Surrey Libraries celebrates Green Libraries Week (7-14 October) with four ‘Libraries of Things’ 

Libraries across Surrey will be buzzing with a whole host of activities and events during Green Libraries Week this week, celebrating a commitment to the environment and sustainability in every Surrey Library.   

What’s New? 

A total of four ‘Libraries of Things’ will now be open for borrowing useful household items from, Surrey has just signed the Green Libraries Manifesto, and there is a wide range of Green Library events for all ages, taking place within libraries during the week. 

Councillor Denise Turner-Stewart, Deputy Leader of Surrey County Council and Cabinet Member for Customer & Communities said, “We celebrate Libraries Week every year, but this year we have four Libraries of Things to celebrate and so many interesting events taking place across the county, it’s a very special week indeed! 

“We encourage you to pop into your local library and find out what’s going on.  Our libraries are community hubs, you don’t have to be a member to come on in and rest, or to use the wide range of facilities on offer.  You will find friendly and helpful library staff who can support you.  Our libraries are warm, safe spaces for all.” 

Four Libraries of Things 

Dorking Library will be celebrating the launch of its new Library of Things.  This new, collaborative venture with Circular Dorking will help to reduce waste and promote a culture of sharing and sustainability of useful ‘things’.  A wide range of items for the home can be borrowed free of charge by residents. Items in the Library of Things in Dorking include; board games, a tailor’s mannequin and a socket set. 

Godalming Library and What Next? Climate Emergency Centre, will be promoting their collaborative community venture, a Library of Things run with support from Waverley Borough Council. To find out more information on how to borrow items from bolt cutters to asparagus steamers there, see the Godalming Library of Things webpage. 
 
Haslemere Library and their community collaborators, Love Haslemere Hate Waste, run their own Library of Things too. To learn how to borrow items such as Union Jack bunting or numbered cake tins, pop into Haslemere Library or browse their items online. 

Guilford’s Library of Things, opened earlier this year & remains open for borrowing.  They have a large stock list including a Spanish Guitar, a two person tent and a portable green screen. 

Green Libraries Manifesto 

Surrey Libraries has signed the Green Libraries Manifesto. Signing the manifesto provides a set of 7 common principles to follow, which will enable libraries in Surrey to have much greater environmental impact by working together.  The manifesto has seven pledges to: 

1) Bring environmental sustainability to the heart of decision-making  

2) Innovate and evolve  

3) Work with communities  

4) Use their voice for more impact  

5) Work in partnership  

6) Grow and share knowledge  

7) Support young people 

There is a helpful video explaining how the pledge can be turned into action on the Library and Information Association website. 
 
Green Libraries week events in Surrey range from storytime for adults with celebrated actress Geraldine Moffatt (Hersham Library), building a monster out of recycling (Leatherhead Library), to ‘sewing a bean’ craft (Horley Library).  To find out more about library events for all ages, see the webpages to ‘Find Your Nearest Library’. 

Everyone is welcome at Surrey Libraries, there is no need to be a member to enter, sit down and enjoy the community facilities.