Green Libraries: : How public libraries are adapting to a sustainable future

A CILIP Training Session for Staff Working in Public Libraries

Online Half-Day Course

13 December 2022 10am-1pm

A training session for delegates to increase their knowledge of sustainability in relation to public libraries.

Public libraries hold a responsibility to their communities to inform and educate on the subject of sustainability. Libraries have always been creative in how they engage communities but the issue of sustainability goes beyond; it stretches to the buildings themselves and the daily services they provide. This session will look at how public libraries have met this growing, urgent need for an assessment of facilities and services  – and what can we still do – so that public libraries can be environmentally responsible.

We will examine what ‘Green Libraries’ means in a public library context and what organisations are doing to support this. Delegates will learn about some of the projects and service changes already implemented and have the opportunity to discuss with colleagues what we would like to see take place in our own libraries.

Trainer: Imogen Loucas

Librarian, Royal Borough of Greenwich, GLL
Business Support Officer (Start-Up Bromley), London Borough of Bromley

One of my biggest passions in life is easy access to information; which to me is what a library encapsulates. Although I only began working in libraries in September 2019, I have been fortunate to have worked across all the London Boroughs GLL operates (Bromley, Greenwich  and Wandsworth) allowing me to have a range of experiences at varying levels of responsibilities, giving me an unique understanding of the different operational needs of a library depending on its size and the community it serves. I am also currently completing my Masters at UCL in Library & Information Services. 

As someone who has strived to be more environmentally conscious and understands that businesses need to take the biggest lead in making the world more sustainable, I am keenly interested in how public libraries are changing their operations to meet the growing demands of their communities to be more conscious of the environment.

 Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the sustainability agenda and how public library services have responded
• Gain knowledge on the different avenues to sustainability available to public libraries both in terms of services and the physical building itself. 
  
• Increase understanding by discussing with colleagues, sharing experiences and practical tips
• Start to feel more empowered in advocating for more ‘green practices’ and more confident in discussing sustainability issues in relation to your libraries.  

Venue: Online using Zoom

The course is hosted through our online video conference system. This software is optimal for audience participation and provides free, accessible and remote access. Delegates will be sent details of the Zoom link as part of their joining instructions.