Ioanna Nissiriou and Nadir Noori, co-founders of We Need Books, pose in the library located in the downtown Athens neighborhood of Kypseli. [Vangelis Zavos]
Discover the vibrant and inclusive space at the heart of downtown Athens in the neighborhood of Kypseli with We Need Books. Founded by Ioanna Nissiriou and Nadir Noori, this multicultural library aims to promote diversity, empathy, and a discrimination-free society. Supported by the Municipality of Athens through the “City on the Square” program, We Need Books opened its doors officially in November 2019.
The library serves as a hub for people from all walks of life, fostering a supportive community and offering resources for academic assistance and personal development. Despite facing challenges in funding, the team behind We Need Books is dedicated to keeping the space open and accessible to all. With a focus on mental health, education, and equality, they continue to seek support to sustain their mission.
Visit We Need Books at 7 Evias Street in Kypseli to experience a modern library that goes beyond books, connecting individuals and creating a space for cultural exchange. Learn more about their impactful initiatives at weneedbooks.org.
Written by Nafsika Polemis, an intern at Kathimerini English Edition and an undergraduate at UCL.