Free Halloween costume swaps at your local Devon libraries this October

Libraries around Devon are inviting families to donate unwanted Halloween costumes and pick up a new one for free this October.

Customers are encouraged to donate outgrown or no longer needed costumes in good, wearable condition that can be reused, with parents and carers welcome to go along to swap or rehome a pre-loved outfit.

Costumes are available to take home at no cost, with no requirement to donate.

The initiative follows a similar scheme last year and is a partnership between Recycle Devon and Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs Devon’s libraries.

In North Devon, participating libraries include Barnstaple, South Molton and Holsworthy.

Halloween costumes are often made from plastic and a swap scheme is more environmentally friendly as well as cheaper for families. According to Hubbub and Fairyland Trust, Halloween costumes generate more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year.

Beth Lovell from Recycle Devon said: “We're excited to be working with Libraries Unlimited to deliver the Halloween Swaps initiative again this year!

“With 40% of Halloween costumes being worn only once before being thrown away, partnering up with libraries to help costumes be reused as much as possible, whilst also helping local families, is brilliant.”

Kate Turner, head of library service and customer experience at Libraries Unlimited, added: “Halloween is all about fun and creativity, but it can be incredibly wasteful. Halloween costume swaps are a wonderful way to reduce waste and save money.

“Libraries are all about sharing resources, and this initiative fits perfectly with our charity values. We are excited to be part of something that brings people together while doing good for the environment.”  

The list of libraries participating includes: Dawlish Library, Barnstaple Library, Sidmouth Library, Kingsbridge Library, Exeter Library, Holsworthy Library, Buckfastleigh Library, Okehampton Library, Cullompton Library, Pinhoe Library, South Molton Library and Tavistock Library.

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