Reaching the readers of Europe

Abstract

The world in 2020 was a very different place. As the coronavirus pandemic escalated globally, Europe was significantly impacted. To protect against the virus countries went into lockdown. People were confined to their homes. Books were a solace for many. With reading rooms in libraries closed, librarians had to think of new and creative ways to engage users. The Library of the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU (the Council Library), the Croatian Presidency of the EU and Permanent Representations to the EU launched an initiative to promote literature that would reach almost two million people. The idea was not revolutionary, or new, rather it was the reimagining of a long-lived library tool - a reading list. Through its savvy use of Facebook advertising, and messages of solidarity and hope, it connected with people confined to their homes. Promoting literature from various European languages. When viewed through the lens of a pandemic it magnified values such as hope, empathy, courage and solidarity. Common values that resonated throughout Europe and further afield. Values that might otherwise go unnoticed, that are needed in times such as this. This poster showcases the Readers of Europe campaign.