Green Libraries As an Active Participant in Environmental Awareness and Ecological Action

Abstract

In 2015, The United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, which includes libraries as important contributors to developing nature preservation strategies and enabling the progress of humanity. Green libraries have been an innovative addition to librarianship, integrating the principles of sustainable development and ecological awareness in the realm of library design and operation. Such an ecological concept of librarianship implies the application of green architecture and energy efficiency, as well as the usage of energy-efficient materials, renewable resources and recycling disposable facilities. Ecological libraries actively promote environmental awareness and education of their users through programs, workshops and resources that encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas for sustainable development. This integration of green architecture into librarianship contributes to the creation of environmentally sustainable communities and improvement of the environmental quality. The paper focuses on demonstrating that libraries can serve as an example of a balanced union of nature and culture owing to their building procedures and technological equipment, as several inspiring examples worldwide can show.