Three Scottish Library Services in the 2025/26 Europe Challenge

Three Scottish libraries have been selected to take part in the Europe Challenge 2025/26 – a cross-border initiative which offers workshops, mentoring, peer exchange and up to €10,000 in funding.

Bishopbriggs Library in East Dunbartonshire, Musselburgh Library in East Lothian and the Speirs Centre in Alloa, Clackmannanshire make up three of 60 library-based projects selected from over 300 applications across 26 different countries.

All three libraries now have access to funding and support to help tackle the urgent social, digital, and green transitions unfolding in communities across Europe. The initiative brings together residents, librarians, artists, activists, and civic groups to co-create local solutions with European relevance.

Both Bishopbriggs Library and the Speirs Centre have created green-based projects to help promote environmental sustainability, climate awareness, and resilience within Communities. Meanwhile Musselburgh Library has designed a digital-based initiative that enhances digital skills, access, and literacy, ensuring communities can thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The Europe Challenge was established in 2020 and has built a cross-border network where libraries and communities share, adapt, and scale ideas. Libraries and communities apply to the programme through a Europe-wide open call. The Europe Challenge 2025/26 focuses on Libraries, Communities and Democracy and seeks to empower communities to shape their futures with libraries as trusted spaces for change.

The Challenge is initiated by the European Cultural Foundation and kindly supported by public funding through Arts Council England, Fondazione Cariplo, and the Scottish Library and Information Council.

Bishopbriggs Library: Inside Out

This initiative in association with the BetterBriggs community group will transform an unloved, noisy space into a green, accessible, autism-friendly sanctuary. It will offer storytelling, nature watching and rest – a peaceful corridor for residents and visitors, inspired by the community, for the community.

Speirs Centre: Space to Breathe

This joint project between the Speirs Centre and the local Breathe Easy support group raises awareness of clean air and climate issues in the local community through a series of social and learning events. It aims to strengthen social inclusion, wellbeing and active citizenship in Alloa.

Musselburgh Library TechTalk: an Inter-Generational Discussion and Book Group

This initiative tackles digital exclusion by taking donations of devices and refurbishing them for residents in need, supporting education and skills development. Connected Communities Musselburgh – who promote and deliver East Lothian Council’s community empowerment aims – are a project partner.

You can learn more about The Europe Challenge and the individual initiatives on The Europe Challenge website.