” Who is Afraid of Library Power? Empowering Citizens for a Democratic and Sustainable Society.”

A rich program is offered, balancing theoretical issues and careful attention to library practices, with a variety of voices from civil society, as well as (library) professionals, panel sessions and plenty of opportunities for interaction. The bottom line of the conference, and its most resonant message, is that libraries are not self-referential institutions; they do not work in isolation. They reflect the needs of the communities they serve. We need stronger libraries if we want a Europe that is stronger, cohesive and closer to its citizens. Speakers include Claude D. Conter, Director of the National Library Luxembourg; Patrick Engelberg, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the Council of Europe; and Matjaz Gruden, Director of the Division Democratic Participation, Council of Europe.