Green Libraries Week 2025, led by CILIP, the library and information association, returns this autumn to celebrate the vital role of libraries in tackling the climate crisis and empowering communities to take positive environmental action.
Running from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November, the theme of this year’s national campaign is ‘Seeds of Change – Making a Difference with your Library’. The 2025 magnifying glass is on encouraging libraries at every stage of their sustainability journey to celebrate climate action – no matter how big or small.
From high street public libraries to academic, specialist and health libraries, Green Libraries Week showcases inventive and inspiring activities across the UK. The initiative connects libraries in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, providing support for green initiatives, and celebrating how libraries help people build the skills and confidence to function at all stages of life.
A number of initiatives taking place across Wales this year have seen libraries encourage local residents to get involved in sustainable projects such as:
• Torfaen Food Partnership – encouraging more residents to grow and eat their own produce.
• Conwy Libraries Warm Welcome Sessions – reusable cups available thanks to UKSPF Funding.
• Transforming green spaces at St Asaph Library – volunteers help develop a welcoming community garden thanks to Keep Wales Tidy Grant.
• Nature walks for young people in Rhondda Cynon Taf – thanks to a collaboration between Treorchy Library and local groups.
Torfaen Food Resilience Programme Vision
The Torfaen Food Resilience Partnership was established in January 2022. The Partnership shares a vision to develop a sustainable and fair food system that provides affordable and healthy food for all.
This year the Food Partnership established its first food trail and seed libraries in Torfaen, with the support of the Common Prosperity Fund and the Welsh Government.
The aim of the project was to encourage residents to grow and eat their own produce and, in turn, to save seeds from mature plants to replenish the libraries ensuring the sustainability of the project for years to come. The seed libraries were set up in a wide variety of settings, including schools, libraries, community gardens, cafes and village halls, and were available free of charge.
Councillor Sue Morgan, Executive Member for Waste and Sustainability, said:
“These seed libraries are a great example of how small, community-led initiatives can make a big impact. They not only promote sustainable food habits and healthier lifestyles but also bring people together through a shared love of growing.
“It’s important to recognise the environmental benefits of growing your own food, which not only eliminates the carbon emissions produced by transporting food, it increases local biodiversity.”
To mark the launch, a community planting session was held at Pontypool Market in March, with further seed-saving workshops scheduled for later in the year to teach residents how to collect and store seeds effectively.
Participants at Able life skills centre, Cwmbran, manage their local seed library but also run an accessible tool library, equipped with long-handled and easy-grip gardening tools. These dual services are also in place at Canddo at Panteg House, making gardening more inclusive for all.
The first ever Torfaen Food Trail took place in August, organised by the Food Resilience Programme, & funded by the UK Governments Shared Prosperity Fund.
For three weeks, local businesses, farmers and community groups held a series of activities and events promoting local food producers and suppliers, from Bangers & Burgers Bootcamps at Ty Poeth Farm to a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at The Canddo Project there was something for everyone to enjoy. Participants had the chance to collect stamps and win prizes using Food Trailblazer Passports available from Torfaen Libraries and participating venues.
Holly Ivany, Llantarnam Arts Grange Café, said:
“We are so proud and privileged to be a part of the Torfaen Food trail. We are excited to connect with our community, make memories, have some fun and show off all the wonderfully sustainable dishes that can be created with local ingredients. By working together we know we can make a different to our environment and our health”
Conwy Libraries Warm Welcome Sessions
Conwy Libraries have been providing free reusable cups for their Warm Welcome sessions across all their libraries. Users are encouraged to return to their local library each week with their library branded cup for a hot drink. The weekly Warm Welcome sessions are perfect to meet others, play board games, read the newspaper or relax and do a jigsaw!
The reusable cups were purchased with the support of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and provided from April 2025 onwards. The Fund has been a central pillar of the UK Government’s Leveling Up agenda and has provided £2.6 billion of funding for local investment across the UK up to March 2025.
Treorchy Library Collaboration provides Nature Walks for Young People
Young people from Treorchy Library’s E-Teens group have been taking part in a community litter collection campaign and nature walks. Every Tuesday afternoon during the summer holidays, the group went on walks to explore the local area’s nature trails. These sessions were a collaboration with Play It Again Sport and Pentre Fellows Club.
Walk leader Natasha taught the young people about seasonal changes to the environment, fruits and plants that are native to the area, and the many health benefits of spending time outdoors. They also enjoyed a session of cold water dipping!
Among other activities held in Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries over the summer were craft sessions using recycled materials to support the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge ‘Story Garden’, and nature story walks on the theme of Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man.
Transformation of SuDS Pods and Community Garden in Denbighshire Libraries
SuDS Pods have been installed on the rainwater down pipes in Llangollen Library. During periods of heavy rain they intercept the rainfall and help reduce the surge of water into surface water drains. They also look great!
St Asaph Library has transformed a previously unused piece of land behind the building into an attractive and welcoming community garden thanks to a successful Keep Wales Tidy grant application. The project was organized by Keep Wales Tidy alongside library staff, and since its completion, the library has recruited a dedicated group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to furnish the garden with plants and flowers, many of which were kindly donated by members of the local community.
Find more information about the UK-wide Green Libraries Campaign on the CILIP website.