Westmorland and Furness Libraries are excited to announce their plans for Green Libraries Week 2025, a nationwide celebration of sustainable practices, environmental awareness and community engagement.
From Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November 2025, Westmorland and Furness Libraries will host a series of activities and events aimed at promoting eco-consciousness while bringing the community together.
This year, the libraries are also working with the Council’s Waste Team and charity partner Garden Organic to deliver a range of composting sessions showing just how easy it is to get started and make a difference.
Green Libraries Week is a national event that underscores libraries' commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting green initiatives and inspiring individuals to embrace sustainable lifestyles.
Below is a taster of the events taking place in Westmorland and Furness during Green Libraries Week.
- Let’s talk compost at Kendal, Penrith and Barrow Libraries – Kendal Library, Tuesday 28 October, 2-4pm; Penrith Library, Wednesday 29 October (10:30am-12pm); Barrow Library, Thursday 30 October, 10am-4pm. Chat with and get advice from the Council’s Waste Team and partner Garden Organic, test your knowledge with word searches and quizzes, and discover how to use up and compost leftover Halloween pumpkin.
- Halloween Costume Swap at Penrith, Kendal and Barrow Libraries – Drop off your pre-loved Halloween costumes at any point up until Friday 31 October and pick yourself a new costume from the rail.
- Get crafty as nature meets imagination at Grange Library – Monday 27 October, 1-4pm. Join artists Ben Sadler and Phillip Duckworth of Juneau Projects for a fun creative activity. Assemble a creature or plant inspired by local wildlife and literary characters using a range of wooden shapes before painting them.
- Bat crafting activity at Ambleside, Grange, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Sedbergh and Windermere Libraries – Sedbergh Library, Wednesday 29 October, 10am-12pm; Milnthorpe Library, Wednesday 29 October, 2-4pm; Grange Library, Thursday 30 October, 10am-12pm; Kirkby Lonsdale, Thursday 30 October, 2-4pm; Ambleside Library, Friday 31 October, 2-4pm; and Windermere Library, Friday 31 October, 10am-12pm.
- Make wild creations with natural bird feeders and conker spiders at Penrith Library – Friday 31 October 10.30am-12.00pm. Join Ami Stidolph from Cumbria Wildlife Trust and have fun getting a bit messy to create your own natural, biodegradable bird feeder which you can take home with you.
It’s free to become a library member and the very essence of borrowing and sharing resources supports a more sustainable way of living. These are just a few of the exciting events taking place during Green Libraries Week in Westmorland and Furness. Westmorland and Furness Libraries offer a full programme of events and activities throughout the year, covering everything from arts, crafts and culture to games, learning and wellbeing. Search for events and activities taking place local to you on the council’s website or by checking Westmorland and Furness Libraries’ Facebook page.
Westmorland and Furness Libraries also host free climate reading groups across the area where likeminded people can meet to read, learn and discuss the climate emergency. These friendly groups explore books and topics around the climate emergency, helping participants deepen their understanding and discover practical ways to take action locally. To find your nearest group or to start one in your community, email Tina Smith for more information.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, said:
“Once again, our libraries are going green for Green Libraries Week. It’s the perfect time to celebrate everything our local libraries offer while learning ways to protect our planet.
“From fun and creative activities to drop-in sessions, there’s so much to learn about living more sustainably right at your library. With it also being October half-term, it’s a great opportunity to bring the kids along to enjoy the activities, explore resources and join in the fun.
“And don’t forget, you can also join one of our free climate reading groups at any time to read, learn and take action together with others in your community.”
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, added:
"Our libraries are powerful community spaces where climate action begins through learning, creativity and shared ideas. Green Libraries Week is a chance to explore how small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference for the planet.
"Whether it’s borrowing instead of buying, discovering sustainable living tips or connecting with others who care about our environment, every visit to the library is a step towards a greener future."