basics of rights and citizenship to guidance toward employee and social assistance, including access to education and health prevention, libraries are places of unconditional welcome, free of charge, open to all, the only ‘knowledge intermediaries’ to resist the commodification of our societies and the decline of public service” Jérémy Lachal, Director General of BSF.

A Crucial Role in the Integration of Exiled People

Until 2026, the LiBri project is working to build a European network of inclusive libraries in France, Italy, Romania, Poland, and Latvia.

“Libraries embody the values of unconditional welcome in our territories. By opening their doors to everyone, they become essential refuges for those in situations of migration, vulnerability, and precariousness. Strong social, cultural, and knowledge exchange bonds are woven there, serving as vectors of social cohesion and solidarity. ANVITA is proud to lead the LiBri project in France so that the libraries in our territories become more inclusive for migrants!” Léa Enon-Baron, co-director of ANVITA.

At the end of 2024, the LiBri collective published a collection of inspiring European initiatives to welcome exiles.

“Most of the member libraries have already put in place, on their own initiative, a number of services for migrant audiences, notably around language learning and practice. The project aims to share these good practices, help libraries better understand the needs of their exiled audiences – sometimes very diverse – and to reflect together on new courses of action.” Claire Helluin, LiBri project manager – BSF.

In the spring of 2025, fifty European libraries were chosen – including twelve in France – to develop a concrete action plan aimed at improving their welcoming capacity and developing partnerships with hospitality actors. To do this, they will be inspired by already identified good practices. The first step will be an on-site diagnosis in these fifty territories to meet directly with libraries and better understand their needs.

At the same time, inspired by good European practices, BSF is developing four meditation guides aimed at audiences in migration situations. The advice and activities proposed will be structured around four main areas of library action: social cohesion through culture, skills development, the creation of a safe and welcoming space, as well as outreach. 

These tools can be pre-ordered, free of charge, at the ABF congress in Montreuil, where LiBri will be present from.

For libraries to remain welcoming and inclusive places for exiled people, we need you. By supporting Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders), you can help us develop resources, train librarians, and support these essential spaces in their social mission. 

Make a donation and help build more supportive libraries across Europe.

Translation by Emma Dubay