Dear Friends,
We hope you had a wonderful holiday season surrounded by loved ones and that you’re stepping into the new year with open hearts and minds.
The end of 2024 marked a special milestone for us, our library’s 5th anniversary! We celebrated on November 22nd with a panel discussion on the role of libraries in building communities. It was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with people from our early days: friends and partners from organizations that started around the same time as us, many of whom continue to work tirelessly to support refugees and migrants. Unlike so many who came and went, they remain steadfast in helping others overcome obstacles and build safe, fulfilling lives.
You were dearly missed during this celebration, and we hope that one day we’ll be able to see you in person, hold your hand, and express how deeply grateful we are. The truth is, the library wouldn’t have lasted a year—let alone five—without your incredible support. Not a day goes by that our hearts aren’t filled with gratitude for everything you’ve done to make this dream a reality for so many people.
And their number keeps growing! In recent months, we’ve faced new challenges brought on by an increase in visitors, especially teenagers. Spending more time with them has been an eye-opening experience, helping us understand their needs and the vital role the library plays in their lives.
At We Need Books, we’ve come to realize that many of the teens who visit have limited experience navigating public spaces beyond school and home. Our library provides them with a welcoming, safe environment to explore this new territory—a space where the rules are flexible enough to encourage self-regulation, mutual respect, and thoughtful interaction.
Here, teenagers learn essential life skills: how to adapt to shared spaces, manage their behavior, and engage meaningfully with people who come from entirely different walks of life. They encounter diversity in all its forms, including individuals from minority groups they may have prejudices against—biases they are now beginning to question and dismantle.
For instance, we’ve seen young visitors challenge preconceived notions about LGBTQI individuals, simply by spending time in an inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. In many ways, the library has become a microcosm of society, teaching tolerance, empathy, and the importance of community in a way that no textbook or lecture could ever achieve.
In the accompanying photo, you’ll see a group of teenagers that our librarian, Emma, escorted to "Space of Togetherness", an art exhibition exploring the intersection of race, politics, and the rights of individuals and communities.
Looking ahead to 2025, our greatest challenge is to expand—both in opening hours and physical space—to accommodate the growing number of people who need what the library provides. It’s an exciting goal, and one we’re determined to pursue with your continued support.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for walking this journey with us.
With gratitude,
Ioanna Nisyriou
Managing Director & cofounder
