Libraries Inspiring Young People toward Sustainable Futures: A Danish Example

Abstract

There is no doubt that libraries explore new paths and develop. We do that every day – and we must keep doing that. New types of materials and media enter our collections. Thirty-four so called Sustainability Kits are from now on a part of the collection at The Odense Libraries. The premise is" Why buy and own if you can share and loan?" Our wish was to challenge what you can loan at a public library! We wished to combine knowledge and creativity. The Kits are theme-based and intended to be a source of inspiration in everyday life while offering the possibility to try, learn something new or just test for fun. This is a new perspective on sharing economy, where you do not just buy and dispose, but try things first – e.g., by borrowing a juicer and make juice from the apples in your garden – Now it is possible to borrow the juicer at the local public library and try it, before investing in one permanently. In the Kit you'll find the juicer as well as books on various kinds of apples, how to trim and care for your apple trees etc.