Youth and Environmental Emotions project – Public libraries supporting youth to treat and express their emotions and views concerning environmental issues

Abstract

In the Youth and Environmental Emotions project, we wanted to test and develop the environmental and climate activities of the library using a method, in which young people themselves can choose the topics, ways of action and forms of work that interest them. The aim was to try out new and fresh ways of engaging young people. Our primary target group was 13- to 20-year-olds. The project was a national development project (2021–2022) managed by the Helsinki City Library and funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Project partners were Oulu City Library, Turku City Library, Mikkeli Regional Library and City of Mikkeli Youth Services, Youth Work as a Builder of Climate hope project.

We primarily asked young people's opinions through a survey that we shared via different routes and platforms. Based on the survey and discussions with young people, the young people were most interested in doing something concrete and getting information, especially on topics close to them. It was clear that young people get most of their information on environmental and climate matters at school and through social media, so we started from them and also organised events in libraries and youth centres.

Based on the project, the best way for public libraries to support youth to treat and express their emotions and views concerning environmental issues is by providing information on eco-topics, organizing events, and going to places where the young people are. Libraries should work together with schools, experts, social media content creators, organizations, and youth centres to support young people's environmental emotions and environmental activities. A practical guide to the events and activities carried out in the course of the project will be compiled to support future work. The idea is that not everyone needs to start again from the beginning.