21-28 October 2026

Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are trusted community spaces where people can learn, connect and take positive action. During Green Libraries Week 2026, we are celebrating the important role libraries play in promoting environmental awareness, sustainability and greener communities.

Events and activities

Events are taking place throughout Monmouthshire, the following are some highlights:

Caldicot Library: 26^th October 10.30 – 11.30 Buzz & Bloom Coffee Morning

Chepstow Library: 26^th October 10 – 12 Junk Craft for children

Gilwern Library: 27^th October 10 -12  Repair Cafe Abergavenny and Benthyg Abergavenny – find out what these organisations offer

Monmouth Library: 24^th October 10 – 12.30.  Autumn in the Library with ACE Monmouth.  Free craft activities based on the world about us.

Please contact your local library to find information about other events taking place during Green Libraries Week.

Climate Facts Matter

This year’s theme, Climate Facts for a Greener Future, encourages people of all ages to explore reliable information about climate change, discover practical ways to live more sustainably, and take positive action in their local communities.

Visit your local library to borrow books about the environment, explore trusted online resources, or use our free Wi-Fi to research climate issues and separate fact from fiction.

Looking for reliable information? Explore these helpful resources:

• 5 Things You Should Know: Follow the Climate Action series.
• Climate Facts Matter Campaign: Countering climate disinformation across the EU.
• Myth Busters: The facts about climate and energy.
• Climate Disinformation Library Guide.
• Climate Clarity Hub: A collection of expertise and resources on climate mis- and disinformation.
• Climate Facts Matter Digital Handbook: Learn how to identify and challenge climate disinformation.

Celebrating Monmouthshire Libraries’ Green Spaces

At Chepstow, Usk and Caldicot Libraries, our green spaces are helping to bring people together, support local wildlife, improve wellbeing and encourage learning about the natural world.

While each space has developed in its own unique way, they have one thing in common: the dedication of local volunteers. Their enthusiasm, creativity and hard work have transformed outdoor areas into thriving community assets that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Chepstow Reading Garden

Created in 2011-12 as part of a Welsh Government-funded library refurbishment project, the Chepstow Reading Garden has become a much-loved community space.

The garden’s success is due to the commitment of the Friends of Chepstow Reading Garden, whose volunteers have spent years nurturing and developing the space into the beautiful oasis it is today.

Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of events and activities. In 2026, it welcomed the library’s first Remembering Srebrenica event, providing a meaningful setting for reflection and community engagement.  The garden also offers a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to enjoy a lunch break outdoors, read a book in the fresh air, or simply take a quiet moment away from the bustle of daily life.

Usk Community Garden

The Usk Garden Project began in 2023, following the launch of a community grant scheme by the Monmouthshire Food Partnership. Funding enabled the installation of raised growing beds, a welcome arch, pantry shelving, a seed station, composting facilities and essential gardening equipment.

A special mention goes to volunteer John Prince, whose craftsmanship created the beautiful, raised beds that form the heart of the garden. Additional support came from HMP Usk, which donated benches, giving visitors a place to relax and enjoy the garden.

The project is part of the Please Eat the Garden (PEG) initiative, which helps people learn about food growing and sustainable gardening. The main site is based at Usk Library, supported by a feeder site at Monmouthshire County Hall, where plants are propagated in greenhouses before being shared with the wider project.

Open to everyone, the garden provides opportunities to grow, nurture and learn. The fruits of this collective effort are then shared for the benefit of the whole community.

Buzz & Bloom at Caldicot Library

The Buzz & Bloom project at Caldicot Library is our newest green success story.

This community-led initiative has transformed the library’s flower beds and planters into vibrant, wildlife-friendly spaces filled with colour and life. By creating valuable habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies and other pollinators, the project is helping to boost local biodiversity while making the library grounds more welcoming for visitors.

A significant milestone was achieved when the Friends of Caldicot Library secured a Mini Wildlife Garden Package from Keep Wales Tidy. The package included wildflowers, lavender, native climbing plants, peat-free compost, topsoil, tools and wildlife habitat boxes, providing everything needed to bring the project to life.

The results have been immediate and inspiring. Throughout the summer, visitors praised the colourful displays and enhanced surroundings. The success of Buzz & Bloom was celebrated with a special community event featuring the unveiling of the new Poetry Corner, showcasing winning entries from the poetry competition and performances by the Chepstow Singers.

From peaceful reading gardens and community food-growing projects to wildlife-friendly planting schemes, Monmouthshire Libraries are demonstrating how green spaces can enrich local communities.

These projects do more than beautify our libraries. They support learning, improve wellbeing, encourage biodiversity and create opportunities for people to connect with nature and one another.

As we celebrate Green Libraries Week 2026, we’d like to thank all the volunteers, partners and community members who continue to help our green spaces flourish.

Why not visit one of our libraries and see the difference for yourself?