Europe Direct Initiative

Public libraries may take part in an initiative to link citizens and European Union (EU) institutions by providing information on EU citizens' rights, the opportunities available to EU citizens and how to take advantage of these rights and opportunities.

Europe Direct at Portlaoise Library is Your Local Link to Europe 

Library EU Direct Logo

What is Europe Direct? 

Europe Direct is an information service that links YOU, the citizen, to the European Union. We are here to provide information on all aspects of EU activities, how they affect you, how you can benefit from them and how you can have your say on issues of the day. Europe Direct at Portlaoise Library is your starting point for finding information about the EU. 

Europe Direct Portlaoise is one of eight Europe Direct centres in Ireland, which in turn is part of the Europe-wide network of Europe Direct centres. 

Our job is to: 

  • Help you to obtain at a local level, information, advice, assistance and answers to questions about the EU, its institutions, activities and funding opportunities. 
  • Actively promote local and regional debate about Europe, by organising events and debates. 
  • Improve the distribution of information about the EU in a way which is adapted to local and regional needs. 
  • Give you the chance to send feedback to the EU institutions in the form of questions, views and suggestions 

What service do we provide? 

  • Information on the European Union 
  • Access to publications and brochures from EU institutions 
  • Access to PCs to search for EU material 
  • A freephone link to the Europe Direct Helpdesk 
  • Events, including talks, exhibitions, and competitions 
  • Materials targeted specifically at schools, from a brief introduction to the EU for primary school pupils to more academic-based material for second level students 
  • School classes and other groups are welcome to visit 

EUROPE DIRECT gives you

  • General information about EU matters in any of the official EU languages 
  • An answer to your questions on any European Union policy 
  • Practical information on dozens of subjects: for example, how to get your qualifications recognised or how to complain about unsafe products 
  • Contact details of relevant organisations you may need to deal with 
  • Advice to help you overcome practical problems with exercising your rights in Europe. 
  • We also hold several events throughout the year 

Further information