Green Libraries Week 2024

Libraries Week, which runs from 7 to 13 October, is a week-long celebration of the nation's much-loved libraries, and this year the theme is 'Green Libraries', encouraging communities to continue working towards being more sustainable and support the climate action cause.

We have a programme of replacing the lighting in West Berkshire Libraries with energy efficient LED lighting. LED lighting was introduced at Newbury Library in 2021, and this has led to a saving of 15.03 tonnes of CO₂ each year. At Theale Library, where LED lights were introduced in 2022, the saving has been 7.16 tonnes of CO₂ each year.

Of course, being a library member means that you are already doing your bit to support the climate action cause; by borrowing and returning books you are reducing the carbon footprint of a book's manufacture across lots of other people.

There are also recycling points for a variety of materials, including small batteries, spectacles and old bras across all West Berkshire Libraries.

During Green Libraries Week, West Berkshire Libraries will be extending its celebrations throughout the month, encouraging users to never stop learning through a variety of activities for all ages from children's shows, craft activities to themed talks. We will also be running a drop-in session on Wednesday 9 October at Hungerford Library providing the opportunity to meet with a member of our waste management team who will be answering questions on our Draft Waste Management Strategy and promoting our FREE real nappy trial packs for eligible residents of West Berkshire.

Councillor Nigel Foot, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside at west Berkshire Council, said:

"We have a brilliant programme of activities running during October that we hope will bring the community together to learn about the ways in which our green libraries encourage life-long learning in West Berkshire. Everyone is welcome and the library is free to join."

For more information on what's on near you, or to become a member and access the e-library, visit your local library or visit the West Berkshire Libraries website.

You can also follow the West Berkshire Libraries social media channels to see what's happening in your area.