Developing books in climate crisis
In the wake of COVID-19 travel restrictions, the way Library For All supported communities had to adapt. For our project with the Solomon Islands, that meant thinking differently, and quickly—running online writers’ workshops and establishing collaborations with on the ground local educators in a shorter timeline. In partnership with Save the Children Solomon Islands, we launched a digital library—from conception to distribution—breaking barriers to accessing literacy in more remote communities.
From online workshops with in-country partners, to local authors writing in their mother tongues, the initiative is a collection of stories created with and for Solomon Islanders, published and distributed in print, and accessible offline through our free app.
Learn more about the Library For All Android app here.
Local voices, digital reach
Library For All facilitated workshops for Solomon Islanders to tell us what they wanted to see in their books, to become storytellers for the next generation, and how to record culture and language through appropriate representation. The library now includes more than 400 culturally relevant children’s books—many written by first-time local authors.
As on the ground author Elton Pitatogae shared:
“I grew up in a remote island without access to books. I’ve seen the struggle that children face. I want them to have access to books that reflect their world.”
Created with community consultation, these stories offer relatable content while capturing intergenerational wisdom and regional diversity.
Authors like Madam Alison Hora, who contributed Arosi language books, emphasized the pride and learning that comes from children reading in their mother tongue:
“Our children now have access to more books written in their own language. This will no doubt improve their learning.”
Learn more about our work in the Pacific by visiting this link.
Building a balanced library
To complement community-led storytelling, we partnered with University of Canberra educators to develop a nonfiction science series tailored for young readers. These engaging books help build foundational science literacy, covering topics like:
- Vaccinations
- Brilliant Bees
- Seasons
- What Will I See At The Hospital?—An important introduction to the often-daunting environment a child might face on a first medical visit.
This combination of fiction and nonfiction ensures a balanced library, sparking both creativity and curiosity.
This collection of books is available on the Library For All Android app.
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Language matters
With over 70 languages spoken across the Solomon Islands, access to literature in a child’s first language is essential. That’s why with our partners, we published and delivered subsets of the library in seven local languages, allowing children to begin their literacy journeys in the language they speak at home. This included: Arosi, Babatana, Gilbertese, Pijin, Roviana, Varisi and Vella languages.
Alongside Solomon Islands authorities, Library For All adapted a series of 12 Natural Disaster Preparedness books (originally developed for Papua New Guinea) to reflect local context, terminology, and government-approved safety messages. These titles include cyclones, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, fires, drought, heatwaves, storm surges, preparing your family, what to do after a disaster.
These books are designed to equip children and families with clear, beautiful illustrated, culturally relevant guidance on staying safe in the face of natural hazards—what was highlighted as an essential resource in a climate-vulnerable region like the Pacific.
What collaboration looks like
From online writer workshops to community-based content creation and government-aligned adaptation processes—this library is the result of practical, on-the-ground collaboration.
Behind the scenes, we worked closely with:
- Save the Children Solomon Islands
- Solomon Islands Ministry of Education and Human Resources Department (MEHRD)
- University of Canberra
And dozens of Solomon Islander authors, teachers and community members
Despite closed borders and travel restrictions, this program demonstrates what’s possible when we prioritise culturally relevant learning, digital inclusion, and shared vision.
Browse our online store for a selection of general book titles: Social and Emotional Learning – Library For All Shop
Why it matters
We believe education is not just about reading—it’s about recognising yourself in the stories you read.
This library offers mirrors for Solomon Islands children—affirming their identity and language, while building skills in both literacy and self-confidence. And with offline-first access and a growing network of local contributors, it’s also scalable, resilient, and ready to reach even more remote learners.
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