Living libraries: Lessons for social change from around the world
Hosts: Oxford Poetry Library, Charmaghz
This session explores how libraries are evolving as engines of social inclusion, civic participation and community resilience.
Speakers will share insights from their work in Afghanistan, Singapore and Oxford through a panel discussion before participants join a “living library” of small-group conversations with practitioners to explore insights for social change.
Everyone is welcome, from community organisers and librarians to educators, policymakers and social innovators.
Speakers:
Nathaniel Chew is a librarian and public servant from Singapore. He has worked with the National Library Board, transforming the nation’s libraries in response to disruptions such as Covid-19 and artificial intelligence. He also developed LAB25, a five-year blueprint reimagining the future of libraries and archives.
Liz Robinson is the CEO of Charmaghz, a non-profit providing online education to Afghan girls and young women who are banned from school after 6th grade. Liz has worked with non-profits in the international development and education sectors for over a decade, including across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. She is deeply committed to elevating and advancing education programs that transform children’s futures and the systems that shape them.
Phoebe Nicholson is the founder of Oxford Poetry Library, a community-led, volunteer-run initiative to promote literacy and connection around Oxford. Phoebe is a poet and performer, passionate about bringing the benefits of creative writing to a wide community. Since founding OPL in 2017, she has facilitated and coordinated a wide-ranging programme of inclusive events and workshops that provide access to poetry for all.
Lanisha Butterfield is Head of Communications at the Bodleian Libraries and has worked at the University of Oxford for more than 10 years. She is also an award-winning children’s picture book author. Flower Block, her debut picture book (illustrated by Hoang Giang), was published in June 2024 by Puffin Books, and has since gone on to win the Wainwright Prize 2025 for Best Picture Book and Best Children’s Book. Her next book, We Can Be Mermaids is illustrated by Raissa Figueroa and was published by Hachette Children’s in March 2026.
Cath Elliston (moderator) is a workshop facilitator for Oxford Poetry Library with a background in social change, from campaigning on child nutrition with the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation to working on global education policy change with the What Works Hub for Global Education at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government.
This venue has a capacity of 40.