Empower Athens' Displaced people through community

Dear Friend,

We’re so excited to share with you all that has happened at We Need Books in the past three months and to celebrate a milestone that fills us with joy.

The long-awaited renovation of our basement is now complete! What was once an empty, underused space has been transformed into a haven for children and teenagers; full of books, comics, a piano and guitar, floor chess, board games, and cozy corners to read or create. During the summer, when many local children did not go away on holiday, the basement became their refuge. Cool during the heatwaves and alive with activity, it offered them a safe, inspiring place to play, learn, and belong. Seeing the space filled with laughter and discovery has been one of the greatest rewards of our work.

Beyond the basement, our library has continued to be a place of exchange, dialogue, and imagination.

For the second year, we had the pleasure of welcoming students from the SNF Paideia Program at the University of Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the story of our beginnings, our mission to create an inclusive space for all communities in Athens, and to talk about the transformative power of books in building bridges between cultures. Their curiosity and thoughtful questions inspired us in return.

In July, our library hosted the opening of the 2nd Intercultural Festival, organized by the 162nd Primary School of Athens, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education. Our shelves temporarily gave way to the children’s exhibition “My Dream for the World”, a moving collection of voices and visions from children who have experienced displacement and loss, yet dream of rebuilding their lives with hope and dignity.

In August, we hosted a powerful conversation around the book “Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations” by therapist Agatha Peters. The discussion opened up space for honesty and healing, shedding light on the hidden impact of narcissistic parenting in collectivist cultures, and offering a path to self-acceptance without losing connection to heritage.

Finally, we joined an important conversation on “third places”, those vital community spaces that are neither home nor work, but where connection, creativity, and belonging flourish. We spoke about how such places can be recognized, supported, and cherished, something that feels deeply aligned with the heart of our library.

As you can see, these months have been full of growth, reflection, and joy. None of this would have been possible without your support. Together, we are building not only a library but a community where stories are honored, children thrive, and people from every background feel at home.

With gratitude always,

Ioanna Nissiriou

Dear Friend,

So much has happened since we last wrote to you, and we’re thrilled to share the latest updates from We Need Books—each one made possible by your continued support and belief in our mission.

On February 22nd, we hosted a Sustainable Fashion Exhibition with designer Giorgia Chioni, who showcased creations made entirely from sustainable materials such as recycled wool, cork, mushroom mycelium, and organic cotton. The event sparked important conversations about how everyday choices, including what we wear, can impact our planet.

Just a day before, on February 21st, we organized a deeply moving Human Library event in collaboration with Thines Publishing, inspired by the Greek publication of Djaili Amadou Amal’s “Munyal, les larmes de la patience”. Under the theme “Women: The Know-How of Survival at Home,” five women became “human books,” courageously sharing personal stories of hardship, resilience, and survival. The evening reminded us all of the power of vulnerability and the importance of listening without judgment.

Meanwhile, as schools in Kypseli have been occupied in response to decisions made without community consultation, many students have found refuge in our library. Every corner of our space has transformed into a makeshift classroom—geometry in the café area, religion by the small table, ancient Greek in one room, and physics on the sofas. Thanks to the laptops and tablets we’ve received through donations, these students can continue learning without interruption. We are proud to stand with them as they advocate for their future.

We’ve also kept our focus on literacy and creativity, hosting several book presentations and storytelling workshops for both children and adults. These moments of shared learning and joy are at the heart of what we do.

On March 28th, we welcomed a group of Japanese university students visiting Greece as part of a study tour organized by Kiki World Volunteer. They offered workshops in Japanese calligraphy and origami to our local community—an uplifting and joyful cultural exchange that left lasting impressions on all involved.

And now, we have major news to share.

By the end of May, our library will grow by another 200 square meters—a space dedicated entirely to teenagers. It will be the first teen library space in Greece, and we couldn’t be more excited. What’s more, the project will be featured on The Fixers, a U.S. television show that brings expert builders together to help communities in need. They will construct and equip this incredible new space, and thanks to generous in-kind donations and community volunteers, the dream is quickly becoming a reality.

Isn’t that amazing?

The world is starting to see what you have believed in all along: that We Need Books is more than a library—it’s a place where change begins, stories are shared, and futures are shaped.

Thank you for standing with us. We look forward to sharing many more beautiful milestones with you in the months ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Margarita Sianou

International Relations & Donor Development