Innovative GLL-led projects win funding from the Green Libraries Partnership

Two library projects, conceived by GLL-operated libraries in the metropolitan borough of Dudley and the Royal Borough of Greenwich have been awarded funding from the Green Libraries Partnership with support from the Arts Council.  The funding is available for projects that seek to develop and encourage environmental understanding and activities.

The first initiative is aimed at children who use Dudley’s 13 libraries.  The project will create two environmental action heroes Enzo – who is looking for ways to achieve net zero and Loca who wants to lower her carbon footprint.

The characters are part of the Green Gang – and any child visiting one of Dudley’s libraries will be invited to become a gang member. Every gang member will receive a wrist band and information pack.  Each month, Enzo and Loca will provide simple suggestions that children can follow to help

the environment, reducing the amount of waste they make, reusing items so that they don’t have to throw them out, and recycling by using waste materials to make new products.   GLL-operated libraries will hold Green Gang sessions, highlighting books about biodiversity and sustainability and offering activities such as creative craft sessions using recycled materials.

The second project to successfully secure funding from the Green Libraries Partnership will be based at Eltham Library.  The Eltham Community Garden Wishing Well Project will see a library community garden created using sustainable materials and skilled community volunteers.  Construction will be an intergenerational affair with local primary school children working alongside Age UK’s Men & Women in Sheds group.

The project aims to create a biodiverse garden which includes trees, plants, sensory plants (such as herbs) fruit and vegetables and wildlife habitats. It will seek to create a garden in the most sustainable way possible, reducing its carbon footprint by using locally sourced items, reclaimed and recycled materials. 

The initiative will harness the skills of those within the local community – enabling the garden to grow and flourish, while offering access to all and providing opportunities to participate in future environmental schemes.