“One of the things I’m bringing home is that I see cohesion between Europeans in their overall goals in libraries. Australia is quite isolated from the rest of the world, so this is something we probably miss out on. I think you end up here in Europe with a richer “fabric”.

I also hear a clear message of sustainability. We have the solutions but need to act on them. Libraries are ever evolving to meet the needs of their communities, particularly after COVID. Also with false media on the internet – more than ever – children and teens need a neutral, safe environment where they can learn about values. Libraries play a critical role in that sense.

My work is about human rights, and my company cooperates with public libraries, supplying them with resources and training – for example an educational game about human rights.”

– Hugh Kingsley, The Brainary, Geelong, Australia