CILIP’s second Green Libraries Conference took place on 25 November 2024 and showcased various sector work towards sustainability. There were three keynote speeches made by Baroness Natalie Bennett – Green Party Peer, Rachael Brown – University of Portsmouth and Piers Torday – Society of Authors.
Over 180 delegates representing libraries across the sector came together at the British Library in London to discuss the unique position libraries hold in educating, raising awareness and taking action on the environment.
The Conference created opportunities for delegates to reflect on the role of libraries, both across the sector and as a worldwide community of professionals, to share practical advice and lessons learned in green practices and further afield. At the 2024 Conference, presentations included the following topic areas:
- Collaborating to make a difference
- Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
- Sustainable Collections and Climate Literacy
- Showcasing Sustainable Practice
Delegate testimonials
- This was a fantastic opportunity to meet people across the sector and share good ideas and practices, where even the smallest of initiatives could make a huge difference. Lots of information and practical actions to take back into my own organisation (Jo Illsley – Senior Library Assistant, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust).
- 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! (Anna McMahon, Cambridgeshire Libraries).
- This was an inspiring conference with a key message about hope and the need to develop strong positive narratives about sustainability to better engage with our communities about the climate emergency. This conference gave me time and space to hear from some excellent and inspiring presenters and to hear about approaches made by other libraries to become Green Libraries. I have come away with lots of ideas and initiatives that I am keen to put into practice (Alison Day, Knowledge and Library Services Senior Manager, NHS England).
- Attending the CILIP Green Libraries conference made me realise the vital role libraries and librarians can have in developing sustainable practices in all sectors (Murtaza Fakhri, UCL Student).
