Library Strategy: How Lisbon Library Network is strengthening libraries as a cultural and social ecosystem
Project: Developing libraries as community-driven cultural facilities, promoting equity, critical thinking and democratic participation.
Beyond collections and services, libraries are cultural facilities and social ecosystems, spaces where knowledge, inclusion and active citizenship intersect. The Lisbon Library Network functions as an integrated municipal system connecting libraries across the city’s neighbourhoods. The network’s Strategic Programme 2025–2035 ensures that this ecosystem continues to thrive, adapting to technological, social and urban transformations while reinforcing the library’s role at the heart of Lisbon’s cultural policy.
The Lisbon Library Network’s Strategic Programme 2025–2035 sets out a long-term vision for the city’s libraries, building on the achievements of Programa Estratégico Bibliotecas XXI (‘Strategic Library Program XXI’) (2012-2024) while adapting to contemporary challenges. Rather than proposing disruption, the programme ensures continuity and renewal, recognising the value of existing work while aligning it with the demands of the second quarter of the 21st century. Inspired by both national and international best practices, the four-pronged strategy positions libraries as essential cultural facilities, meeting places and engines of community building in an evolving urban landscape.
Strengthening network sustainability
The first strand of the strategy focuses on strengthening the Lisbon Library Network itself. This means ensuring libraries remain modern, accessible and evenly distributed throughout the city. Maintenance and renovation of existing facilities will go hand-in-hand with the creation of new spaces, guaranteeing that all neighbourhoods benefit from high-quality library services. This approach reinforces libraries as vital cultural and social infrastructure.
Putting people at the heart of library services, through equity and inclusion
With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, the Lisbon Library Network’s strategy highlights the role of people in shaping libraries. By strengthening connections with local communities, the network promotes knowledge sharing, builds partnerships and embraces collaborative governance. This participatory model ensures that citizens are not only users of library services but also active contributors to their development, making libraries living institutions that evolve with community needs.
The strategy also ensures Lisbon’s libraries will serve as platforms for fair access to knowledge, cultural diversity and full participation for all residents, regardless of background. Through targeted projects and activities, the programme addresses social inequality and positions libraries as spaces that actively foster social cohesion and intercultural dialogue.
Creating spaces for critical thinking and democratic citizenship
Reaffirming the library’s role as a space for debate and cultural engagement is also a property in Lisbon Library Network’s latest strategy. By promoting reading, cultural practices and critical reflection, the network contributes to an informed citizenry and strengthens democratic values. Libraries are positioned as arenas where cultural participation, learning and open dialogue support the development of a more engaged and thoughtful society.
Overall, Lisbon Library Network’s Strategic Programme 2025–2035 strengthens libraries as inclusive, community-driven cultural facilities, promoting equity, critical thinking and democratic participation.
