(22 Sept 2020) The American Library Association’s Task Force on the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has updated its website with new resources to help libraries highlight their efforts to help their communities to end hunger; ensure gender equality; provide quality education; and encourage sustainable practices.
Resources include new visual charts from the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) that speak to each of the 17 goals and can serve a model for other libraries. To help meet Goal 7- Clean and Affordable Energy- LAPL notes that seven of their branch libraries have solar panels owned by the publicly owned water and power company. To foster Goal 3- Good Health and Well Being- LAPL partners with agencies and organizations that provide those in need with free dental and eye exams, eyeglasses, flu vaccines and access to health insurance.
“From increasing educational opportunities to developing awareness of environmental stewardship to modeling sustainable practices in our libraries, we join libraries around the world committed to a better future for our planet.” Said John Szabo, Los Angeles City Librarian.
The website now also provides a recording of the webinar presented by the Task Force entitled Libraries Contributing to Meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals: a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.
“The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide U.S. libraries another way to tell the story of how they are positively impacting their communities and participating in global efforts to effect positive change” said ALA President Julius C. Jefferson Jr.
Loida Garcia-Febo, Task Force Chair and ALA Past President, will be sharing ALA’s efforts with other nations at upcoming events including a forthcoming webinar with the German Library Association.
The press release is here.
