From Old Favourites to New Creations: Libraries NI Encourages Communities To Rethink Waste

From transforming old T-shirts into reusable shopping bags to giving unwanted books a new lease of life through creative art, Libraries NI is inviting people of all ages to discover how small changes can make a big difference during Go Green with Libraries NI this September.

A programme of free workshops and activities taking place in libraries across Northern Ireland will encourage children, families and adults to think differently about the items they use every day, showing how reusing and repurposing everyday objects can help reduce waste while saving money, developing new skills and protecting the environment.

Creative workshops will take place in libraries across Northern Ireland throughout September. Adults can discover the art of Book Folding at Carrickfergus Library on Tuesday 8 September, before learning how to transform everyday household items into handmade creations during Upcycle and Create on Thursday 10 September.
 
Families visiting Greenisland Library on Thursday 10 September can turn recyclable materials into imaginative creations during Trash to Treasure, while Armagh City Library will show children how to transform an old T-shirt into a reusable bag on Friday 11 September. Later in the month, Brownlow Library will host Nothing's Just Junk Art on Saturday 26 September, encouraging children to create colourful masterpieces from everyday discarded items.

Reducing waste is one of the simplest ways everyone can make a positive impact on the environment. Through these practical, hands-on workshops, Libraries NI hopes to inspire people to look at everyday items differently and discover how small actions at home can collectively make a lasting difference.

Helen Poston, Libraries NI Service Development Manager, said:

"Choosing to reuse rather than throw something away is often one of the simplest ways we can reduce waste. These workshops show that sustainable living doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By sharing practical ideas and creative skills, we hope people of all ages will be inspired to make small changes that can become part of their everyday lives.

Go Green with Libraries NI is about showing how simple actions, taken together, can have a real impact. Whether it's reusing an old item, borrowing instead of buying or making a personal commitment to live more sustainably, everyone can play a part."

Click here for full programme details and booking information.