A series of fun activities are taking place across Staffordshire’s libraries to promote reducing waste and looking after the planet.
For a fourth year in a row, the county’s libraries will spend May ramping up workshops and schemes to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Comic hero workshops that explore green themes through creating comic book characters will tour libraries throughout the month, along with repair sessions run by Waste Savvy Staffordshire. Workshops promoting waste reduction, sustainability and recycling will also be available along with craft activities and virtual reality experiences by Veolia Waste.
Perton Library will see the return of its popular Science Fair, featuring STEM, technology, recycling and environmental stands, while ‘Mary the Mole’ storytelling sessions will be taking place at Stafford Library.
Kidsgrove Library’s ‘Sew Friday’ sessions will offer top tips on mending and re-using clothing. Over at Cannock Library, there will be Flower Junk modelling workshops.
At Burton Library, there will be a two-part workshop, run by Generous Waste’s creative practitioner Khadijah Carberry, on paper making from waste materials on Thursday 28 May and Thursday 4 June.
Catherine Mann, Assistant Director for Culture, Rural and Safer Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s important that we all do our bit in the county’s mission to care for the environment and it’s wonderful to see libraries getting involved.
“The activities will not only help raise awareness of the issues but will highlight some of the small things we can all do to help. Whether its recycling, cutting waste, planting trees or learning why nature is such a precious resource worth protecting, there will be something for everyone.
“Our libraries are community hubs and we continue to look for new activities to put on in them. I do hope people can visit in May and enjoy some of our many activities and events.”
In addition to the activities, libraries staff will also be giving their top green-themed book recommendations, while Staffordshire Poet Laureates will share their poems inspired by environmental issues, performed at the recent Keele University’s Earth Stories Film Festival.
The Libraries Service will also be launching biodegradable library cards for children, which will both improve libraries’ environmental practices and show children the importance of sustainability.
Plus, for those wanting more experience of the natural environment first hand, the Connectivity and Travel Team are offering additional Library Walkers groups across the county’s eight districts and boroughs.
People can find out more about what is happening at their local library through the Staffordshire Libraries webpage.
