Green Libraries Week

Libraries Week is organised by CILIP: the library and information association. It is an annual showcase and celebration of the best that libraries have to offer. This year’s theme celebrates the important work that libraries around the UK are doing to support sustainability and help tackle climate change.

Library, Culture, Collections and Open Science (LCCOS) is dedicated to positive climate action. We work with colleagues in departments and teams across UCL on a host of innovative initiatives. This was recognised in the 2023 UCL Green Impact awards, when we were awarded 10 Golds, 4 Silvers and 4 Bronzes. Our close colleagues at the Queen Square Library, Institute of Neurology also achieved a Gold award.

Here are some case studies from across the department.

Tree and Garden Walks

The School of Pharmacy Library and the School’s EDI Community Actions Group have jointly organised four green walks over the last year. Two were advertised as Tree walks in East Bloomsbury and two walks centred on the nearby Calthorpe Community Garden. The walks give students and staff a chance to observe the change of seasons and different crops in their allotments and meet people from the local community. 

Plant Surgeries at the Institute of Archaeology Library 

The Archaeology Library organised a Plant Surgery as part of their Green Impact Awards effort. They collected cuttings, created plant care materials, and updated the Library Plant Book for the library's 173 plants. During the event, the group toured the library, discussed plant care, and engaged in potting the cuttings. Attendees had varied experience levels with plant care, leading to fruitful discussions. The evening concluded with everyone committing to caring for the plants and fostering connections. Participants took home potted cuttings and a copy of the Plant Book featuring care instructions 

“We're passionate about plants at the Archaeology Library, evident to all visitors. Our space is filled with potted plants, making it vibrant and green.”

Paul Majewski 

Vegetable garden at Wickford

The Wickford Library Store team have installed raised beds to make the most of the green space behind the car park. They also grow various vegetables and other flowering plants in pots on their office windowsills, taking advantage of the light which streams through the first-floor windows.