Blackburn with Darwen Libraries to become a Green Library Hub with £86k funding

Blackburn with Darwen is proud to be one of the first of three library services in the UK selected to become part of the Green Library Hubs programme, a groundbreaking, community-led climate action project made possible through £1.2 million in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund – Our Shared Future.

Thanks to a grant of over £86,000 spread across three years our libraries will lead the way in engaging local residents in environmental learning and grassroots climate initiatives.

This funding will also support the delivery of environmental and engagement training, knowledge sharing, project evaluation, and impact measurement.

The investment aims to empower local library staff and community groups to develop tailored climate programs that inspire action and foster sustainable behaviours.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development said:

“We are really pleased to be one of the first three Green Library Hubs in the country. It’s also a proud moment for us to be selected for our ability to engage our local communities. Five years ago, the council declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to work towards becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

“Just a few of our initiatives in the libraries include, raising community awareness of the important role pollinators play in our eco cycle via our library apiary and offering residents a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn new skills and support biodiversity.

“Our ‘green’ themed Children’s Literature Festival aims to ‘catch them young’ and inspire our young people to be environmental champions.

“While working with BwD Food Resilience Alliance we share information and good practice around how to avoid food waste and get involved in community growing projects.

“We hope that the Green Library Hubs programme will enable even more projects to flourish!”

The first three Green Library Hubs, launching in Year 1, are:

• Pancras Square Library, London Borough of Camden
• Blackburn with Darwen Libraries, North-West England
• Surrey County Council Libraries, Guildford Library, Surrey

This initiative aligns with Blackburn with Darwen’s commitment to sustainability and community resilience. The council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency and pledge to become a carbon-neutral borough by 2030 underpin these efforts, with libraries playing a key role in raising awareness and fostering local solutions.

Over the next three years, Blackburn with Darwen Libraries will join other selected sites across the UK in hosting climate literacy workshops, community projects, and environmental activities, contributing to the national Green Libraries Campaign and inspiring local action.

The programme will be delivered from September 2025 in partnership with CILIP – the UK’s Library and Information Association, the British Library, Julie’s Bicycle and CAG Consulting, along with 10 libraries across the UK.