The formation of four new Green Hubs across High Life Highland Libraries aims to transform these locations into innovative centres for community climate engagement. Highland Libraries Green Hubs will promote community involvement and awareness on environmental issues by demonstrating affordable and practical ways for communities to come together and care for the planet.
Funding has been secured from CILIPS Green Libraries Scotland and this will contribute to the development of hubs in Dingwall, Caol, Wick and Ardnamurchan libraries.
Each hub will hold a core collection of climate themed books alongside regular displays highlighting local and national environmental initiatives. An engaging programme of climate themed activities run in collaboration with the High Life Highland Countryside Rangers and other community partners will also be on offer.
For younger members of the community there will be an after-school nature club. Launching this week, the nature clubs aim to educate children about the importance of preserving nature and the environment whilst providing opportunities for participants to engage in practical activities such as gardening, tree planting, and recycling projects.
Young conservationists will also be able to continue their learning and engagement with nature away from the library by borrowing a nature explorer bag – rucksacks full of fun resources and activities to encourage children and families to explore different aspects of their local environment.
Facilities in Caol and Wick will further allow people to support their local environment through affordable and practical means with the development of Seed Libraries. Launching in early spring the Seed Libraries will allow library customers the chance to take and deposit packets of seed, contributing to biodiversity and perhaps even growing their own herbs or vegetables!
With informational, interactive and practical elements for all ages these Green Hubs aim to become the bedrock of positive change in local communities.
Anne Nicholson, Senior Network Librarian for High Life Highland said: “Combating the nature and climate emergency can feel daunting. The amount of information and the sheer scale of the task can quickly lead to feelings of discouragement and overwhelm. By providing a space and opportunities for people to come together within our libraries, to share knowledge, skills and experience, we can strengthen the positive impact on our environment and make life better for ourselves and the planet.
“We are keen to hear from local community partners and individuals with knowledge and expertise in this area and invite anyone interested in contributing to our programme of climate engagement activities to get in touch with their nearest Green Hub or email [email protected]”
Senior High Life Highland Countryside Ranger, Eilidh-Ann Philips commented: “We are delighted to be working with our colleagues in High Life Highland libraries to create Green Hubs across the area. The Green Hubs will empower all generations to care for our planet and build a sustainable future – one seed, one story, and one step at a time.”
