Library for Future – Green Youth Library

Many young people are demanding that policymakers take concrete action against climate change. Tying into the spirit of this movement, the Osnabrück municipal library invited young people to develop a concept for a “green library” in cooperation with the municipal environmental planning office and two local schools. For example, the project organised “idea workshops” where adolescents from all the city districts could propose concrete ideas for their future library space, e.g. sustainably designing virtual and real rooms, selecting media and furniture, and developing an event programme.

The concept served as the basis for constructing a “Tiny House”, i.e. a mini library situated directly outside the main library building which was opened in September 2022. For local residents, the Tiny House visibly demonstrates the library’s desire to become a sounding board for the community and its issues. At the same time, it underscores the library’s role as a platform and partner for joint projects of urban coexistence. In the long term, the experiences gained from the project will serve to further enhance the activities of the entire library.

Partners: Angelaschule Osnabrück, Gymnasium Ursulaschule, environmental planning office of the city of Osnabrück