The updated IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto was released in 2022, reaffirming UNESCO and IFLA’s conviction that libraries are essential agents for sustainable development. As local gateways to knowledge, and living forces for education, culture, and inclusion, public libraries – and the staff that bring them to life – make society better.

IFLA’s global network has taken this Manifesto to heart over the past two years – with over 35 translations, and many efforts to integrate the Manifesto into policy and practice.

In October 2024, multiple IFLA Professional Units came together in Barcelona for a conference and series of meetings that advanced discourse on implementing the Manifesto. Specifically, promoting the role of libraries in progressing social inclusion and the development of democracy through access to knowledge, thought, culture and information.

With a strong emphasis on public libraries and democracy, sustainable urban development, censorship and climate action, the discussions in the conference highlighted the many ways libraries are living the mission set out in the Public Library Manifesto.

Good Practices in sustainability, literacy and democracy

This conference featured an opportunity to highlight good practices from libraries across Spain and beyond for implementing the Manifesto in the areas of sustainability, literacy and democracy.

Explore some here for inspiration!

Good practices: Democracy

Strengthening the Right to Knowledge: A Partnership between FESABID and Knowledge Rights 21

[see the presentation here]

This example showcases how partnerships on access to knowledge and information can bring experts together to advance critical aspects of democratic societies. It highlights the partnership between La Federación Española de Sociedades de Archivística, Biblioteconomía, Documentación y Museística (FESABID) and the Knowledge Rights 21 project. FESABID is one of the leading organisations in Spain in the field of intellectual property in the GLAM sector, and its partnership with KR21 will advance a nationwide program focussing on facilitating equitable access to e-books in libraries and protecting users’ rights against limitations.

Good practices: Literacy

DIGIBLEND – Improving adult digital literacy through innovative gamified blended learning

[read more here]

This example from Belgrade City Library seeks to improve digital literacy among adults in the Europe through an innovative teaching and learning approach that combines game elements with interactive learning.

The project team identified key challenges and areas for improvement in digital literacy and basic digital skills in older adults. They developed and tested two gamified learning models: Infinity.net and DigiUp, to assess digital skill level and transmit new skills in an accessible and fun way. Find out more: DIGIBLEND

Good practices: Sustainability

Libraries for Sustainability: Ecological Transition laboratory

[read more here]

This project offers an example of bringing library staff together with experts to co-create environmentally sustainable plans. Ecological Transition Laboratory, launched by the Barcelona Library Services Management Office, brings together professionals from 19 member libraries in Barcelona.

Under the guidance of a team of experts from the local environmental service team Espai TReS – Territory and Social Responsibility ,participants contributed their knowledge and perspectives to the Laboratory, thereby fostering a collaborative learning community.

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IFLA celebrates all the efforts from libraries around the world to highlight and advocate for their role in creating sustainable futures for all through knowledge and information!

Have a look at the full programme and explore all the best practices here.

Download the 2022 IFLA-UNESCO Public Library Manifesto and put it into practice in your library!