How a School Library Powers Educational Transformation: From Eco-Reading to AI Humanities

Abstract

A school library can be the heart of a school: a place where students explore big questions about the world and their place in it.

This poster shares a two-year whole-school reading programme led by a teacher-librarian at a Korean high school, built on five steps: Read, Discuss, Dialogue, Experience and Act, Create.

In the first year, under the theme “Our Efforts for a Better World,” students explored ecological issues through non-competitive reading discussions, author talks, and an overnight camp on climate change and fast fashion. They joined an upcycling and clothing-swap workshop with local activists and an eco-humanities camp with wetland walks. The year ended with eco-themed poems and stories published by students.

In the second year, the theme shifted to “Finding Our Humanity in the Age of AI.” Students again joined non-competitive reading discussions and AI-humanities camps, including a four-school joint camp. The year ended with a student-published short fiction collection.

One learning journey, two different themes, four student-published books. A school library can connect students with real-world issues, engage the community, and turn readers into changemakers: a replicable model for educational transformation.