The European Union has launched a vast online library, which offers access to millions of books, maps, recordings, photographs, archival documents, paintings, and films from its Member States' national libraries and cultural institutions. The site, European, aims to provide new ways for people to explore Europe's heritage.

"European offers a journey through time, across borders, and into new ideas of what our culture is. More than that, it will connect people to their history and, through interactive pages and tools, to each other," said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media."

The site was overwhelmed at its launch - 10 million hits per hour. However, the temporary project development site provides a taste of what will soon be available again on the full European site.