Malala Yousafzai Helps Open Europe's Largest Public Library

Speaking in Birmingham, England Today as she inaugurated what is now the largest public library in Europe, Malala Yousafzai praised the people of the city for helping her recover after being shot by Taliban forces, calling it her “second home.”

Malala said that growing up, she thought she was a strong reader, but since coming to England, she realizes she’s got a lot of catching up to do:

Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism. I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through educating not only our minds, but our hearts and our souls. This is the way forward to our destiny of peace and prosperity.

Malala also reminded her listeners that “we must not forget that 57 million children are out of school”:

We must speak up for peace and development in Nigeria, Syria and Somalia. We must speak up for the children of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, who are suffering from terrorism, poverty, child labour and child trafficking. Let us help them through our voice, action and charity. Let us help them to read books and go to school. And let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.

Malala last spoke in July on her 16th birthday at the United Nations to a group of student delegates. You can read her full remarks here; today’s unveiling took place a week before World Literacy Day on September 8.