Library programming to advance the sustainable development goals

CHICAGO — The seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified by the United Nations encompass an ambitious range of issues—world hunger, gender equality, and the climate crisis, to name just a few. Though timely and urgent, creating programming for these topics may feel daunting, and that’s where “Inspiring Teens, Tweens, and Families to Make a Difference in the World: Programming to Advance the Sustainable Development Goals” comes in. Sharing ideas and inspiration for book clubs, hands-on STEAM projects, movie discussions, guest speaker events, and much more, Amanda Moss Struckmeyer offers accessible entry points for exploration of each SDG in this new book published by ALA Editions. And they're all easily customizable for either public library or school library settings. Readers will discover:

• programs and activities related to such topics as good health and well-being, ending poverty, peace and justice, responsible consumption and production, decent work, and clean water and sanitation;
• ideas perfect for multi-age audiences (families), tweens, and teens that can be tailored for different group sizes, programming spaces, budgets, and time frames;
• a plethora of flexible, cost-effective passive programs that patrons can engage in at any time;
• guidance on outreach opportunities for fostering partnerships with local experts and guest speakers; and
• pointers on additional and supporting resources including books, videos, and websites.

Struckmeyer holds a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is currently pursuing a doctor of education degree in educational sustainability at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Having worked in public and school library settings, Amanda has a passion for equity and sustainability. She has served on both the Newbery and Caldecott Award Committees and is the coauthor of “DIY Programming and Book Displays: How to Stretch Your Programming without Stretching Your Budget and Staff.” Amanda lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and works as a library media specialist in an elementary school.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.