Running from 21 to 28 October, the national week celebrates libraries’ work on climate and sustainability. This year’s theme, “Climate facts for a greener future”, highlights the importance of reliable information about climate change.
At Ewart Library in Dumfries, young people who enjoy writing and nature can join a free nature writing workshop led by local author and naturalist Stephen Rutt. Taking place on Saturday 24 October, from 10am to 11.30am, the session will give participants a chance to try nature writing as part of Green Libraries Week.
Places are limited and booking is essential. To book, email [email protected], visit Ewart Library in person or message Dumfries and Galloway Libraries through Facebook.
The programme also includes activities delivered in partnership with local organisation Crichton Carbon Centre: a drop-in family session on coasts and marine life on Friday 23 October, from 10am to noon, and a talk on restoring peatlands on Tuesday 27 October, from 10am to 11am, followed by a drop-in question-and-answer session until noon.
Other activities include monster junk modelling during the October holidays, a climate myth-busting display and a new collection of green-themed books. All activities are free, but some events require booking. Residents can follow Dumfries and Galloway Libraries’ social media for programme details and booking information.
Across the region, families can also take part in Scare, Share and Wear, the council’s Green Halloween costume-swap initiative, supported by the Scottish Government Public Library Improvement Fund. Running alongside Green Libraries Week, it encourages people to give pre-loved costumes another Halloween rather than throw them away.
Donations can be made at any council library in Dumfries and Galloway. Costume-swap rails are available from 10 to 31 October at Ewart Library, Stranraer Library, Kirkconnel Library, Lockerbie Library and Dalbeattie Library. Families can donate, swap or simply take a costume to use this Halloween.
Councillor John Campbell, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Enabling and Customer Services Committee, said:
“Sharing is at the heart of what libraries do. Green Libraries Week is an opportunity to celebrate that and highlight how our libraries can help people learn, explore new interests and make better use of what we already have.
“From encouraging young people to write about nature to helping families pass on outgrown costumes, these activities offer practical ways to get involved.”
Councillor Ben Dashper, Vice-Chair of the committee, said:
“The workshop with Stephen Rutt is a lovely opportunity for young people interested in nature and writing to try something different.
“There’s also an opportunity for families across Dumfries and Galloway to get involved in Scare, Share and Wear. You can donate at any council library, and you don’t need to bring a costume to take one from a swap rail.”
Residents are encouraged to book ahead for the nature writing workshop and visit one of the five participating costume-swap rails before the initiative ends on 31 October.