National Library hosts EBLIDA Annual Conference and Council Empowering libraries for social cohesion and collaboration

The 31^st EBLIDA Annual Conference and Council took place from 18-19 April at the National Library of Luxembourg, bringing together 128 librarians and information professionals from 23 countries to discuss the latest trends and developments in the field.

The conference featured a diverse range of sessions and workshops, covering topics such as democratic participation and the empowerment of citizens, the challenges faced by libraries in various countries due to political interference, and the role of libraries in promoting social cohesion and community engagement. Other key themes included e-lending, sustainability, access to information and censorship. Participants had the opportunity to hear from experts in these areas, share their own experiences and insights, and connect with colleagues from different countries and contexts.

Throughout the conference, there was a strong emphasis on collaboration and partnership-building, as participants explored opportunities to work together across borders and sectors in order to address common challenges and achieve shared goals.

Overall, the conference provided a valuable opportunity for librarians and information professionals to come together, learn from each other, and strengthen the collective voice of the library community in Europe and beyond, at the National Library of Luxembourg.