Green Libraries Week 2025, led by CILIP, the library and information association, returns this autumn to celebrate the vital role of libraries in tackling the climate emergency and empowering communities to take positive environmental action.
Running from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November, the theme for this year’s national campaign is ‘Seeds of Change – Make a Difference with Your Library’. The spotlight for 2025 is on encouraging libraries at all stages in their sustainability journey to celebrate their climate action – no matter how big or small.
From public libraries on the high street to academic, specialist and health libraries, Green Libraries Week showcases inventive and inspiring activities across the UK. The initiative connects libraries in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing support for green initiatives and celebrating how libraries help people build the skills and confidence to take action at every stage of life.
Now in its third year, Green Libraries Week has seen hundreds of events across the country. The week is launched with the Green Libraries Conference, taking place on Monday 27 October 2025 at the British Library Knowledge Centre. This key national event brings together library professionals, sustainability leaders and community partners to explore how libraries can lead on climate action. From practical tools to inspiring case studies, the conference offers a unique opportunity to share ideas, build networks, and strengthen the role of libraries in creating a greener, fairer future.
Sonia Ramdhian, Chief Development Officer at CILIP said:
“Libraries have always been places of learning, connection and community – and now they are also becoming vital spaces for climate action. Green Libraries Week is a celebration of the incredible work already happening across the UK to promote sustainability, raise awareness and support people to take practical steps toward a greener future.
“As trusted sources of information, an expert library workforce plays a key role in helping people navigate the climate crisis. We’re proud to lead this movement and work with our partners to help every library, in every sector, become a champion for climate action.”A UK-wide movement for sustainability
Green Libraries Week is part of the wider Green Libraries Campaign, a UK-wide, cross-sector initiative led by CILIP to mobilise the library and information profession in response to the climate crisis.
The campaign aims to help libraries reduce their carbon footprint, promote climate literacy, and empower the public with accessible resources on sustainability.
In 2025, the Campaign’s activities include:
- Green Libraries Conference
Monday 27 October at the British Library Knowledge Centre, London with student and travel bursaries available to bring together people from across the library and information sector.
- Green Libraries Week
27 October to 2 November with a bank of resources and toolkits to help library services to plan and deliver initiatives to their communities.
- New self-assessment tool to help libraries audit their green progress
- Expansion of the Green Libraries Network, now over 290 members (free to join)
- Roll-out of climate literacy training for libraries
- Promotion of the Green Libraries Manifesto, now backed by nearly 250 organisations.
- Growing partnership network
The Green Libraries Campaign brings together organisations committed to sustainability, including Arts Council England, the British Library, CONUL, Julie’s Bicycle, Libraries Connected, the National Library of Scotland, NHS Knowledge and Library Services, RLUK, and SCONUL.
This year, ASCEL, the national network of senior managers in children’s, public and schools’ library services and Blackpool Libraries have joined the Campaign. With Blackpool Libraries bringing practical expertise in public engagement while ASCEL strengthens work with children’s libraries, the campaign partners champion greener practices, empower communities, and help libraries lead on environmental sustainability.
Tabitha Witherick, Chief Executive at ASCEL, said:
“Climate change is already impacting all of us, but the greatest burden will fall on today’s children and young people. Libraries are uniquely placed as catalysts for action and community resilience. We’re proud to support the Green Libraries Campaign to help shape a better, fairer, more sustainable future.”
Vicky Clarke, Head of Libraries at Blackpool, added:
“All public libraries are playing an essential role in climate action. It’s vital that programmes like the Green Libraries Campaign support our work. Joining the campaign and sharing learning across the sector helps ensure every library’s voice is heard on this critical issue.”
To find out more and get involved in Green Libraries Week 2025, visit: www.cilip.org.uk/page/greenlibraries