Picture it… You’re at Linden Library, reading one of your favourite books, only you’re not sitting at some cold, uncomfortable desk. You’re being kissed by the sun as you sit on the library’s rooftop, as other residents garden and learn around you.

This is the sort of library Tebello Sengoara, an assistant at Linden Library, envisaged when she thought of her green shelf network concept. A concept so innovative, it received an honorary mention at the prestigious Next Library Changemaker (NLC) Awards 2025.

Read more: Cyber classes for the elderly at Linden Library

The concept reimagines libraries as modular gardens, integrating eco-literacy with traditional library services. Through this concept, residents could borrow books or gardening tools, nurture seedlings in recycled bookcases, or attend workshops on composting and urban gardening.

NLC is described as an annual conference that connects librarians across the world to share innovative ideas on leading libraries towards a sustainable and greener future. “It was an exciting moment, when I heard I received an honorary mention,” said Sengoara. “It proves that libraries can lead our city towards a greener future.”

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Passionate about sustainability and digital learning, Sengoara thought how interesting it would be to step into a library where you can, over the same counter, borrow a book or gardening supplies.

As this idea covers so many aspects – hunger, literacy, and community – Sengoara would be overjoyed if it was carried out. It would be a show of embracing sustainability, while playing a role in building a greener city.

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