Susanne Gilling holds the position as head of Library Services in Aarhus Public Libraries. She is an experienced leader and has the leadership responsibility for 5 Team Leaders in the organization besides the strategic responsibility for the media budget, the collection, reading strategies for children and adults.
She is a graduate from the Royal School of Library and Information Science, Denmark and has various management courses. She is a censor at the University of Southern Denmark in library science and information technology.
Susanne Gilling holds the position as head of Library Services in Aarhus Public Libraries. She is an experienced leader and has the leadership responsibility for 5 Team Leaders in the organization besides the strategic responsibility for the media budget, the collection, reading strategies for children and adults.
She is a graduate from the Royal School of Library and Information Science, Denmark and has various management courses. She is a censor at the University of Southern Denmark in library science and information technology.
Lisbeth Overgaard is head of Program, partnership and democracy. The department is cross-functional and supports Aarhus Public Libraries with strategy, development and coordination of events, communication, partnerships and democracy. Lisbeth holds a Master’s degree in Nordic Literature and Media Studies with a PhD in Aesthetics and Culture.
Lisbeth Overgaard is head of Program, partnership and democracy. The department is cross-functional and supports Aarhus Public Libraries with strategy, development and coordination of events, communication, partnerships and democracy. Lisbeth holds a Master’s degree in Nordic Literature and Media Studies with a PhD in Aesthetics and Culture.
Aula
8. 9. 2025
keynote
16:00
From space to action – the library as an actor for democracy and reading
The library has always been a democratic space – open to all and with free access to knowledge, stories and literature. But what happens when the library is not only a democratic place, but also acts as one?
This keynote focuses on the active role of the library: when we create a framework for conversation, participation and community – and when we do not just make books available, but actively bring reading, literature and stories into play. The take off is Aarhus public Libraries in Aarhus, Denmark.
We look at how the library can go from being a passive framework to being a driving force for democratic participation and a love of reading – a place where people meet, perspectives are broken, and literature becomes a living part of the community.
From space to action – the library as an actor for democracy and reading
The library has always been a democratic space – open to all and with free access to knowledge, stories and literature. But what happens when the library is not only a democratic place, but also acts as one?
This keynote focuses on the active role of the library: when we create a framework for conversation, participation and community – and when we do not just make books available, but actively bring reading, literature and stories into play. The take off is Aarhus public Libraries in Aarhus, Denmark.
We look at how the library can go from being a passive framework to being a driving force for democratic participation and a love of reading – a place where people meet, perspectives are broken, and literature becomes a living part of the community.