Heroes of the Planet: How Public Libraries Empower Sustainability Literacy Through Children’s Books

Abstract

In 2025, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye will host Culture Road Festivals in 20 cities, integrating public libraries into their educational programs. Through Directorate General for Libraries and Publications, libraries organize sustainability-themed activities for children -linking environmental storytelling with hands-on experiences such as seed planting, composting, and rainwater collection. The Agro Library at Uşak Banaz Public Library exemplifies this approach, using children’s books as a gateway to eco-literacy. Across Türkiye, libraries offer upcycled crafts, ecological reading clubs, nature exhibitions, and author talks to inspire climate awareness, biodiversity protection, recycling, and water conservation. The Rural Library Network connects librarians from remote areas, fostering collaboration and sharing program ideas. Three libraries - Rami, Burdur, and Uşak Banaz - present their green initiatives at the IFLA Green Library Poster Sessions, showcasing how literature can spark environmental engagement. Türkiye’s efforts extend to academic and professional development, including the International Library and Technology Festival and the award-winning Library Ideathon, which produced a Green Ecosystem Model for Libraries. These initiatives position Türkiye’s public libraries as leaders in embedding sustainability literacy into community life combining theory, creativity, and practice to empower the next generation through the transformative power of children’s books.