The document discusses the role of public librarians in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through community engagement and knowledge sharing. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of the goals and highlights various library initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable future, including programs for senior citizens and community projects. Librarians are portrayed as vital connectors within their communities, equipped to inspire and mobilize public action towards meeting the SDGs.

2. Public librarians: A driving force for the
sustainable development goals
Twitter: @janholmquist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janholmquist/

4. The next 20 minutes
Libraries and sustainability - a few examples
Librarians: Skills we need
Where do we go next?
The Sustainable Development Goals – short intro

5. The goals are interconnected

6. 169 sub-targets

7. We envisage a
world...
...free of poverty, hunger, disease and want where all
life can thrive.
...free of fear and violence
...with universal literacy
...with equitable and universal access to quality
education at all levels
...with equitable and universal access tohealth care
and social protection, where physical, mental and
social well-being are assured.
...where we reaffirm our commitments regarding the
human right to safe drinking water and sanitation and
where there is improved hygiene; and where food is
sufficient, safe, affordable and nutritious.

8. We envisage a
world...
...where human habitats are safe, resilient and
sustainable and where there is universal access to
affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
...of universal respect for human rights and human
dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality and non-
discrimination; of respect for race, ethnicity and
cultural diversity; and of equal opportunity permitting
the full realization of human potential and
contributing to shared prosperity.
...which invests in its children and in which every child
grows up free from violence and exploitation.
...in which every woman and girl enjoys full gender
equality and all legal, social and economic barriers to
their empowerment have been removed.

9. We envisage a
world...
...just, equitable, tolerant, open and socially inclusive
world in which the needs of the most vulnerable are
met.
...in which every country enjoys sustained, inclusive
and sustainable economic growth and decent work
for all.
… in which consumption and production patterns and
use of all natural resources – from air to land, from
rivers, lakes and aquifers to oceans and seas - are
sustainable.
...in which democracy, good governance and the rule
of law as well as an enabling environment at national
and international levels, are essential for sustainable
development, including sustained and inclusive
economic growth, social development, environmental
protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger.

10. We envisage a
world...
...in which development and the application of
technology are climate-sensitive, respect biodiversity
and are resilient.
...in which humanity lives in harmony with nature and
in which wildlife and other living species are
protected.

11. "We the Peoples" are the celebrated opening words of the UN Charter.
It is "We the Peoples" who are embarking today on the road to 2030.
Our journey will involve Governments as well as Parliaments, the UN
system and other international institutions, local authorities,
indigenous peoples, civil society, business and the private sector, the
scientific and academic community – and all people. Millions have
already engaged with, and will own, this Agenda. It is an Agenda of the
people, by the people, and for the people – and this, we believe, will
ensure its success."

12. The goals are interconnected

13. … empower all people, protect the
planet and actively support a
prosperous life for all human
beings.
Ambition

14. Global problems require global solutions
Libraries are a global network of
organzations with a focus on learning,
knowledge and culture – and we are in
the heart of the community

15. A local focus with a connection to the
global knowledge and actions will have a
huge impact.

16. How are libraries working with the SDGs?

17. How are libraries working with the SDGs?
https://librarymap.ifla.org/stories
IFLA SDG stories
IFLA focus on the SDGs: How libraries already
contribute and can contribute more in the future

18. Denmark: National level
“SDGs, Elderly Citizens and Libraries” 2 year project
"Intends to engage senior citizens in local communities
around the SDGs. Furthermore, the scope is to strengthen
the well-being of the senior citizens by enabling them to
contribute of making a meaningful difference, in
cooperation with others."

19. Scotland
Forward:
Scotland's Public
Library Strategy
2021-2025

21. Projects at libraries: Local level
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Community gardens:
Grow and harvest
Special fund: Locals can apply for funds
for sustainability projects that make a
positive difference in Aarhus, Denmark.
(Money from selling used books)
Host a SDG festival
for the community
Seed library
Repair workshops
Highlight stories
about projects
Host events
Partnership with
other organizations
Bring people together
Information to the public

22. "A librarian is a connector of people,
knowledge, learning and communities. She
is the friendly neighbourhood hero actively
working to make communities smarter – one
person at a time.
She knows her community and can translate
complicated information into new learning
opportunities"
Jan Holmquist

23. Libraries are the cultural institutions that
reach most people – and where everyone
expects new learning.
The librarian is the key asset of any library

24. The librarians skillset and knowledge of
the community combined makes the
librarian the perfect driving force for
supporting people to have real impact on
meeting the SDGs

25. Actively connect and support citizens for
SDG action with real impact
Translate the SDGs into tangible goals
that are meaningful to the community
Skills we need

26. Long way to go – it will not be easy

27. Do I have the required basic knowledge about the 17 SDGs and their sub-goals to
work with them as part of our core mission for the years to come?
• Who shall we partner up with and what new skills do we need in order to work
professionally with the SDGs?
• Can I combine knowledge from the different goals so we can make an impact on
more than a few goals?
• How do we, as a library, reach people in our community who are not already
interested in the SDGs? In what way can we reach them?
• How do we inspire the community to work with us as partners on projects within
the SDG framework?
• How can we make sure that we think outside the box regarding the SDGs and not
just support the most prominent projects?
Get started

28. Keep in touch...
Janholmquist.net
Twitter: @janholmquist
jan@holmquistconsult.dk
holmquistconsult.dk/english
LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/janholmquist/