On Saturday, 8 October, Essex Libraries hosted a climate and environment-themed Love Your Library Day. 

The day provided opportunities for Essex library visitors to learn about the environment in the local area from speakers, partner organisations and local councils. There were also displays, talks and a programme of fun activities for people of all ages, including crafts and games. 

For example, GRIDSERVE visited Braintree Library to promote electric vehicles and sustainable travel, author Ray Star led a writing discussion group and spoke about her books at Chelmsford Library and ACL gave a free taster course on climate change called The History of Sustainability.

73 Essex libraries took part in the event, and the response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. Families and children particularly enjoyed the environment-themed craft activities, which included building bird feeders and seed bombs. Some libraries reported these were their busiest-ever sessions. People also loved the free water bottles and recycled bags kindly provided by Love Essex.

On the whole, 48 libraries saw an increase in visitor numbers, and there was a 20% increase in typical footfall compared to the average visitor numbers on the previous four Saturdays. 223 people signed up for new library memberships, which is up from 174 signups at the previous Love Your Library Day event in May. Of these 223 new joiners, 120 were adults, 98 were children and five were young adults.

Events like these are part of Essex County Council's plan to level up local communities. Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Lead for Levelling Up, is an enthusiastic supporter of Essex libraries. She says:

"I am passionate about our library service and believe it has a vital role to play in improving the lives of our residents and in helping to level up the county. Through talking to residents and partners, it is clear that my passion for libraries is shared. People see libraries as a hub for communities to come together and interact, a vital resource for helping residents improve their literacy, and a place to learn new skills."

Read more about Councillor Louise McKinlay's vision for the library service on the Essex Libraries website and find out what is happening in your local library here.

Please visit essexclimate.org.uk for more information on the latest environment-related activity in Essex, as well as details of funding opportunities and support available to help make Essex a net zero county by 2050. Alternatively, sign up for the Environment and Climate Action monthly newsletter updates (The Essex Climate Action newsletter sign up link can be found under the planning, land and recycling section on the Essex County Council website).