Green Libraries

With support from Arts Council England and in partnership with British Library, Libraries Connected and Julie’s Bicycle, the Green Libraries Partnership was developed in response to COP26 and the long-term climate commitments made by libraries and local authorities across England.

Inspire’s project LOGGS and community consultation, enabled us to create two exciting library gardens; one with growing activities and one with outdoor classroom facilities, for the development of a high-impact environmental programme of activities in Bircotes and Bilsthorpe rural libraries.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all partners and organisations who have supported our project. These gardens are not only tailored around community need but raise the profile of the libraries, their dedication to environmental action and green spaces within the communities they serve. The gardens have not only provided additional spaces for the Inspire team and local staff to deliver environmental, growing and nature activities, but enabled us to partner with local food banks and food insecurity groups to donate future produce to support the local community.

Community consultation identified that the community of Bilsthorpe wished for facilities such as, bug hotels, habitats, life-cycle planters and growing planters, as well as having raised beds for growing activities. Therefore, we created an environmental classroom garden with space for green activities, growing and children and family activities, such as story times.

Community consultation identified that the community of Bircotes wished for raised beds for growing activities as well as, creative environmental themed activities for children. Therefore, we created a large planter for growing activities with children and families, as well as working with artist Clare Taylor from Bus and Bird Arts and the wonderful pupils at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School to create the Environmental Clay Tile workshop, now on exhibition at Bircotes Library.