Athens today hosts over 20,000 refugees and 145,000 registered immigrants who make up about 22% of its population. Apart from meeting basic needs, one of the most important challenges it faces is social exclusion, a daily reality that is intensified by cultural differences, economic inequalities and language limitations. The challenge to human dignity is exacerbated by the majority of Greek citizens who see the growing number of refugees and migrants as a threat and believe that they cannot integrate into local society. By creating spaces reserved exclusively for refugees, immigrants and locals there is no opportunity for them to come into contact with each other, perpetuating stereotypes and fear of difference, with little or no opportunity to create social cohesion.
In a metropolitan area of about 4 million inhabitants, there are no cultural spaces specifically designed to serve Greeks and non-Greeks equally, where people can participate in activities that promote the social integration of immigrants and refugees together. Moreover, there is no place where different communities can find books in their mother tongues, where they can exchange ideas and learn from each other. While many concerns are expressed about the social integration of immigrants and refugees in Greek society, real progress depends on conscious steps on both sides.
Greece, like the rest of Europe, is experiencing rising waves of national populism and intolerance. The economic crisis continues to affect the majority of people here, creating resentment and even more severe polarization. We believe that these trends can be disrupted through initiatives like ours. We need books that are rooted in community, inclusive, celebrating both multiculturalism and inclusive ethnic identity, and inviting everyone to participate.
Thus, at We Need Books we proceeded to develop a pilot program in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens since October 2018. We were given space in one of the most "demanding" areas of the city, Theater Square, to create the model of the first multilingual library of Athens, 14 languages, for children and adults. It was the only place in Athens open to everyone, offering access to books in Arabic, Farsi and Urdu. In fact, it was the only cultural space where refugees, locals and travelers could meet, participate in workshops and attend free language classes, which were run by volunteers. We offered four Greek language courses, two English, one German and one French, plus weekly creative workshops for children and adults. We have also organized events that promote our ideals, such as panel discussions, art exhibitions and concerts.
Most of the books come from private donations while some have been bought with money from crowdfunding campaigns. The project itself is the result of two years of intensive volunteer work by the members of We Need Books.
The pilot We Need Books Multilingual Library became a meeting place for young refugees, international travelers and local book lovers. It was also a haven for unaccompanied minors living in shelters who had no private space to read and study. The pilot library and its activities were run by 19 volunteers - some refugees and migrants themselves - contributing around 55 hours a week.
The pilot project ended in early July. But the We Need Books team was absolutely determined to relocate and not only keep the library going, but expand its scope. And he did. A suitable place was found and moved to Kypseli, the most multicultural area of the city. We Need Books Multilingual Library/Community Center opened its doors November 1st and 2nd.
