Sustainable Development Goals and Green Libraries: Transforming India's Knowledge Spaces for a Greener Tomorrow

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) offer an extensive framework for addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Libraries, as entities that advocate for democracy, are ideally situated to further these objectives through the adoption of sustainable practices. This study explores the notion of Green Libraries, emphasising their association with Sustainable Development Goals such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). By employing sustainable infrastructure, adopting digital transformation, and interacting with the community, Green Libraries can reduce their environmental impact while promoting social fairness and ecological consciousness. In India, Green Library projects are emerging, however, they face issues including budget constraints, lack of awareness, and institutional hurdles. Nonetheless, prospects for expansion exist through governmental support, technical advancements, and community collaborations. Instances such as the Karnataka University Green Library and the Anna Centenary Library exemplify effective implementations. The study concludes with recommendations for transforming Indian libraries into sustainable knowledge centres, supporting the nation's climate goals and fostering an environmentally friendly future. By integrating with international sustainability programs, Green Libraries may substantially aid in the attainment of the SDGS and promote environmental stewardship.