Dartmoor families encouraged to donate and swap Halloween costumes at local libraries

Families across Dartmoor are being encouraged to give their old Halloween costumes a new life this October.

Libraries in Tavistock, Okehampton and Buckfastleigh are taking part in a county-wide costume swap organised by Libraries Unlimited and Recycle Devon. 

The aim is to help local people save money and reduce waste by reusing fancy-dress outfits instead of buying new ones.

The free swaps mean anyone can bring in an old costume to donate or simply pick up one that’s been handed in by someone else. There’s no need to donate to take part.

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At Okehampton Library, staff say they’re excited to take part and are ready to welcome their first donations, they told The Moorlander: “Our rail is currently empty, but the hangers are ready and waiting in anticipation, we just ask people to check they have a UKCA label before donating. We think it’s a fun thing for the kids in our community and a great way to get everyone involved.”

The costume rails will be available throughout October at participating libraries, and people can drop in to:

• Donate a pre-loved costume
• Swap for something new-to-you
• Or simply rehome a costume already donated

At Buckfastleigh Library, families are being encouraged to start donations: “We haven't had any costumes donated so far but are very keen to get going and begin the costume swaps. We are a very family-friendly, small community library and are partaking in a number of Halloween crafts activities which local families can participate in.”

ABOVE: Buckfastleigh Library (Google Maps)

Costumes depend on what’s donated, so visitors may find different sizes or styles available at different times.

Kate Turner, head of library service and customer experience at Libraries Unlimited, said the swaps fit perfectly with what libraries stand for: “Halloween is all about fun and creativity, but it can be incredibly wasteful. Halloween costume swaps are a wonderful way to reduce waste and save money. Libraries are all about sharing resources, and this initiative fits perfectly with our charity values.”

According to the environmental charity Hubbub, more than 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste are created every year from Halloween costumes in the UK, the same as about 83 million plastic bottles.

Beth Lovell from Recycle Devon said: “With 40 per cent of Halloween costumes being worn only once before being thrown away, partnering up with libraries to help costumes be reused as much as possible, whilst also helping local families, is brilliant.”

For more information on library opening times or to find your nearest costume rail, visit www.devonlibraries.org.uk or check your local library’s social media page.