Libraries throughout the world have a strong history of responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises providing a welcoming environment, a place of refuge for body and soul, and a source of information

Join us  at the newly renovated Columbus Main Library. for A sanctuary in times of need—the Public Library response to the requirements of refugees and other communities' 

Members of IFLA’s Public Libraries Standing Committee and our  colleagues from IFLA's Library Services to Multicultural Populations Section have worked  together to develop a program that showcases examples of the role public libraries are playing in the refugee crisis, particularly in Europe. This Session will  inspire and demonstrate the power of libraries to make a difference in people’s lives.

Session 103: 13.00 – 14.30 (followed by the announcement of the Systematic Public Library of the Year Awards)