Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Families across Devon can pick up a free Halloween costume this October as a popular scheme returns to 22 libraries, giving unwanted outfits a second life and helping households save money.
The Halloween Costume Swap, run by Libraries Unlimited in partnership with Recycle Devon, has expanded following the success of last year’s initiative, when more than 180 costumes were donated across 14 libraries.
This year, families can take part at 22 libraries across the county, from Barnstaple and Holsworthy to Exeter, Plymouth-area communities and towns along the South Devon coast.
Residents are invited to donate outgrown or unwanted Halloween costumes and accessories, provided they are clean and in good, wearable condition. The items can then be taken home by other families, free of charge.
There is no requirement to donate a costume to take part, so families can simply visit their local library and browse the available outfits.
The scheme aims to make Halloween more affordable while reducing waste, particularly as many children’s costumes are worn only once or twice before being outgrown.
Research by environmental organisations Hubbub and the Fairyland Trust has found that Halloween costumes generate more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles.
Alex Kittow, chief executive of Libraries Unlimited, said: “It’s brilliant to see our Halloween Costume Swap programme growing this year, with 22 libraries taking part compared with 14 last year. Libraries are all about sharing, and this is a great example of how we can help people share resources within their communities, save money and reduce waste at the same time.
“We want Halloween to be fun and creative, without families feeling they must buy something new every year. Giving a costume a second life is a small change, but when lots of people get involved, it can make a real difference. We’d love to see even more families getting involved this year.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “This fantastic initiative keeps Halloween fun and affordable for families, and helps reduce the amount of waste that is often generated at this time of year. Children’s costumes in particular are only worn once or twice before they’re outgrown, so it makes sense to pass them on and let someone else get some use out of them.”
Costume swaps will take place throughout October, although families are advised to check with their local library for the specific date, times and arrangements.
Participating libraries are:
Barnstaple, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh, Colyton, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Holsworthy, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Paignton, Pinhoe, Princetown, Seaton, Sidmouth, South Molton, Tavistock, Teignmouth and Torquay.
The initiative offers families a chance to get creative for Halloween without buying a brand-new outfit, while helping to keep usable costumes out of the waste stream.
Before spending money on a new disguise this year, residents are encouraged to see what is available at their local library.
To find your nearest participating library and check its arrangements, visit Libraries Unlimited.
( Photos: Unsplash 📸 )