Green Libraries Conference: Inspiring Sustainability in the Library Sector

Tabitha Witherick-Macaulay, our Chief Executive and Charlotte Lawson, our Communications and Impact Manager recently headed to London for the CILIP Green Libraries Conference. The conference brings together librarians from across all sectors, along with inspiring speakers, to share tips, stories, and practical ideas for greener libraries.

CILIP’s Chief Executive Louis Coifaitt-Gunn set the scene of this year’s theme, ‘Planting Seeds of Change’ asking us all to think about, ‘if not now, when? This seemingly simple question became a bold statement for everyone there. It encouraged people to think about the role we can all play in creating system-wide shifts toward a more sustainable future.

Opening keynote: Libraries don’t whisper, they roar

Baroness Twycross, DCMS Minister responsible for Public Libraries and Member of the House of Lords addressed everyone sharing a favourite quote of hers that ‘libraires don’t whisper, they roar’. She spoke passionately about creating libraries of the 21st century that are vibrant, trusted spaces that shape communities.

Keynote speakers

The first keynote speaker was Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive at the National Library of Scotland. Using the example of how the National Library of Scotland is storing collections and data, she inspired delegates to think bigger about the part their libraries can play in contributing towards systemic change.

Another key session, AI and Sustainability, led by keynote speaker, Gordon Johnstone of the Scottish AI Alliance, explored both the environmental and ethical costs of AI. This was a fantastic session helping everyone to understand the real ‘price’ of technology. Not to necessarily discourage people from using AI but to educate on the implications using these platforms can have on society and the planet. It was a clear reminder that technology isn’t free, there’s always an environmental and ethical impact to consider. Gordon also encouraged attendees to think about the role libraries can play in guiding communities through these important questions.

Session highlights

Tabitha chaired an engaging session on Climate Fiction and Climate Book Clubs with Dr Ann Alston and Dr Sarah Robertson. The session shared their research into how books can help engage people in climate conversations in a way statistics and reports cannot, helping to make tackling climate issues more accessible.

A wonderful quote from the session was how “Books are very tangible and put you in your feelings”. This gave the audience a glimpse into how book clubs can be the key to unlocking empathy around taking action towards climate change.

Charlotte and Tabitha also attended Tackling Climate Misinformation and Disinformation, presented by Shohail Ismail from the Met Office. The session was jampacked with information, resources and even a quiz all designed to show the importance of trusted information. It reinforced the vital role libraries play in providing reliable sources and how important it is to maintain strong systems that ensure accurate information reaches everyone.

The main takeaway from the day was that Libraries, can and should, be central to increasing sustainability. From embedding green practices in day-to-day operations to engaging communities in meaningful climate conversations, libraries have a uniquely places to make a real difference. Tabitha and Charlotte came away excited to support libraries in this work and continue championing initiatives that make a positive environmental impact.