Giving Books Wings – Book Exchange and Environmental Education in Gliwice

On June 9, 2025, Grunwaldzki Square in Gliwice transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental awareness and community engagement. The event titled “Giving Books Wings”, organized by Katarzyna Raszkowska, eco-manager of the City of Gliwice, in cooperation with the Arka Environmental Foundation, combined a book exchange, fair, educational workshops, and circular economy promotion.

The initiative was part of the “Silesia. Blue Sky Restored” project and an official event of the EU Green Week 2025, the European Union’s largest environmental celebration dedicated to nature protection and sustainable development.

Circular Economy Meets Literature

One of the key messages of the event was that books can have a second life. Instead of gathering dust on shelves or being discarded, they were given a new purpose – passed on to new readers during a free public exchange and fair. The activity perfectly reflected the principles of the circular economy, encouraging reuse and conscious consumption.

At the same time, ecological workshops and educational games for children were held on-site. Young participants learned how to care for the environment, save natural resources, and reduce waste. Through interactive play and teamwork-based challenges, they discovered the basics of recycling, circularity, and sustainable habits in a fun, memorable way.

Inspiring Conscious Choices

For adults, an educational booth provided information on circular economy practices, air quality protection, and available funding schemes for eco-friendly home improvements. It offered practical tips on how individual actions can contribute to better air and a healthier environment.

Katarzyna Raszkowska, the event organizer and eco-manager for the city, emphasized the importance of environmental education for future generations:

“Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility – a crucial goal and mission that we should focus on together. It's about the quality of the space we live in. Educating young people is particularly important because they will continue this work – for themselves, for their children, and for the generations to come.”

Gliwice Joins EU Green Week

Over 100 students from Gliwice schools took part in the event, along with many city residents. By combining environmental education with a celebration of reading, the initiative showcased how local actions can have a global impact.

The campaign “Giving Books Wings” reminded us that recycling and circular economy are not limited to plastics or metals – everyday items like books also play a role. It was also a chance to reflect on the environmental costs of paper production and promote more mindful use of natural resources.