The organizer reserves the right to implement changes in the event schedule.

The community space can accommodate up to 35-40 people and is suitable for smaller events, workshops, lectures, and roundtable discussions. Smartboards and whiteboards are also available in the space, so it is possible to hold classes with a small number of people.

Venue: ELTE University Library and Archives (1056 Budapest, Ferenciek tere 6.)

The Europe Challenge programme unites European libraries and their communities to jointly develop creative solutions for addressing various challenges facing Europe, such as social exclusion, inequality, disinformation, and the climate crisis. The annual program was first launched in 2020 by the Amsterdam-based European Cultural Foundation and its partners (Fondazione Cariplo, the Scottish Library and Information Council and Arts Council England). In each case, the respective libraries respond to the problems raised by the local community. They may not only receive financial support for the implementation of their programmes but their representatives can also participate in the related mentoring programme for skill and knowledge development.

For the 3rd, 2024 edition of the programme, 55 institutions have been selected from all over Europe and awarded over EUR 466,000 in total by the European Cultural Foundation and its partners. Based on the jury’s decision, Eötvös Loránd University is one of the grantees and represents the only successful applicant from Hungary in the programme’s history so far.

More about The Europe Challenge

This book presents examples and best practices brought forward by dozens of librarians and communities involved in The Europe Challenge in 2024. 

BoYL, running from January to September 2024 at ELTE, is implemented jointly by the University Library and Archives, the University Students’ Union (EHÖK), the International Strategy Office and the University Strategy Office. An essential objective of the programme is to launch initiatives which are in line with ELTE's Internationalisation Strategy, and which will be embedded in the University's practice well beyond the actual project period.

International students of ELTE arrive from over 100 countries; they form more than 10% of the currently enrolled members of the University Library and Archives.In line with ELTE's Internationalisation Strategy, BoYL places great emphasis on enhancing international students’ mental well-being and encouraging multicultural relationships.

In the first phase of the project, international and domestic students brainstorm together with university support staff about what kind of activities would make their daily life in the library and the university environment more convenient. Also, students can co-create the new community space in a physical sense: they can join creative workshops with a sustainability aspect, producing furniture for the community space.

In the second phase of the project, from late spring 2024 onwards, multilingual thematic activities will be organized in the new community space at the University Library and Archives, including for example interactive lectures, round tables, book exchange and pop-up exhibitions. Mobilisation of the student community will also be done through online campaigns via ELTE’s social media. The observations of the participatory project will be widely shared by ELTE with its domestic and international partners.

Kick-off presentation about the project
Closing presentation about the project
Before & After (Collage about the transformation of a former study room)

The organizer reserves the right to implement changes in the event schedule.

ELTE University Library and Archives (reservation of community space)
kabinet@lib.elte.hu

International Strategy Office (programmes, events)
nemzetkozi@rk.elte.hu

University Strategy Office (coordinator of Book Your Life)
strategia@rk.elte.hu