Libraries are enticing visitors with a host of green-themed events as part of a week-long scheme focused on supporting sustainability and tackling climate change.
The annual Libraries Week will this year take place from 2 to 8 October, and aims to highlight the range of services, resources and activities taking place in libraries across the UK.
Executive member for libraries, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We are once again supporting Libraries Week with a host of activities, talks and craft sessions on offer.
“We have an array of green-themed books, both fiction and non-fiction, on display in our libraries and staff will be on hand to offer advice on e-books and downloads. Borrowing library books is a great way of recycling.
“We can all make a difference to save our planet, so we urge residents to visit their local library to get some green ideas. It’s the little things we can all do that help make a big difference for the future of humanity.”
As part of this year’s green theme, North Yorkshire libraries are focusing on inspiring the next generation with story and rhyme times for under-fives.
Northallerton library is incorporating making musical instruments from recycled materials within its story time events, while Catterick, Colburn and Richmond libraries will be planting autumn bulbs.
Conservationist Keith Wilkinson MBE will hold a talk at Harrogate library on walking routes around the Nidd Gorge and Nidderdale Greenway at 2pm on Friday, 6 October. He will provide reminders of the industrial past and describe the flora and fauna along the way, showing how nature has reclaimed the once derelict railway line.
Other speakers include marine and coastal wildlife expert Jane Pottas who will be giving a talk on the effects of pollution on the local marine environment at Whitby library at 5pm on Tuesday, 3 October. Members of the Action on Climate Emergency (ACE) will also be speaking at Settle library at 12.30pm on Wednesday, 4 October.
Ryedale Remakes will be at Malton library from 10am to 12noon on Monday, 2 October, demonstrating and creating upcycled goods and Knaresborough library is looking ahead to Christmas with eco-friendly craft sessions and party ideas on 2 October and 4 at 2.30pm.
Scarborough library’s knit and natter group is inviting non-members to join them on Wednesday, 4 October, from 2pm to 4pm to knit dishcloths. The Coast and Vale Community Action group will be promoting the waste not want not project, celebrating skills such as weaving, darning as well as growing and preserving food. They are looking for donations of wool to create much-needed items for Scarborough Hospital, Castle Grange Care Home and the Salvation Army.
North Yorkshire Rotters will be visiting several libraries throughout the week to inspire people to change their waste habits. The activities will include riding a smoothie bike, making a container where composting worms live, and teaching waste management techniques.
Local libraries can provide the full schedule of events and contact details can be found here.
Details will be shared on Facebook pages for individual libraries, and the #LibrariesWeek hashtag will be used on social media.
Our draft climate change strategy was backed by its executive members in January, who also endorsed an ambitious bid for York and North Yorkshire to become the first carbon negative region in the country by 2040.
Malton library has already benefitted from carbon cutting improvements with the replacement of its old, unreliable and inefficient heating system as well as the replacement of windows.