ABOUT US

A pioneering contemporary space dedicated to serving the community towards improving literacy while providing skills and a network to empower every person of every age on a free service basis.

Coworking

Library

Space

Garden

Meetup

This video was taken at the end of 2019, just before the first lockdown. Even though the library remained closed to the public for the better parts of 2020 and 2021, it has managed to retain its connection to the local community.

r e a d & w o r k.

WHO WE ARE.

OUR STORY

Nadir from Afghanistan and Ioanna from Greece met in 2015 over a cup of coffee. He was shy and needed a place to stay, she was fed up and needed to do something about the unfolding refugee crisis. During the time they lived together they shared their stories, their concerns and their hopes for a fairer world. They came to the conclusion that the city, in denial of its multicultural identity, was lacking a space that would house books in all the languages spoken in Athens giving the opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds to meet, exchange stories and overcome personal prejudices. They have been working voluntarily and tirelessly for the realization of that goal since 2016.

OUR TEAM

From the very beginning amazing people joined us in our ambitious dream to create and sustain Athens’ first multilingual library. They came from different parts of the world and they brought with them experience, ideas and skills. We embrace diversity as we support each other to grow.  

This was and continues to be, a group effort. 

 

 

MEET

OUR TEAM.

IOANNA NISSIRIOU

IOANNA NISSIRIOU

CO-FOUNDER

Short bio

Ioanna studied Film and History of Art in the UK where she lived and worked for 8 years. Upon returning to Greece, she worked as a producer in the entertainment industry and then for international news channels. We Need Books represents everything she loves: literature, art, human connection, storytelling, inclusion. It is the place she would have loved to have in her neighborhood growing up. Applying her skills and devoting her time into securing the library’s development and sustainability as well as the growth of its people are her top priorities. One of her favorite books is “Idols of Perversity: Fantasies of Feminine Evil in Fin-de-Siècle Culture” by Bram Dijkstra.

NADIR NOORI

NADIR NOORI

CO-FOUNDER

Short bio

Nadir is the co-founder of We Need Books. He has extensive experience in the humanitarian field with multiple certificates as an interpreter and cultural mediator. He has worked with unaccompanied minors and victims of torture, war and gender-based violence. In 2016, he was assigned by the Ministry of Migration Policy and UNHCR as the coordinator of the Helliniko refugee camp. Nadir is also a photographer and has been a member of Solomon’s photography team since its establishment in 2016. Nadir has dedicated most of his time in the past six years in self realization and inquiry, and has a series of favorite books such as: A New Earth, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, The Voice of the Silence, The Key to Theosophy by Helena Blavatsky.

EMMA RAIBAUT

EMMA RAIBAUT

Short bio

Emma is a librarian. She was born in France, where she studied history of arts and children’s literature. She loves that libraries are one of the rare places where it is possible to spend time freely and for free, and believes that children should be encouraged to read mangas and comics as much as any other book. After moving to Athens in 2015, she noticed her most valuable connection to France was through books. She was dreaming of creating a multicultural library that would nurture everyone’s connection to any country when she discovered We Need Books. Her favorite book is Mémoire de fille (A Girl’s Story), by Annie Ernaux.

MARGARITA SIANOU

MARGARITA SIANOU

Short bio

Margarita Sianou was born in Athens, Greece but moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education at the City University of New York. She has over 30 years of experience in international higher education including, 29 years at WES where she was Deputy Executive Director and Director of Evaluations at World Education Services. She has participated and presented on many international education topics at professional conferences in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Margarita believes in the power of books, knowledge, and education to transform the lives of people from all over the world. She strongly believes that this is particularly true for refugees. Upon moving back to Athens in 2017, Margarita joined the group of volunteers of We Need Books helping the organization maximize outreach activities, advocacy, and fundraising. One of her favourite books is “The Coming of Age” by Simone de Beauvoir.

VIVI LOULO

VIVI LOULO

Short bio

Vivi studied Social Anthropology in Athens and has a background in working with toddlers and preschoolers who have experienced homelessness.

She has a passion for helping young individuals build skills, raise self-esteem and develop personal qualities.

She is thrilled to have the opportunity to promote literacy and reading to young children and to continue supporting the amazing youth of Athens!
One of her favourite books is “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir.

MARGARITA SIANOU

MARGARITA SIANOU

Short bio

Margarita Sianou was born in Athens, Greece but moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education at the City University of New York. She has over 30 years of experience in international higher education including, 29 years at WES where she was Deputy Executive Director and Director of Evaluations at World Education Services. She has participated and presented on many international education topics at professional conferences in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Margarita believes in the power of books, knowledge, and education to transform the lives of people from all over the world. She strongly believes that this is particularly true for refugees. Upon moving back to Athens in 2017, Margarita joined the group of volunteers of We Need Books helping the organization maximize outreach activities, advocacy, and fundraising. One of her favourite books is “The Coming of Age” by Simone de Beauvoir.

