Marino College JCSP Library participated in this year’s Europe Challenge, an initiative of the European Cultural Foundation. We were the first Irish library to participate in the Challenge and were one of only 57 libraries across Europe selected to take part.
Our JCSP Library in Marino College worked in close collaboration with the local Residents’ Association to present a programme of library-based workshops and events on the theme of Marino 100, celebrating 100 years since the area (the first social housing project built in Ireland after independence) was built, as well as directly addressing the challenges of anti-immigration rhetoric in our community. We collaborated with many external groups and agencies, including Easy Treesie, RTE Jnr, Mater Hospital Foundation, Black & Irish, the 5 Lamps Arts Festival, East Wall Here 4 All, Viva Dance School and Akidwa.
The project culminated in a joyous Culture Festival and Community Parade, which saw active participation from over 700 young people and members of the community.
In addition to the funding and support provided by the European Cultural Foundation, our collaborations were informed by the Dept. of Education’s Creative Clusters initiative, which saw us work with St. Vincent’s Girls National School, St. Vincent’s Schools Griffith Avenue, St. Joseph’s Fairview and Mount Carmel School. Our project was the recipient of the Arts in Education Portal Documentation Award 2024, which saw the production of a short documentary film.
Myself and a representative from the community, our JCSP co-ordinator Sarah Connor, presented the final report of the initiative at ‘If Librarians Ran Europe’ – The Amsterdam Summit of The Europe Challenge, which brought together library professionals, policymakers, and community leaders in Amsterdam’s central library (the OBA) to explore how libraries are driving change across Europe. This landmark event showcased the innovative work of 57 challenge teams from 24 countries, each addressing critical challenges like social isolation, inequality, and climate crisis. It was an incredible opportunity to tell policy makers from the EU institutions about the JCSP Library Project and the work we do, as well as a chance to meet like-minded librarians and artists from all across Europe to compare notes and share ideas.
Notable speakers included climate change activist Mikaela Loach, political cartoonist Khalid Albaih, former Deputy Mayor for Culture in Lisbon Catarina Vaz Pinto, and Director of Libraries at Arts Council England, Luke Burton, who challenged participants to reimagine libraries as essential pillars of democratic renewal.
The Summit also featured the launch of How Libraries Survive Thrive – A Guide for Libraries in Europe, a publication showcasing the transformative impact of libraries. It features conversations, including with #BookTok star Jack Edwards and renowned library architect Francine Houben, as well as profiles on each of the successful Challenge Projects.
