The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto proclaims UNESCO’s belief in the public library as a living force for education, culture and information, and as an essential agent for the fostering of peace and welfare through the minds of all people.

IFLA Public Library Manifesto 2022 (Poster)

This Manifesto was first created in 1949 and has been updated over the decades as the role of libraries in society evolves. The previous edition was in use as a cornerstone of IFLA’s library advocacy since 1994.

In July 2022, IFLA and UNESCO announced the launch of a newly updated IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. This update is intended to ensure that the Manifesto continues to reflect the realities and mission of public libraries today.

The most recent update was made possible by IFLA’s Public Library Section, with support from the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP). A global surveying process was carried out to inform the update with input from library professionals around the world.

The manifesto was published in English and translations are being provided into IFLA’s working languages and also by the IFLA community.

The Manifesto (English)

The IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto 2022

The 2022 IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto offers an update on this important tool for library advocacy. Last updated in 1994, the new edition considers changes in technology and society in order to ensure that the Manifesto continues to reflect the realities and mission of public libraries today...

The Manifesto at a glance

The 2022 IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto at a Glance

This summary offers an overview of new and expanded concepts in the 2022 IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto at a glance.

Toolkit and Examples

See our separate webpage on the Manifesto Toolkit, translations and related material for public library advocacy.

Translations (Official IFLA languages)

Translations (Other languages)

If you would like to translate the Public Library Manifesto into another language, please contact [email protected] and we will provide you with a template and instructions.

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