Green Libraries

Abstract

The United Nations have set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) that will create a better world, now and in the future. To reach the goals, every institution, including libraries, should prioritize sustainability. The project "Green Librares – Middle East and North Africa (MENA)" does exactly that, it aims to include libraries in promoting sustainability. "Green Libraries – MENA" has set up a platform to highlight concrete contributions of libraries to achieve the SDG`s. To determine the baseline knowledge and experience of the various library types, a survey has been sent to libraries in Israel, Morocco, Egypt and Sudan. A multilingual website has been developed with a well-animated introduction to the topic "Green libraries" and enrichment with content based on the results of our survey from 2021. Furthermore articles, best practice examples, handouts and guidelines are presented on the websites of the participating countries: http://www.goethe.de/israel/greenlibraries; http://www.goethe.de/marokko/greenlibraries; http://www.goethe.de/sudan/greenlibraries; http://www.goethe.de/aegypten/greenlibraries The projects we invented build networks and skill share of sustainable library work and is therefore connected with the described development of IFLA. To face uncertain times, we are working with local NGOs like SINSILA, Bustan4all. They are trying to build a green, liveable future by planting trees and building green roofs.