GEORGIA FOUNTOULAKI

GEORGIA FOUNTOULAKI

Short bio

Georgia has international experience, a strong academic background and a genuine interest in intercultural education. She is specialized in European Civilization, the History of Immigration, and Language Education for Refugees and Migrants.

She researches issues related to intercultural education, educational material design, identity, culture and migration. One of her favourite books is “A Little History of the World” by E.H. Gombrich.

EMMA RAIBAUT

EMMA RAIBAUT

Short bio

Emma is a librarian. She was born in France, where she studied history of arts and children’s literature. She loves that libraries are one of the rare places where it is possible to spend time freely and for free, and believes that children should be encouraged to read mangas and comics as much as any other book. After moving to Athens in 2015, she noticed her most valuable connection to France was through books. She was dreaming of creating a multicultural library that would nurture everyone’s connection to any country when she discovered We Need Books. Her favorite book is Mémoire de fille (A Girl’s Story), by Annie Ernaux.

HANNAH BLACKMORE

HANNAH BLACKMORE

Short bio

Hannah is from the UK and moved to Athens in 2019. She studied Modern Languages, speaks French and Spanish and is now learning Greek. She previously lived in Madrid where she trained as an EFL teacher. She is currently doing a Library and Information Services Management MA at the University of Sheffield, and believes that public libraries are radically important spaces. She is the Assistant Librarian at We Need Books, and also helps organise events. Her favourite book is ‘I Capture the Castle’ by Dodie Smith.

SARAH HOLDEN

SARAH HOLDEN

Short bio

Sarah Holden has over 15 years of experience managing computer platforms as well as building strong engineering teams. Currently she is an Engineering Manager responsible for the management and security of platforms at Google. Sarah graduated with a BS in Microbiology from UC Santa Barbara. Her interests include sailing, traveling and spending time with her family. Sarah is passionate about helping people in crisis especially women who have not had adequate access to education. Sarah joined the Board of We Need Books in 2017 to help give refugees and migrants a chance for a future.

BRIELLE NIKAIDO

BRIELLE NIKAIDO

Short bio

Brielle Nikaido currently works as the Senior Director of Market Strategy at Salesforce. Before joining Salesforce, she specialized in influencer relations and community management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Asian American Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara.

MEET

OUR ADVISORS.

AARON MADFES

AARON MADFES

Short bio

Aaron Madfes has 20+ years of experience working in the legal field, and is currently working as a manager of Legal Specialists at Google. Before joining Google, Aaron worked as a Litigation Paralegal at the law firm Keker & Van Nest (now named Keker, Van Nest & Peters). Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles. When not working, Aaron loves to cook, play basketball and travel. In the summer of 2017 he was part of a volunteer travel project in Athens that aimed to serve the refugee population in Greece, and as a result of working with We Need Books on that trip, he has continued his involvement with the NGO by serving as an advisory board member.

CARL THARP

CARL THARP

Short bio

Carl Tharp has spent most of his 17 year career in construction management and is an active real estate investor and entrepreneur. He currently works as a program manager for Google and holds bachelors degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Management Economics from the University of California. Carl volunteers locally in the Bay Area at a transition home for young adults and has worked closely with non-profits in Nepal and Greece. On his most recent mission to Greece in the summer of 2017 he became deeply connected with the mission of We Need Books and jumped at the opportunity to lend his skillset as an advisor.

SANDY SINGH

SANDY SINGH

Short bio

Sandy Singh has spent the last 10 years finding sustainable ways to help programs scale around the world. Sandy volunteers with a year round homeless shelter in her hometown where she helps advocate for better housing solutions. She is currently working on a pilot program for the Urban Services, YMCA where she promotes health and wellness within HOPE SF communities. She holds bachelor degrees in Marketing and International Management. Staying true to her childhood nickname, Bookworm, Sandy has a goal of reading over 35 books a year.

LEFTERIS PAPAGIANNAKIS

LEFTERIS PAPAGIANNAKIS

Short bio

Lefteris Papagiannakis was born in France in 1971. He studied public law in the University of Lille II and holds an MA in European Community Law and International Economy. He worked in the European Parliament as a parliamentary assistant, on the education of children of the Muslim minority in Greece, as a legal counselor for the political party Ecologists Green and the Special Secretariat on environmental inspection. He was elected in the municipal council of Athens in 9/2014 and named Vice Mayor on Migrant and Refugee Affairs 3/2016-8/2019. He was Chair of the working group Migration and Integration of the Eurocities Network, Vice President for Refugee Issues of ECCAR (European Coalition of Cities against Racism) and president of the Council for the Integration of Migrants of the Municipality of Athens.

He is the General Secretary of the Hellenic League of Human Rights and member of the Board of the Greek Council for Refugees.

He currently works for SolidarityNow a Greek NGO as Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research.

