Join this informal online discussion, 'A Virtual Break', hosted by the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme (EIFL-PLIP) on the topic 'The Civic Potential of Public Libraries' - that is, the potential of public libraries in divided societies to foster dialogue between different viewpoints and combat misinformation and manipulation encountered online. 

Stella Migide Madete, University Librarian at Umma University in Kenya, will invite us to consider the evolving role of libraries in African societies as civic hubs that promote access to credible information, civic literacy and democratic participation.

Baiba Ivane, Chief Bibliographer at the Regional Library of Salaspils County in Latvia, will talk about the library's experience of bridging community divides amid Europe’s geopolitical tensions by organizing conversation clubs, applying the ‘Living Library’ method, and enhancing citizens’ media and information literacy.

• Date and time: Tuesday, 14 April 2026, 15.00 UTC+2. Check your local time here.
• Registration: You can register here.