IFLA WLIC 2023: Green Library Award Session

In line with IFLA Key Initiative 1.1: "Show the power of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals", the Green Library Award helps to advance the profession through illuminating the role of libraries and librarians in the advancement of sustainability standards and the promotion of specialized knowledge within professional practice.
The prize is awarded in two categories:
Category 1: Best Green Library/Grand-Scale Project
Category 2: Best Green Library Project
A special recognition may be given to a project that was carried out with minimal resources but has a significant impact.
Coordinator: Harri Sahavirta, Helsinki City Library, Finland
Chair: Harri Sahavirta, Helsinki City Library, Finland
Chair: Malivan Praditteera, Rangsit University, Thailand
Chair: Amélie Vallotton Preisig, Bibliosuisse, Switzerland
The session introduces examples of green and sustainable libraries and projects with strong social commitment.
Presentations:
1. Report on the IFLA Green Library Award 2023 Competition
The origin and number of all award applications will be highlighted as well as the main criteria for the longlisted and shortlisted submissions and also the origin and expertise of the international reviewer team.
Petra Hauke, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
2. Villa Valle Public Library's Seed Library
This submission introduced more than just a seed library. Long-term effects can be seen as well as a good community engagement.
Marta Penzo, Biblioteca Civica Villa Valle, Italy
3. Eco Project in Seoul Metropolitan Library for SDGs
Creating an outdoor library that commune with nature and lead civic engagement & Carrying out library projects to improve citizens' awarness of the envrionment. Seoul Metropolitan Library has been working actively to create a sustainable environment and will continue to do so in 2023 to fulfill the role as a green library.
Sujin Kim, Seoul Metropolitan Library, Korea, Republic of
Chae-eun Kim, Seoul Metropolitan Library, Korea, Republic of
4. Climate Writer in Residence at the West Vancouver Memorial Library: A Novel Solution
The West Vancouver Memorial Library’s Climate Writer in Residence program was the first of its kind in any public library in the world, to our knowledge. The program aimed to engage West Vancouverites and give voice to the climate emergency through writing. This project supported the Library’s ongoing work and strategic focus on building climate awareness, while also furthering our commitment to develop and amplify our community’s creative voices.
Stephanie Hall, West Vancouver Memorial Library, Canada
5. Vietnamese-German University Inclusive Library for Sustainable Development
Vietnamese-German University (VGU) Library is committed to implementing multifaceted initiatives for sustainable development. The projects and campaigns initiated have made remarkable changes and impact to the VGU community by spreading awareness about sustainability locally and internationally. The scope of green practices emphasizes on the implementation of physical, economic, social and environmental sustainability, addressing a number of Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 5, SDG 6, SDG 10, SDG 11, SDG 17. This inclusive library for sustainable development is as a pioneering initiative in Vietnam.
Tri Nguyen, Vietnamese-German University, Vietnam
6. Library at the Gates of Cultures & Gemenc
As a county library that raises awareness of the principles of sustainable development a county-wide green collaboration was realized. Opening in October 2023, the sustainably operated building of the Szekszárd Knowledge Centre should represent the library of the future. This submission showed a strong community involvement and included several partnerships with local, national and international organizations.
Norbert Kovács, "Illyés Gyula" Library of Tolna County, Hungary
7. Biblioteca EPM, Educamos para el desarrollo sostenible / Biblioteca EPM, Education for Sustainable Development
The EPM Foundation, through its library, promotes “Education for Sustainable Development” and the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda. The contents, services and activities of the EPM Library contribute to the construction of sustainable and competitive territories, in the city of Cucuta and beyond borders reaching remote regions. The library provides communities with knowledge, skills and initiatives that empower them to make sustainable decisions, which drives us to foster innovation, talent and entrepreneurship.
Vivian Cecilia Puerta Guerra, Fundación EPM - Empresas Públicas de Medellín, Cucuta, Colombia