IOANNIS TROHOPOULOS

IOANNIS TROHOPOULOS

Short bio

Ioannis Trohopoulos, was born in Veria, Northern Greece. Worked as Director for Veria Central Public library from 1988 till May 2012. In August 2010 during the IFLA Conference at Goteborg, Sweden received on behalf of Veria Library the annual “Access to Learning” 1 million$ award nominated by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. From June 2010 till April 2016 he served as CEO at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. He is founding member of Future library, an NGO which supports the development of public libraries at national and international level. He was (March 2017- April 2019) Head  of the “Athens 2018-World Book Capital”, an important distinction which the city of Athens received by UNESCO. From June 2019 is director of Programs of Heritage Management Organization.  He is also member of the Library board of Veria Central Public library.

MEET

OUR ADVISORS.

SARAH HOLDEN

SARAH HOLDEN

Short bio

Sarah Holden has over 15 years of experience managing computer platforms as well as building strong engineering teams. Currently she is an Engineering Manager responsible for the management and security of platforms at Google. Sarah graduated with a BS in Microbiology from UC Santa Barbara. Her interests include sailing, traveling and spending time with her family. Sarah is passionate about helping people in crisis especially women who have not had adequate access to education. Sarah joined the Board of We Need Books in 2017 to help give refugees and migrants a chance for a future.

BRIELLE NIKAIDO

BRIELLE NIKAIDO

Short bio

Brielle Nikaido currently works as the Senior Director of Market Strategy at Salesforce. Before joining Salesforce, she specialized in influencer relations and community management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Asian American Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara.

AARON MADFES

AARON MADFES

Short bio

Aaron Madfes has 20+ years of experience working in the legal field, and is currently working as a manager of Legal Specialists at Google. Before joining Google, Aaron worked as a Litigation Paralegal at the law firm Keker & Van Nest (now named Keker, Van Nest & Peters). Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California Los Angeles. When not working, Aaron loves to cook, play basketball and travel. In the summer of 2017 he was part of a volunteer travel project in Athens that aimed to serve the refugee population in Greece, and as a result of working with We Need Books on that trip, he has continued his involvement with the NGO by serving as an advisory board member.

CARL THARP

CARL THARP

Short bio

Carl Tharp has spent most of his 17 year career in construction management and is an active real estate investor and entrepreneur. He currently works as a program manager for Google and holds bachelors degrees in Civil Engineering and Business Management Economics from the University of California. Carl volunteers locally in the Bay Area at a transition home for young adults and has worked closely with non-profits in Nepal and Greece. On his most recent mission to Greece in the summer of 2017 he became deeply connected with the mission of We Need Books and jumped at the opportunity to lend his skillset as an advisor.

SANDY SINGH

SANDY SINGH

Short bio

Sandy Singh has spent the last 10 years finding sustainable ways to help programs scale around the world. Sandy volunteers with a year round homeless shelter in her hometown where she helps advocate for better housing solutions. She is currently working on a pilot program for the Urban Services, YMCA where she promotes health and wellness within HOPE SF communities. She holds bachelor degrees in Marketing and International Management. Staying true to her childhood nickname, Bookworm, Sandy has a goal of reading over 35 books a year.

LEFTERIS PAPAGIANNAKIS

LEFTERIS PAPAGIANNAKIS

Short bio

Lefteris Papagiannakis was born in France in 1971. He studied public law in the University of Lille II and holds an MA in European Community Law and International Economy. He worked in the European Parliament as a parliamentary assistant, on the education of children of the Muslim minority in Greece, as a legal counselor for the political party Ecologists Green and the Special Secretariat on environmental inspection. He was elected in the municipal council of Athens in 9/2014 and named Vice Mayor on Migrant and Refugee Affairs 3/2016-8/2019. He was Chair of the working group Migration and Integration of the Eurocities Network, Vice President for Refugee Issues of ECCAR (European Coalition of Cities against Racism) and president of the Council for the Integration of Migrants of the Municipality of Athens.

He is the General Secretary of the Hellenic League of Human Rights and member of the Board of the Greek Council for Refugees.

He currently works for SolidarityNow a Greek NGO as Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research.

IOANNIS TROHOPOULOS

IOANNIS TROHOPOULOS

Short bio

Ioannis Trohopoulos, was born in Veria, Northern Greece. Worked as Director for Veria Central Public library from 1988 till May 2012. In August 2010 during the IFLA Conference at Goteborg, Sweden received on behalf of Veria Library the annual “Access to Learning” 1 million$ award nominated by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. From June 2010 till April 2016 he served as CEO at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. He is founding member of Future library, an NGO which supports the development of public libraries at national and international level. He was (March 2017- April 2019) Head  of the “Athens 2018-World Book Capital”, an important distinction which the city of Athens received by UNESCO. From June 2019 is director of Programs of Heritage Management Organization.  He is also member of the Library board of Veria Central Public library.

Feel the vibes of our

LIBRARY

We have tried hard to describe the feeling one has upon first entering the space and we know now that nothing we say does it justice. You will know only when you come and feel for yourself. 

OUR COLLABORATORS.

OUR COLLABORATORS.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!