This paper analyzes the differences between public library strategies of European countries. Public libraries are one of the most important parts of social, cultural and political life of the community. They provide access to information and information sources, allow access to its material to all citizens, support the formal system of education and lifelong learning, and promote all forms of literacy. In order to efficiently perform specified duties and to achieve better opportunities for future development, a unique public library strategy at national level is required. In Croatia, there is currently only a draft of a strategy which defines the requirements that public libraries should reach, and measures that should be taken in order to solve the existing problems. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the public library strategies of Croatia, Slovenia, Ireland and the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden). The main research method of this study is a comparative analysis of texts. The first part of the paper presents the public libraries network of each of these countries, and analysis of their strategies. The second part of the paper deals with the comparison of strategies according to a certain criteria. In conclusion, the results of the comparison will be presented and the most detailed strategy stated. Also, directions for improvement and possible update of other strategies will be given.