With World Book Day just around the corner, North Bridlington Library and Haltemprice Library and Customer Services are offering children the opportunity to donate a costume and collect a “new to you” costume to take home.
Until Sunday, 3 March, residents can visit North Bridlington Library and Haltemprice Library and Customer Services and take part in the Costume Swap: they can either choose a new World Book Day costume or donate an old one for someone new to enjoy.
While World Book Day is an exciting event for children, buying a new costume every year can be damaging to the environment, as well as adding to the rising costs of living for families.
East Riding Libraries want to encourage recycling costumes rather than purchasing a new one.
Jess McCarthy, librarian with East Riding Libraries, said: “There is a lot of waste around kids’ costumes, especially with the growth in popularity of events such as World Book Day, the pressure for families to participate, and the increase in ‘fast-fashion’ style production.”
Tara Foxon, librarian with East Riding Libraries, continued: “We feel that libraries create the perfect setting for families to swap and share costumes, allowing them to not only save money, but help towards saving the environment too!”
“Whether they’re donating an old costume or picking a new one, it’s a lovely way to keep the community celebrating books as well as making it more accessible for everyone.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, added : “What a great initiative from East Riding Libraries, to encourage getting involved in World Book Day, and in recycling at the same time! I really hope that local people will take part in this excellent scheme in Bridlington and Haltemprice.”
Please note that East Riding Libraries have no responsibility for these costumes, and they are to be donated and taken at the parents/carers “consent”. They also cannot guarantee that everyone will find a suitable costume to swap.
Children who are not in a school setting and have not received a World Book Day voucher can also collect their free book vouchers from their local East Riding library.
