Library users have welcomed a scheme run by Devon libraries offering people the chance to borrow Halloween costumes donated by other visitors.
Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the Devon County Council and Torbay’s libraries, described the scheme as “cost-effective” as it was designed to prevent the public from purchasing costumes that would only be worn once.
Katheryn and her daughter Sophie visited Pinhoe Library, Exeter, on the hunt for a Halloween costume.
Sophie chose a Rapunzel costume for this year, and Katheryn said the scheme was “really useful” as her daughter could pick what she wanted to dress up as.
Katheryn said her daughter had started asking for a new costume, but felt they were “quite expensive in the shops”, so the initiative was a really good idea.
She said: “We do try and pass them down to friends and get some passed down to us as well, but it is really useful to just come here and have a pick of what they want to dress up as.”
Katheryn also said the initiative had helped her on other occasions too, as it was offered for events such as World Book Day, and she could come in and borrow costumes when needed.
Zoe Woodbridge, supervisor of Libraries Unlimited, said about 40% of Halloween costumes sold every year only get used once and the scheme was also “a bit of an environmental initiative” to reduce plastic waste.
