Growing greener Highland communities
In July 2024, High Life Highland Libraries secured funding from CILIPS Scotland to pilot four Green Library hubs across the Highlands, working closely with HLH Countryside Rangers. The hubs curate climate‑literate collections, host practical activities, and turn library spaces into vibrant places for environmental learning and community action.
Initiatives launched in libraries include:
- Climate and nature book collections - Print and online collections reflecting climate conversations and nature.
- Climate hubs - Developed by library teams and Countryside Rangers to meet local environmental needs.
- Seed libraries - Launched at all hubs—plus an extra at Bettyhill—after strong community demand.
- Nature clubs - Libraries has set up clubs to encourage children and adults to explore the outdoors.
Climate and nature collections
Curated books & eBooks - Physical and digital titles selected to support climate literacy—building on community‑informed lists developed with the Highland Adapts partnership. Discover new climate engagement and nature titles across our library catalogue and digital collections.
Community seed libraries
We researched UK and European seed library models and created a staff toolkit to set up community seed libraries. Originally planned for two hubs, demand saw us expand to all four hubs, plus Bettyhill. Customers shared photos of plants grown from borrowed seeds; libraries showcased these success stories, and some branches grew vegetables and flowers in outdoor planters.
Nature clubs for young people
With HLH Countryside Rangers, clubs offered practical activities—gardening, tree planting, recycling—and nature‑based experiments that build curiosity and stewardship.
Whats included?
Plant & bird ID cards, seed trays, notepads, handheld magnifiers, bug pots, binoculars, and digital microscopes—making discovery accessible and fun. Themes include Signs of Spring, Love Your Local Nature, Tree Planting, Earth Month, Looking After Your Area, Under the Seaweed.
How to get involved
Visit your local Green Library hub to borrow climate & nature titles—or ask staff for the seed library toolkit.
Contact High Life Highland Libraries for programme details, partnerships, and how to get involved in green libraries.
Accessibility and inclusion
Events and resources are designed for mixed ages and abilities. If you have access needs, let staff know—we'll adapt activities and provide alternative formats.
Climate and environmental engagement programmes
Programmes launched during Green Libraries Week and aligned to national themes such as National Tree Week, BBC Birdwatch, Earth Hour, Green Health Week, and World Bee Day. Activities included litter picks, climate‑fiction book groups, talks, “Grow Your Own Food” workshops, fungi workshops, plant swaps, bee talks, RSPB sessions, nature walks, and Whale & Dolphin Conservation workshops.
Over 700 people have attended events across climate and environmental engagement programmes held in Highland libraries.
Outcomes and impact of green libraries
Green library initiatives boosted community engagement—especially through popular seed libraries that increased visits to libraries, built local pride, and encouraged practical skills while strengthening links across HLH services.
Events such as the Whale & Dolphin Conservation visit brought in residents who were new to the library, generating new memberships. The project also fostered shared skills and collaboration, showcasing expertise ranging from beekeeping to marine biology and deepening partnerships between library teams and Countryside Rangers.
Libraries can play a role in the community awareness & promoting social action for green initiatives.
Partners and contributors
We collaborated across HLH services and with local and national organisations, including Whale & Dolphin Conservation, RSPB Scotland, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the Scottish Beekeepers Association, and local climate engagement groups.