East Riding Libraries is bringing back its costume swap scheme in time for World Book Day on March 6 after its popularity last year.
Various libraries across the region are offering children the opportunity to donate a costume and collect a “new to you” costume to take home.
From now until Monday, March 17, residents will be able to go into a library and take part in the Costume Swap: they can either choose a new World Book Day costume or donate an old one for someone new to enjoy.
Participating libraries include Withernsea Centre, as well as North Bridlington Library, Bridlington Central Library, Haltemprice Library and Customer Services, Beverley Library, Cottingham Centre, Goole Library and Driffield Centre.
While World Book Day is an exciting event for children, buying a new costume every year can be damaging to the environment as well as adding to the rising costs of living for families. East Riding Libraries wants to encourage recycling costumes rather than buying new.
Tara Foxon, librarian with East Riding Libraries, said: “We know that coming up with a costume each year can not only be stressful, but carries an increasing cost too, so we are really pleased to bring costume swap back for 2025.
“It’s amazing to see so many people interacting with our costume swap and we’re proud to be able to offer this as an option to so many families.
“The costume swap scheme is the perfect opportunity for families to get involved with World Book Day and encourage a love of reading for pleasure in their children, without breaking the bank.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, East Riding Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Our East Riding Libraries costume swap has proved to be very popular and we are pleased to see it return for another year.
“Not only is it a great way for families to save some money while getting creative with World Book Day, recycling the costumes is better for the environment.”
East Riding Libraries pointed out that it has no responsibility for these costumes, and they are to be donated and taken at the parents’/carers’ consent. It cannot guarantee that everyone will find a suitable costume to swap. All donated costumes are checked by branch staff for current EU fire safety labels.
Children who are not in a school setting and have not received a World Book Day voucher can also collect their free book vouchers from their local East Riding library.