25 July, Vilnius - The 2022 EIFL Public Library Innovation Award, with support from the LEGO Foundation, will be awarded to public and community libraries that have proved excellence in enabling learning through play.

EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) works with public libraries in developing and transition economy countries to introduce innovative services that respond to community needs. The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to ensuring children globally are given opportunities to learn through play which develops in them essential skills to thrive in life and reach their full potential.

“Last year the EIFL Public Library Innovation Award celebrated its 10th anniversary. The award brings international visibility and recognition for outstanding public library programmes and services that make a difference to local communities. The 2022 award, which we will be announcing in September, with the LEGO Foundation is a fantastic opportunity for local libraries to share creative practices that enable children to learn new skills through play,” said Ramune Petuchovaite, Manager of the EIFL Public Library Innovation Programme.

“Children deserve to have safe spaces where they can learn, explore, and grow. Our evidence has shown that learning through play develops holistic skills in children and sets them up for greater success in life. The LEGO Foundation’s Build of World of Play campaign aims to support community hubs, such as libraries and museums, to be centers for playful learning for the communities they are in. Which is why we are happy to support public libraries through the EIFL Public Library Innovation Award,” said Søren Holm, Head of Experiences & Facilitation at the LEGO Foundation.

The award for public libraries enabling learning through play will open for applications on 15 September 2022. Up to three winners will be selected by a panel consisting of professionals from the international library, and research in play and learning fields.

ABOUT EIFL

EIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries) is an international not-for-profit organization with headquarters in Lithuania that works with libraries to enable access to knowledge in over 50 developing and transition economy countries in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. 

Every year EIFL invites public and community libraries to apply for an EIFL Public Library Innovation Award. The awards highlight important community development issues and recognize innovative uses of digital technology in services that improve people’s lives. Since 2011 EIFL has completed 15 innovation award calls and announced the names of 53 winners in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. For more information visit https://www.eifl.net/about-awards

• EIFL: www.eifl.net
• MEDIA CONTACT: Ramune Petuchovaite, ramune@eifl.net

ABOUT THE LEGO FOUNDATION

The LEGO Foundation shares the mission of the LEGO Group: to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. The Foundation is dedicated to building a future in which learning through play empowers children to become creative, engaged, lifelong learners. Its work is about re-defining play and re-imagining learning. In collaboration with thought leaders, influencers, educators and parents the LEGO Foundation aims to equip, inspire and activate champions for play. 

Build a World of Play is a campaign of the LEGO Foundation that aims to remind the world why play matters and invite the world to never miss a chance to learn through play. Through our partners, we want to bring playful learning to children in at least 11 different countries. For more information, visit https://learningthroughplay.com/build-a-world-of-play

• LEGO Foundation: https://learningthroughplay.com
• MEDIA CONTACT: Zak Yuson, zak.yuson@lego.com