(This article was published for the first time in January 2018.)
In Ankara, the garbage collectors transform waste into culture: the çankaya library
In the çankaya district in Ankara, an inspiring initiative was born: garbage collectors have created a unique library, from books intended to be thrown. This community project has made it possible to revive almost 4,750 worksfound in the city’s trash cans when collecting garbage. Novels, scientific works, children’s tales … This heterogeneous collection testifies to the potential hidden in objects that we believe without value.
The library is located in an old factory, now rehabilitated, where even the decoration follows the logic of recycling. The lamps, for example, were made from old copper pipes recovered in waste. This place, open to the public, is particularly popular with the garbage collectors themselves who take advantage of this reading haven during their breaks and sometimes even at night.
An initiative with a social and solidarity dimension
This project goes beyond the simple recovery of waste: it embodies a new way of thinking about solidarity and access to culture. The library quickly received donations from books from all over the country, testifying to a real collective impetus. The inhabitants and the institutions see in this library a concrete means of fighting against waste and promoting reading for all.
After classifying the books in 17 categoriesçankaya’s garbage collectors also launched a traveling library. This project makes it possible to transport books in local schools in order to make the youngest aware of reading and recycling. The initiative thus opens the way to a reflection on cultural inclusiveness by ensuring that even those who do not have access to resources can benefit from these literary treasures.
Other similar initiatives in Türkiye
The model of çankaya has inspired other actions across the country by demonstrating that access to culture can be democratized thanks to solidarity:
The Library of Road Stations in Izmir : At Izmir bus station, a library was installed in 2020 for travelers. Passengers can borrow books while waiting for their bus and the majority of the works come from donations.
The “Kitap Hediye and” project (“offers a book”): This national program encourages citizens to offer books to schools, prisons or community centers, especially in the less served regions. An initiative that makes it possible to overcome the difficulties of access to culture in certain parts of the country.
“Bookcrossing” in Istanbul: In Istanbul, books have appeared in neighborhoods like Kadıköy and Beşiktaş. Everyone can deposit or borrow a book for free allowing books to circulate freely in the city and to reach new readers.
These initiatives show that Turkey adopts an innovative approach to promote reading while promoting recycling and community engagement practices.
A model for other cities?
With limited resources but a strong will it is possible to give new life to forgotten objects and to create spaces of sharing and knowledge. By making culture accessible to all, çankaya garbage collectors illustrate the importance of small actions and the positive impact that local commitment can have on the community. 2025 update
Since the publication of this article, the initiative has taken a new step. In recent years, Ankara garbage collectors have recycled an old trash truck to make it a mobile library. Thanks to this transformed vehicle, thousands of books are now delivered to schools, prisons and isolated communities across Turkey. A recent development, praised internationally, which extends the united and cultural commitment to this unique project.
Let’s share our stories!
Do you know other initiatives in Türkiye where thrown objects have been reused for the good of the community? Do not hesitate to tell us about your discoveries in the comments or by email [email protected]. Let us highlight these inspiring projects which instill a model of united and ecological engagement.
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