What are we looking for? 

You have the insights. We have the space and audience: library professionals from all over the world.

Next Library 2025 will take place May 24.-27th in Aarhus, Denmark. Next Library consist of inspirational talks, sessions, interactive elements and undefined surprises. We are always moving forward, changing and challenging ourselves – and we hereby invite you to take part in the journey.

What passion do you want to share? We want your voice, insights, expertise and superpowers. You can do a session, an ignite talk or an experience or experiment of some kind! 

Next Library Themes 2025 

All sessions should cover one or more of the 3 themes: 

The Sustainable Development Goals

Feeling connected to nature can inspire more sustainable living, greener habbits and strengthen community ties. 

This year we ask how might a closer connection between nature and culture help us explore ways towards a sustainable future? And what is the role of the library in this? Lets explore planetary perspectives! 

• Maybe it´s through poetry, recycling literature, climate writing… 
• Through skill sharing and practice; woodwork, sewing, , crafts, growing, cooking, walking? 
• Maybe prototyping ecotopias, solar punk, scenario building, dream labbing? 
• Could be tranquil ways such as mindfulness, breathwork, bonfires, Forrest bathing? 

We encourage contributions that work with nature and sustainable futures through being and doing. This year we are especially interested in formats connecting nature and culture – both indoor and outdoor, active and tranquil. 

Democracy 

At NEXT 2025, democracy is once again a central theme. As we are writing this call, we wonder: Will the world be a more, or less, democratic place in 20 years? And what role will libraries play in this development? 

• When public conversation moves to commercial online platforms, where polarization and conflict thrives, how can libraries serve as physical venues for free debate and meaningful dialogues?
• When books are banned and opinions censored, how can libraries respond?
• Can libraries be places for people to meet across differences of opinion – perhaps even building community and trust across political divides?
• Are librarians truly non-partisan – and how do we stay relevant to all segments of society, including those we don’t personally agree with?
• Whose voices get heard, and how can libraries support inclusion and representation?
• And how can we create engagement in a climate of apathy – maintaining hope when the world looks frightening?

Are you a library professional working on projects that promote democracy, civic engagement, democratic dialogue, or public participation? Do you have experiences to share on how libraries can be a force for democratic development? We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Play 

It is broadly accepted that play is essential for the well-being and healthy development of children. But the potential does not end there. A playful mindset can help us problem solve and explore subjects more effectively – since play can even enhance the learning process. Play is a valuable tool in a teaching environment – for children and grown-ups alike. So, how can libraries support learning through play?

We would love to see proposals that: 

• Utilize the power of play to engage learners of all ages 
• Use play in creative and unexpected ways 
• Give the conference guests hands-on experiences that inspire playfulness in the library space 

Formats? 

This year we expect to have:  

•  Ignite Talks
  Enlighten us – but make it quick: Ignite Talks are short and fast-paced and each talk is 5 minutes with 20 slides. You are welcome to twist the Ignite format by not doing slides, but instead do a dance, a song, or perhaps a new format that you have invented? (just keep it to 5 minutes!!)
   
• Interactive Sessions
  The sessions must be interactive and hands-on: we are looking for sessions that involve the participants in new ways!
  
  
• Sessions-on-the-go
  We also want to see sessions happening in nature, outside Dokk1, in the forest, on the water or in the city space. If you are up for this constraint and have an idea – please let us know! 
  
  
• Expo or experience during the conference
  Do you want to bring something to show us, something that can happen during the breaks – tell us what it is!  

Deadline?

Deadline for proposals: 15th of November 2024  

How to? 

For now, we need to know the following: 

• Describe your idea (max 150 words) 
• What will attendees gain from your “event”? 
• What theme do you cover? 
• Describe the format of your “event”: would you like to do an ignite talk – or are you thinking about a session or some expo? 
• How many participants can attend your session? 
• Bio: Who are you and where are you from? (max 100 words) 
• Contact information 

Fill out this template and send it to info@nextlibrary.net

What’s next?

We will review your proposal and get back to you in the beginning of the new year to tell you if your proposal is accepted. Afterwards we will reach out to you when it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty.  

We can’t wait to hear from you. 

Note: 
Unfortunately there is no funding available from Next Library. All contributors are responsible for their own expenses, including required conference registration, hotel accommodations, and travel.