North Devon libraries offering free World Book Day costumes for kids

As children across North Devon prepare to celebrate World Book Day by going to school as their favourite fictional character, local libraries are offering to help them find the right outfit with a costume swap scheme.

Libraries in North Devon and Torridge have created swap rails ahead of the big day on Thursday, March 5 to allow families to donate outgrown unwanted children’s costumes in good condition.

Children and their parents can drop into libraries in Barnstaple, South Molton, Torrington and Holsworthy to hand in their unwanted costumes and take home a different one if they wish, with all costumes absolutely free.

There is no need to donate a costume to use the swap rail.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity which runs Devon’s libraries, has teamed up with Recycle Devon to run the scheme, which follows on from a successful Halloween costume swap which ran last year.

Beth Lovell from Recycle Devon said: “It’s brilliant to be working with Libraries Unlimited to bring World Book Day Costume Swaps to libraries across Devon!

“World Book Day is a great opportunity to celebrate stories and reading, but it can put pressure on families to buy new costumes every year.

“Many of these are worn once before making their way into the bin, despite being in perfectly good condition. This initiative is a wonderful way to help Devon’s families save money and reduce waste by reusing costumes again and again! Why not head down to your nearest participating library and see what you can find?” 

According to Hubbub and The Fairyland Trust, seven million costumes are thrown away every year, creating 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste.

Alex Kittow, Libraries Unlimited chief executive, said: “World Book Day costumes are such a fun way for children to embody a character they love and spark conversations about stories.

“With 2026 being the National Year of Reading we hope to get more children than ever passionate about books. Library costume swaps allow parents and carers to find fancy dress options for free!

“We love that libraries are increasingly hubs for initiatives to reduce everyday waste. It’s been fantastic to see resources like seed swaps, community fridges and repair cafes become available in our libraries.”

This project is supported by the National Lottery Community Action Fund.