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Gloucestershire Libraries unveil new strategy to lead climate action

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Gloucestershire Libraries have launched their new Greener Together Strategy, outlining how their services will lead the response to the climate emergency.

Climate is one of Gloucestershire Libraries’ five core themes, alongside Reading, Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing, and Communities. The Greener Together Strategy reaffirms a commitment to protect the environment and sets out how services will be more sustainable. The strategy also outlines how residents will be encouraged to take action, to create a greener Gloucestershire.

Since 2021, the library service has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint, promoting sustainable behaviour and supporting communities in adapting to a changing climate. Eighty-nine per cent of library service users who responded to a recent survey said they were concerned about climate change.

The Greener Together Strategy focuses on three key areas:

  • Leadership: Libraries will act as green leaders in their communities, pursuing partnerships and funding, supporting staff to develop sustainability skills, and sharing best practice.
  • Operations: Sustainability will be used in everyday operations, including energy use in library buildings, waste and recycling systems, digital services, and the transition to a fleet of electric vans.
  • Engagement: Libraries will act as community hubs for climate knowledge and action - offering books and digital resources, alongside hosting climate conversations and events including community gardening, share and repair projects or energy-saving workshops.

The Greener Together Strategy is a key step in ensuring that libraries continue to serve as forward-thinking spaces and supports the county council’s net zero targets.

You can view the Greener Together Strategy here.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Libraries are trusted community spaces where people come not just to read, but to learn, connect with others and take action. This strategy puts our libraries at the heart of Gloucestershire’s response to climate change - helping residents gain the knowledge, skills and tools they need to live more sustainably and make informed choices as the climate changes.”