Libraries as Champions of (Environ)Mental Wellbeing
Europe’s libraries are increasingly emerging as catalysts for environmental and social healing: from bibliotherapy and ‘libraries on prescription’ models to becoming warm banks in winter and climate oases during heatwaves, the sharing economy in libraries is serving as an antidote to the extractive, consumer-driven systems.
If stories have the power to make us believe in dragons, could libraries help us imagine a climate-neutral world where no one is left behind?
Speakers:
- Mikaela Loach (she/her), Climate justice activist and author;
- Dina Ntziora (she/her), Cultural engagement consultant;
- Vickie Varley (she/her), Senior development officer at Oldham Heritage, Libraries, and Arts
Hosted by:
- Lwando Xaso (she/her), Founder of Including Society, and
- Dylan Ahern (he/him), Founder of De Kiesmannen.
This panel discussion was recorded at If Librarians Ran Europe - The Amsterdam Summit of The Europe Challenge, organised on 26 September 2024 at the OBA Public Library in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The Summit brought together library professionals, policymakers, and community leaders in Amsterdam to explore how libraries are driving change across Europe. This landmark event showcased the innovative work of 57 library teams from 24 countries, each addressing critical challenges like social isolation, inequality, and climate crises.
Click here to access all three panel discussions recorded at the If Librarians Ran Europe Amsterdam Summit in 2024.
