IN DEPTH ‘‘
Rob Green is Editor of Information Professional.
Making a difference with Green Libraries Week and Conference
CILIP’s Green Libraries Week and Green Libraries Conference are taking place in October. Yvonne Morris and Hinna Vayani talk to Rob Green about what to expect from this year’s events.
THIS year’s Green Libraries Conference will kick off Green Libraries Week, offering expert insight and advice into how libraries can deliver sustainable futures for the communities they serve. Green Libraries Conference will take place on Monday 27 October, coinciding with the start of Green Libraries Week – which runs until 2 November. Yvonne Morris, CILIP’s Projects and Programme’s manager, says the conference will be the perfect start to the week.
“From decarbonising library buildings to growing climate literate collections and strengthening community resilience as citizens face worsening environmental volatility, libraries are leading the way when it comes to climate action. “At the third Green Libraries Conference, library and infor- mation professionals of all sectors and levels of experience will gather to reflect, connect and collaborate. Best practice examples will be mixed with inspirational speakers as we take tangible steps towards a better, more equitable future for people and planet that has the nation’s beloved libraries at its heart.” Following this year’s Green Libraries Week theme of Seeds of Change – Make a Difference with your Library, the con- ference will deliver a “dynamic mix of cutting-edge keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions and parallel sessions that bring together a range of sectors, the Conference will inspire pro- fessionals and stakeholders to identify and amplify the difference that their libraries are already making. We will introduce vital new voices in library-led climate action, as well as hearing exciting updates from familiar faces to discover what ideas have blossomed since last year’s conference.”
Programme highlights
With a mix of thought leadership, practical advice and inspiring keynotes, Green Libraries Conference brings offers delegates the chance to develop a better understanding of how libraries can be part of the climate crisis solution. Yvonne said: “We are delighted that Amina Shah, National Lib- rarian of Scotland and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland has accepted our invitation to deliver the opening keynote this year. Amina will be followed by speakers exploring themes including sustainability and AI, climate fiction, envi- ronmentally-friendly exhibitions, green procurement, digital decarbonisation, climate justice and tackling climate misinfor- mation and disinformation.
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“In our plenary panel discussion on writing a climate action plan, chaired by Georgina Wilson-Powell, founder and editor of Pebble Magazine, we will hear from academic, health, pub- lic and school librarians. And in our closing plenary, Kirsten MacQuarrie, CILIPS Sector Development Manager, will be in conversation with Professional Registration Assessors about how climate justice can be addressed in a submission for certification, chartership or fellowship.
“Our parallels will feature speakers from across the sectors and beyond. Dr Ann Alston and Dr Sarah Robertson from University of West of England will talk about their research into climate fiction, the Sustainability Team at V&A will share tips for making exhibitions and displays sustainable, digital decarbonisation and green procurement will be explored by speakers from health, national, academic and research libraries, and we will spotlight nature projects in public libraries.
“We will also be joined by Thea Sherer, Vice President, Sus- tainability, and Climate Action Officer at Springer Nature Group, who will present her work driving forward a programme that measures, monitors and works to improve the publishers’ envi- ronmental and social impacts. And Gordon Johnstone from the Scottish AI Alliance will deliver a keynote with calls to action for all the nation’s library professionals.”
This is CILIP’s third Green Libraries Conference, delivered through the Green Libraries Campaign, with partners British Library, Arts Council England, Libraries Connected, Julie’s Bicycle, SCONUL, RLUK, CONUL, ASCEL, National Library of Scotland and Blackpool Libraries. The cross sector approach is helping to ensure learning can be collaborative. Adam Tocock, Library Services Manager at The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and co-chair of the Sustain- ability in NHS Knowledge and Library Services Community of Practice, said: “Like the first two Green Libraries Conferences I’m expecting to be inspired by colleagues working in other sectors, and expecting to pinch their great ideas and take them back to my own! Also expecting to make some new like-minded friends I can start collaborating with.”
Anna McMahon, from Cambridgeshire Libraries said: “The Green Libraries Conference is a chance to take encouragement and inspiration from others in our field who recognise the role libraries can play to engage the public around climate and nature. Get up to date with the latest developments, share and spark ideas, return to your library service ready for further action.”
Autumn 2025
www.cilip.org.uk/greenlibraries
The aim is to give library services the opportunity to engage with communities, building awareness of how libraries can support sustainable activity. – Hinna Vayani
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