Knowledge Matters blog

Behind the scenes at the British Library

17 September 2024

Green Libraries Week

We’re gearing up for Green Libraries Week (7–13 October), which celebrates the work going on in libraries across the UK focused on sustainability and climate change.

Here at the British Library, we recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and the impact it will have on our operations and collection. For well over a decade we’ve been taking action to reduce our environmental impact and want to support the library sector to lead the way on sustainability. 

We’ve got a green-packed week in store, with the launch of our first sustainability strategy, as well as a series of related events – including some taster sessions that will get your taste buds tingling.

Green Libraries Week logo - Green 2

Sustainability uncovered
Over the past 12 months, we’ve been working on our first Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which we will formally launch on 8 October (look out for our upcoming blog that day). This strategy sets out our aims for the next six years across four broad areas: our places, our purposes, our partnerships, and embedding sustainability in how we work.

Our Chief Executive Sir Roly Keating said: ‘Our strategy reflects a sense of determination about our role; these are global challenges and, as one of the world’s great libraries, and proud signatories to the Green Libraries Manifesto, we are determined to play our part.’  

Sustainably Sourced Coffee Tasting Experience
Wednesday 9 October 
14.00 – 15.30
Foyle Suite, British Library, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB
£10 (15 spots available)

One of our coffee providers, Origin Coffee, take you on a sensory journey exploring the environmental impact of coffee production. Discover why specialty coffee is a more sustainable choice for both the environment and coffee producers.

You’ll also learn about the differences in production methods and be invited to taste our coffees, while learning the stories behind each producer and their relationship with Origin.

Book now

Webinar: Libraries and positive climate action: fiction, imagination and hope
Thursday 10 Oct 2024
16:00 – 17:30
Online
Free but booking required

Many libraries have discovered that working with writers and other artists is a powerful way to convey issues related to the climate crisis and explore solutions towards more sustainable models of living and working.

This webinar will reflect on the experience of the Climate Action Almanac, which works with science fiction writers globally to inspire a wave of narratives around what positive climate futures might look like. The initiative has provided a model of integrating creativity and the power of storytelling with the reality of climate change across many different communities.

Learn about some of the libraries that have developed initiatives harnessing the potential of imagination to inspire climate action.

Reserve your spot

Start-up Stars: Championing Green Businesses
Date: Thursday 10 October
Venue: Business & IP Centre, British Library, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Free but reserve your spot 

In this special edition of our ever-popular Start-up Stars series, we are celebrating Green Libraries Week and shining a spotlight on small business owners that put sustainability at the heart of what they do.

We have invited an inspiring panel of business owners who will speak about what it takes to turn your excellent idea into a purpose-led business. The panel will explore how small changes in your business can make a big difference.

Reserve your spot

Catering showcase by Graysons
Friday 11 October 
12.00 – 14.00
Kings Library Café, British Library, 96 Euston Road London NW1 2DB
Free – just show up

Did you know there are more than 150 rare varieties of crops and breeds in the UK and more than 4,500 recorded worldwide? For Green Libraries Week our caterers Graysons are hosting a free sustainable popup to showcase some of the innovative approaches they are taking to food waste and how they’ve been partnering with Slow Food in the UK to save some of these British food varieties from extinction. This year they are focusing on Dorset Blue Vinny cheese, Pink Fir Apple potatoes and Hampshire watercress.

Food samples will be available.

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