#6 A timely reminder of our role in sustainability 

Karin Muller Tahir, Deputy Librarian, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

As I stepped into the train station on the morning of the Green Libraries Conference, storm Bert had already left its mark. Cancellations and delays rippled across the schedule, ensuring I’d arrive late. The irony wasn’t lost on me: the disruption caused by extreme weather underscored just how vital and timely this conference was.  

I approached the event with curiosity and anticipation. As an NHS library—without even a traditional physical space—I wondered: how could we possibly be “green”? Without control over our environment or surroundings, was raising awareness all we could realistically aim for? I hoped the conference would challenge my assumptions and provide a new lens to view our role in sustainability. By the end of the day while I didn’t have all the answers, I left buzzing with ideas and inspiration.  

Small Actions, Big Impact  

One resonant message from the conference came from Piers Torday, in his talk From Tree to Me - Changing the Climate Story, who reminded us that “small actions that scale can make a difference.” This idea was echoed by several speakers, and it has stayed with me. It’s a comforting thought in the face of such a colossal challenge: we don’t have to do everything at once, but we do need to start somewhere. Here are some of the practical actions I’m eager to explore:  

• Ask Questions: Libraries can and should hold suppliers accountable. For instance, we can ask publishers if they have a carbon reduction plan or if they’ve signed the Publishing Declares statement. It’s our responsibility to ensure the vendors we work with prioritize sustainability.  

• Addressing Our Digital Footprint: I was shocked to learn that 9% of the NHS’s carbon footprint comes from its digital activities, a figure that’s likely to grow. As libraries, we can take small but impactful steps, like planning regular “digital declutter” days to minimize unnecessary storage and energy use. Additionally, we should examine the environmental impact of e-books compared to print books and consider these trade-offs when shaping our collections and services.  

• Changing Mindsets: Perhaps the most ambitious idea discussed was the ripple effect of shifting perspectives. It’s not just about what we do as individuals or within our teams; it’s about spreading that mindset across departments and organizations through collaboration and connection.  

Stories of Hope  

One of the most inspiring aspects of the day was the emphasis on optimism. Piers Torday’s talk, highlighted the importance of “stories of hope about what we can do, not what we have lost.” Similarly, Maja Maricevic, Chair of the Green Libraries Partnership, in her closing remarks spoke about keeping hope alive.  

This struck a chord with me. Conversations about sustainability often veer into doom and gloom, but as library professionals, we can choose to focus on success stories and tangible wins. By framing the narrative around possibility and progress, we inspire action rather than apathy.  

Next Steps for Our Library  

I returned to work with a notebook full of ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. A logical first step is to propose signing the Green Libraries Manifesto—a tangible commitment to making sustainability a priority. I’m optimistic my team will support this, and from there, we can build momentum through the small actions that scale.  

Ultimately, the conference reminded me that while our library’s impact might seem small, it’s part of a much larger tapestry of change. Together, through collaboration and persistence, we can make a real difference—one small, green step at a time.