The scheme gives children the opportunity to donate a costume for nativities or a Christmas jumper and collect a ‘new to you’ costume or jumper to take home
A popular costume swap scheme is making a festive comeback in East Yorkshire this Christmas. The East Riding Libraries initiative allows children to donate a nativity costume or Christmas jumper and in return, pick up a “new to you” item to take home.
From today (Monday) until Saturday, November 29, locals can visit any East Riding library to drop off old costumes and jumpers that are no longer needed. Then, from Monday, December 1 to Saturday, December 22, residents will have the opportunity to visit a participating library to browse and select something new. There’s no requirement to have donated anything to take part in the costume swap scheme.
Donations can be made throughout the entire duration of the scheme, not just during the first week, and can be dropped off at any East Riding library. However, pick-ups can only be made from December 1 to December 22 from participating libraries.
East Riding Libraries are keen to promote recycling of costumes as an alternative to buying new ones. The costume swap scheme was launched in 2024 to help curb the need for single-use, brand new costumes, assisting families with the rising cost of living while also reducing environmental damage.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding Of Yorkshire Council, said: “The costume swaps are always so popular throughout the year in our libraries. It’s great they’re back for the festive season.
“Christmas can be a very expensive time, so this is a lovely way to relieve some of the stress for families as well as getting them into our libraries to enjoy everything we have to offer.”
Tara Foxon, librarian with East Riding Libraries, added: “This is the first time we’ve held the costume swap at Christmas, and it also means that people might be able to find a new Christmas jumper, as well as a costume for a nativity!
“Whether they’re donating an old costume, or picking a new one, it’s a wonderful way to bring the community into libraries across the East Riding and help us all to get into the festive spirit.”
The Christmas costume and jumper swap is taking place at Beverley Library, Bridlington Central Library, Goole Library, Haltemprice Library and Customer Services, Bridlington North Library, Snaith Library, Brough Petuaria Centre, and Withernsea Library and Customer Services.
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