Pot painting activity at BCIT Library, May 2025. Photo by Shiny Kuo.
The BCIT Library joins libraries across British Columbia in celebrating Climate Action Week 2025 from November 1 to 7. Climate Action Week is a province-wide initiative that encourages the community to reflect, learn, and take action for a sustainable future.
Connecting communities through climate action
For BCIT, this year’s participation marks more than just a week of events. It is part of a growing, campus-wide effort to weave sustainability into everyday life.
“Climate Action Week is a way for libraries to connect with their communities and other libraries, share information about the climate crisis, and discuss actions we can take,” said Deirdre Grace, BCIT Broadcasting and Marketing Librarian.
Alison Griffin, BCIT Sustainability and Environment Librarian, added, “It is a grassroots movement that started among BC libraries a couple of years ago, using a shared platform to communally promote events and raise awareness.”
A campus commitment to sustainability
Taking part in Climate Action Week is a natural extension of the BCIT Library’s ongoing support for the Institute’s sustainability goals. The Library’s involvement reflects BCIT’s broader sustainability vision to pursue a deep community commitment to sustainability by integrating environmental awareness into teaching, operations, and campus culture. “The Library hosts events throughout the year, and since BCIT has a strong sustainability vision, this felt like a really good fit,” said Deirdre.
“Climate Action Week appealed to us because it fits our program, our mandate, and our personal goals to promote awareness and make it fun,” explained Alison. She noted that the BCIT Ecocities Conference (2019), led by Dr. Jennie Moore, Director of Institute Sustainability, played a pivotal role in shaping the Institute’s environmental direction.
“The library’s role has evolved with BCIT,” said Alison. “The Ecocities Conference really set the stage for initiatives like the Centre for Sustainability and even the Seed Library.” Through its ongoing efforts, the BCIT Library continues to bridge education, engagement, and environmental awareness, helping to build a campus community that learns, collaborates, and takes action for a sustainable future.
Take part in Climate Action Week 2025
As part of Climate Action Week 2025, the BCIT Library will host a series of interactive and engaging activities designed to inspire reflection and participation across the campus community.
Events will run from November 4 to 6, offering something for everyone interested in sustainability and collective action.
BCIT visitors and members of the public are welcome to drop by the main library to take part in Climate Action Challenges, a set of quick and fun games with prizes; the activities are designed to spark conversation and show how small actions can lead to meaningful impact. Another highlight of the week is Plant Swap on Tuesday. As Alison Griffin explained, the BCIT plant swap brings a sense of levity during a busy time of year; it offers students a joyful break from their studies as they head home smiling, plants in hand.
This week also includes Any Book Book Club: Climate Action Edition, happening on Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 pm, in the sitting area on the library’s main level. Participants can bring their favourite sustainability-focused read or join the discussion to discover new titles and perspectives. All events are free, open to everyone, and require no registration.
- Houseplant swap and pot painting: Main floor of Burnaby Campus Library (SE14), November 4, 12-1 pm
- Any book Book Club Climate Edition: Room 207 of Burnaby Campus Library (SE14), November 4, 1:30-2:30 pm
- Climate Challenges drop-in: Main floor of Burnaby Campus Library (SE14), November 4-6, 11:30-1:30 pm
Learn more and join the conversation
For those who want to explore sustainability topics further, the library has created an online Climate Action guide. The guide features recommended books, documentaries, and digital resources on themes ranging from climate resilience to sustainable design and green innovation. “Our LibGuide includes titles on everything from food to fashion, as well as streaming videos and documentaries from our collection,” said Deirdre. Whether it’s attending an event, joining the book club, or exploring the library’s resources, Climate Action Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to a greener campus. The week helps build a sense of community and shared responsibility. It’s about finding ways —big or small — to make a difference.