IFLA’s Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB) is pleased to announce the winner of the IFLA Green Library Award 2024. The IFLA Green Library Award was established in 2016 by ENSULIB (SIG) and generously sponsored by De Gruyter Publishing.

The award was presented at the Culture, Knowledge and Community: An International Conference in Barcelona, Spain on October 8, 2024 [recording].

The winners of the IFLA Green Library Award 2024 in Barcelona, Spain on 8 October 2024.  Photo credit@Alejandro García.

 

Winners of the IFLA Green Library/Grand Scale Project Award 2024

1st Place: US, Missoula: Missoula Public Library, “Missoula Public Library”

The Missoula Public Library exemplifies sustainability through its innovative programming and green practices. It has taken an innovative approach to housing third party organizations focused on family development, STEM education, and media literacy. The Library’s reach is extensive, reaching 23,000 people through 1,000 programmes, three quarters of which address environmental conservation, social sustainability and economic equality. The new building follows green principles and includes Indigenous art. Its design maximizes natural light, blending modern innovation with ancient wisdom. The Library’s award submission showcases its comprehensive sustainability efforts.

2nd Place: Germany, Paderborn: Stadtbibliothek Paderborn, “Eden – a sustainable library” 

The Stadtbibliothek Paderborn / Paderborn City Library renovated a 460-year-old building, and upcycled scrap by products for furniture. It emphasizes the sharing economy with items like a seed library, food sharing programme, clothing exchange, and tool library. The Library listens to community needs, aiming incorporate their wishes into design and programming. With 80 partners, it used participatory design methods for the renovation. Programmes address food insecurity and waste, promoting sustainability across environmental, social, and economic aspects, fostering a connected, trust-based community.

 

3rd Place: Spain, Salamanca: Biology Library of the University of Salamanca, “Small, but working together it works!”

The Biology Library of the University of Salamanca features interdisciplinary collections in natural sciences and new media, engaging both academic and local communities. It fosters connections between university research and the broader community through activities like guided walks, conferences, and film series. Resources are shared with both the academic and local community, including equipment loans. The digital magazine “Bionoticias” shares global research on science and the environment. The Library is committed to a programme of public engagement about  sustainability, partnering with environmental groups to help raise environmental awareness.

Winners of the IFLA Green Library Project Award 2024

1st Place: Ireland, Dublin: UCD Library, James Joyce Building, “Beyond the Lifecycle: Libraries Supporting the Circular Economy”

The “Beyond the Lifecycle” project is clear, well-developed, and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (4, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 17). It fosters a circular economy by restoring and redistributing old library furniture to 52 entities, including educational institutions, community centers, NGOs, and individuals with disabilities. This sustainable initiative is praised for its comprehensive approach and positive community impact, serving as a model for libraries worldwide. An inspiring and exceptional work.

2nd Place: Ukraine, Kyiv: Library at Priorka for children, ‘Ecological space “Green Library” : in search of ech0eroes and a way out of the ecological crisis‘

The project excels in promoting environmental awareness among children and positions the Library as a key player in addressing the ecological crisis. It combines education, aesthetics, and practical action, creating an eco-friendly library space, based on environmentally conscious design and the use of recycled materials, and providing a diverse collection of ecological literature. Supported by charitable donations, it demonstrates grassroots commitment to sustainability. The initiative’s expansion to other Ukrainian libraries highlights its broader impact. It educates, reduces environmental impact, and serves as a model for sustainable living and library management.

3rd Place: China, Foshan City: Foshan Library, “Reading in Green: the intelligent book stacks project”

Foshan Library’s “Reading in Green: the Intelligent Book Stacks Project” is a comprehensive initiative that aims to bring books to distant citizens using technologies like Artificial Intelligence, though it faces criticism for its reliance on technological solutions and potential to result in job losses. Despite concerns about its environmental impact, the project is praised for its extensive application, impressive presentation, and significant funding, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and public engagement.

Runner-up: Turkey, Ankara: Uşak Banaz Public Library, “Agro Library: From a Consuming Society to a Producing Society”

The Agro Library in the Uşak Banaz Public Library raises awareness of sustainability and promotes environmentally friendly practices among all age groups. It combines key library functions with environmental, economic and social sustainability strategies. To integrate extended theoretical learning opportunities, the area adjacent to the library has been transformed into a community garden. The goal is to provide a space for the community the library serves to grow and share crops and to teach food literacy and sustainable gardening. The library is looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental education, making it a strong model for community-oriented sustainability efforts.

Runner-up: Slovenia, Nova Gorica: France Bevk Public Library Nova Gorica, “Guardians of Seeds: Preserving Our Heritage”

The Library has taken the basic concept of the seed library, and has greatly improved it with the creation of an app and the national dissemination through their network. The jury praised shared communication, circular economy participation, and patron involvement. The innovative programme of work includes green daily routines, waste management, building improvements, and green services.  The Library’s environmental work is achieved through events to raise awareness using library resources and promotion of ecological awareness among children. Key initiatives include the environmental club, “Dubcrossing,” and “Save Life” art project.

Please find here all nominees 2024.