Devon environmental journalist named patron for Libraries Unlimited
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Devon’s environmental and literary communities are set to benefit from the appointment of journalist, author and broadcaster Anna Turns as the new patron of Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the county’s library services.
Known for her passionate work in ocean conservation and science communication, Anna ( pictured ) brings a wealth of experience to the role at a particularly significant moment for the organisation. Her latest BBC radio series Secrets of the Sea delves into how marine scientists in the West Country are addressing global challenges such as overfishing, climate change and sea level rise.
As Senior Environment Editor at The Conversation UK, Anna works to make academic research more accessible to the wider public, and her writing has featured in national outlets including The Guardian and BBC Future, covering subjects ranging from renewable energy to sustainable food and farming. Her 2022 book, Go Toxic Free, offers practical advice on reducing chemical pollution in everyday life.
Anna’s appointment coincides with the launch of Together for Tomorrow, a £1.5 million climate initiative funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, which aims to turn libraries across Devon into local sustainability hubs.
Alongside this, Libraries Unlimited is introducing The Summer Book Quest: Deep Sea Adventure, a reading challenge that not only encourages children to discover the joy of books but also invites them to explore the oceans and understand the importance of marine conservation.
As a lifelong advocate for environmental education and nature connection, Anna Turns is deeply aligned with these goals.
Reflecting on her new role, she said: “As a biologist, writer and mother, I’m passionate about nature connection and ocean literacy. Just simply stepping onto the seashore to explore a tiny rockpool or reading a coastal-inspired book can spark a lifelong interest in the ocean, so I’m incredibly excited to be a patron for Libraries Unlimited at a time when seas and storytelling combine in this summer’s project and hopefully beyond.”
She added: “Facts aren’t enough to inspire action – once we connect with our environment on an emotional level, we’re more likely to feel compelled to act and protect what we love. That’s why stories have a huge role to play. By creating sustainability hubs at Devon’s community libraries, we can also make even more of a difference by working together as a collective.”
Anna previously ran the Kids Against Plastic campaign Plastic Clever Salcombe with her daughter, reinforcing her belief in the power of community-led action and environmental education. Her ethos closely mirrors the mission of Libraries Unlimited, which seeks to foster learning, curiosity and connection through its 54 libraries and four mobile library services.
Chief Executive of Libraries Unlimited, Alex Kittow, welcomed the new appointment with enthusiasm, saying: “It is incredible to have Anna on board as a patron at this crucial time for both the climate and libraries. Small changes can make a big difference and that is what we hope to achieve by fostering connections to the world around us, to each other, to stories and learning.
“Anna is the perfect patron for helping us to spread the word about all of this and we are very grateful she has joined us.”
United by a belief in storytelling, community and sustainability, this partnership marks an inspiring new chapter for Libraries Unlimited as it empowers Devon’s communities to read, learn and take action for a greener future.
( Photos: Devon Libraries Unlimited 📸 )