Breathe new life into an old piece of clothing, try a chocolate-covered insect and channel your inner poet at East Dunbartonshire libraries this March. These are just a few of the climate inspired events taking place from this weekend [2 March] as part of an initiative called Shelf Life.
Funded by the Scottish Library & Information Council (SLIC) which secured climate engagement funding from the Scottish Government, the Shelf Life initiative aims to raise awareness of issues such as recycling, sustainability and climate change. Events will include workshops that support upcycling, repair and traditional skills, and author and artist events featuring climate-themed texts to generate engaging conversation.
A busy Climate Day is planned at William Patrick Library on Saturday, 2 March, where families can enjoy craft sessions, children’s biodiversity workshops and a whole lot more besides.
The day starts at 10am with Bookbug for the younger ones followed by Climate Crusaders with Zoolab at 10.45am for 4-7 year olds, and Biodiversity with Zoolab at 12pm for 5-9 year olds.
Councillor Jim Gibbons, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, said, “I am delighted that our libraries are involved in the “Shelf Life” initiative. I know that many of our residents are particularly engaged on issues of climate change. The variety of events means that there is something for everyone, young and old. I’d urge everyone who is interested in attending to get booked up as most events are likely to sell out.”
Thunderbolts & Lightning! An Edible Insect Adventure
Sat 2 March, William Patrick Library, 1.30-2.30pm & 3-4pm
In this hands-on workshop, suitable for both adults and children, you’ll set up and take home your very own mini-livestock farm. Along the way you’ll learn all about insect biology, metamorphosis, sustainable agriculture and the different insect species eaten around the world. Once your farm is complete, you’ll have the chance to taste some deliciously chocolatey bug-based treats!
Craft Club - Upcycling: sock dolls
Mon 4 Mar, Bishopbriggs Library, 6pm-8pm
Learn to make new and beautiful objects from waste products, in this workshop learn to make an adorable doll from old odd socks.
Fix your favourites!
Tues 5 Mar, Lennoxtown Library, 2pm-4pm
Focusing on mending and prolonging the life of our beloved clothes, this workshop will teach participants the skills necessary to mend their harder to fix items.
No experience necessary, needles, threads and mending kits will be provided.
Craft Club - Upcycling: Introduction to Decoupage
Wed 20 Mar, Bishopbriggs Library, 4pm-6pm
Joanna Craig will focus on mending and prolonging the life of items we might throw away. This workshop will teach participants the skills necessary to make something new from something old.
Creativity for Climate Resistance
Sat 23 March, Westerton Library, 10.30am-12.30pm & Milngavie Library, Thur 28 Mar, Milngavie Library, 3pm-5pm
Christina Riley is an artist and writer whose work aims to draw attention to the natural world. She was longlisted for the Nan Shepherd Prize for Nature Writing.
In this workshop, which is designed to draw out the poet in everyone, participants will spend some time outside with Christina and be guided to see the world through an artist’s eye. Participants will return to the library for readings, discussion and writing activities to reflect on the flora and fauna they encountered in the outdoors.
Events are free but you must book your place. For full listings visit eventbrite [opens in a new window].