Paper Lanterns; A Campaign to Turn Waste Paper into Books and Knowledge

According to the correspondent of Iran Book News Agency (IBNA) in Birjand, the “Paper Lanterns” campaign is being implemented across South Khorasan province with the aim of strengthening the culture of book donation, increasing public participation, and enriching public library resources.

This campaign, focused on facilitating easy and low-cost access to suitable books and helping to raise the per capita reading rate, invites all citizens to deliver their books and reading materials, valuable or old copies, and also waste paper to the nearest public library in their area of residence.

The head of the General Directorate of Public Libraries of South Khorasan, referring to the importance of utilizing public capacities in cultural development, said: ‘Many families throw away paper waste without segregation, while the material value of this waste paper can help purchase a book and gift the light of knowledge to hundreds of child library members.’

Ali Zohouri added: ‘The goal of this campaign is to strengthen library resources, create a sense of social solidarity, increase people’s attachment to libraries, and introduce the cultural role of these centers in society.’

He emphasized cultural development for donating useful books found in homes and offices, noting: ”Paper Lanterns,” in addition to reducing the cost of providing informational resources, increases access for book enthusiasts and provides the groundwork for greater public interaction with public libraries.