Together against loneliness: The program of the Sustainability Action Days
Loneliness affects people of all ages and walks of life. Yet, it's often difficult to talk about it. That's why loneliness and social isolation the focus of our Sustainability Action Days. From September 18th to October 8th, our libraries will be exploring what connects people, how encounters can arise, and the role community plays in our society.
To kick things off, sociologist Dr. Janosch Schobin on September 22nd about the causes and forms of loneliness and what social change has to do with it.
The topic will then be explored in a variety of formats. The "Invitation to Be Heard and Listen" session with mediator Petra Haslop focuses on attentive conversation. The "Friendship Speed Dating 60+" event is about getting to know one another, while the "Dare to Connect" workshop examines one's own social relationships.
The question of how relationships change is also part of this. Media educator Markus Gerstmann explores what happens when artificial intelligence becomes a relationship partner. A nature walk with VR, on the other hand, shows how shared experiences are possible even in unconventional ways.
Elsewhere, community is created in a very practical way: at a shared dinner with a film night in Vegesack or at Green Saturday, where people collect trash together, try rescued food and talk about sustainable action.
Sharing can also connect people. At our toy exchange, you can bring along gently used toys to swap or donate, bringing joy to other children. And that's not all: During the event days, our libraries offer many more opportunities for meeting, exchanging ideas, and sharing experiences.
The action days demonstrate how closely social participation, health, and community are linked to the 17 global sustainability goals . Everyone is warmly invited to join in, engage in conversation, and spend time together.
September 11, 2026