Eco-Library
Libraries anywhere have the sole objective of spreading knowledge to the general public. But while nearly all disseminate knowledge by providing books and facilities for reading, Kasetsart University is using its facility to inspire the public into recycl
The Kasetsart University (KU) Eco-Library, which opened on January 27, was established with the aim of implanting the importance of environmental conservation among all users, including its staff.
“The eco–library emphasises the eco-concept to users and staff. First, they should know how to properly separate wastes to conserve energy,” Dr Aree Thunkijjanukij, a director of the KU Library said.
Different activities to recycle offcuts will be held every month. This month, participants will be taught how to make flowers from fish scales. Next month, they will be taught how to make cloth bags with the leftover cloth from factories.
The staff in the library is required to demonstrate a green service mind. Together, they help separate the garbage every day. The number of garbage bags is now only 6 from 20 at the beginning. Together, they have helped convert donated New Year cards into the front cover for notepads, to be distributed to underprivileged children in rural areas. An energy-saving competition has been organised to motivate staff to save energy. The person who consumes the least energy is the winner.
“Our objective here is to raise awareness about environmental conservation among members and staff, to save the world,” Assist Prof Dr Singh Intrachooto, head of Kasetsart University's Creative Centre for Ecodesign and Scrap lab expressed.
The Eco-Library itself is an exercise in recycling. Formerly an old storeroom of the main university’s library, covering 250-300 square metres, it is now decorated with creative eco-furniture from material offcuts. It has been turned into a trendy venue where people can learn, students can meet up and have discussions on environmental responsibility.
The library consists of three zones. Eco-space is for novels, literature for adolescents, short stories, translated novels, religious books, general knowledge and books on the environment and energy. Kid’s Play space is for children’s books – tales, cartoons and textbooks. There are e-books on natural disaster and ecology. Alumni space is a room for connection between current and former students. About a 100,000 books can be displayed in the unusual bookshelves here.
The library is equipped with furniture made from material offcuts from the campus and offcuts donated by factories. Lighting up the venue are exotic lamps woven from leftover threads. Energy-saving light bulbs are used. The kids’ space is furnished with star-shaped beanbags.
Aree said the library was initiated under the KU Green Campus Policy. Singh’s Scrap Lab and the main university library have together brought the project to life. The university has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion to expand this concept. The Scrap Lab would help recycle wet books into new chairs for schools whose libraries were inundated during the floods.
“It was really hard to materialise the plan due to the different points of views. But we finally did it. Now, our university is the first green university in Thailand and the 44th green university in the world,” Aree said.
To spread the environmental concepts among the public, the library is now open to all without any fee. “We would like to give people at all levels the chance to learn how to save the Earth as severe natural disasters and environmental problems are mainly caused by human beings,” Singh concluded.
