Devon libraries offer free costume swaps to mark World Book Day

Families across Devon will be able to pick up free children’s costumes at libraries this month as part of a countywide initiative to celebrate World Book Day.

Charity Libraries Unlimited has teamed up with Recycle Devon to install World Book Day costume swap rails in 15 libraries. World Book Day 2026 falls on Thursday, 5 March, while the swap rails will run from 16 February to 8 March.

Residents are being encouraged to donate outgrown or unwanted children’s costumes in good, wearable condition, with outfits then available for families to take home for free. There is no requirement to donate in order to use the scheme.

World Book Day is an annual event promoting reading for pleasure among children and young people, with schools and communities often marking the occasion through book-themed activities and costumes inspired by favourite characters.

Organisers say the initiative builds on the success of a similar Halloween costume swap last year and aims to help families cut costs while reducing waste. Research from Hubbub and The Fairyland Trust suggests around seven million costumes are thrown away each year, creating about 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste.

Beth Lovell from Recycle Devon said: “It’s brilliant to be working with Libraries Unlimited to bring World Book Day Costume Swaps to libraries across Devon! World Book Day is a great opportunity to celebrate stories and reading, but it can put pressure on families to buy new costumes every year. Many of these only being worn once before making their way into the bin, despite being in perfectly good condition. This initiative is a wonderful way to help Devon’s families save money and reduce waste by reusing costumes again and again! Why not head down to your nearest participating library and see what you can find?”

Alex Kittow, Chief Executive at Libraries Unlimited, added: “World Book Day costumes are such a fun way for children to embody a character they love and spark conversations about stories. With 2026 being the National Year of Reading we hope to get more children than ever passionate about books. Library costume swaps allow parents and carers to find fancy dress options for free! We love that libraries are increasingly hubs for initiatives to reduce everyday waste. It’s been fantastic to see resources like seed swaps, community fridges and repair cafes become available in our libraries.”

Fifteen libraries across Devon and Torbay are taking part in the scheme, including Barnstaple, Newton Abbot, Chudleigh, South Molton, Dawlish, Torquay, Pinhoe, Sidmouth, Torrington, Kingsbridge, Holsworthy, Tavistock, Exmouth, Paignton and Ivybridge.

The project is supported by the National Lottery Community Action Fund.