Awen libraries turn the page on climate misinformation

Awen Cultural Trust is supporting Green Libraries Week 2026 by highlighting how libraries can help people find trusted climate information, make more sustainable choices and contribute to a greener future.

Taking place from Wednesday 21 to Wednesday 28 October, Green Libraries Week is a national celebration of the role libraries play in leading and supporting climate and sustainability initiatives. The 2026 theme is: Climate Facts for a greener future: navigating mis- and disinformation in libraries.

Libraries across Bridgend County Borough are managed by Awen in partnership with, and on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council. Both organisations have ambitions to reduce environmental impact and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Throughout the week, libraries will encourage people to think critically about the climate information they encounter through themed book displays, recommended reading lists, digital resources and conversations with library staff.

Visitors will be signposted to trusted sources of information, supported to develop their digital literacy skills, and encouraged to question misinformation, check facts and evaluate the reliability of online content.

Awen will also showcase the practical environmental improvements they are taking, including the installation of renewable energy sources, more efficient lighting, improved waste reduction and greener choices in the transportation of library resources.

Support for Green Libraries Week reflects Awen’s strategic vision, which aims to create a healthy environment where future generations benefit from a cleaner, more resilient and better-understood planet.

Climate action identified within the strategy includes reducing energy use, working towards net zero, supporting recycling, moving its vehicles to electric, and increasing understanding of environmental issues to inspire action.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“Libraries have always helped people explore ideas, develop their knowledge and make informed decisions. At a time when misleading and conflicting claims can spread quickly, their role as welcoming places where people can access trusted information is more important than ever.

“Green Libraries Week is also an opportunity to show that sustainability can be part of our everyday choices. Borrowing and reusing books, sharing resources and learning more about environmental issues are all positive actions that can make a difference.

“As part of our role in managing library services on behalf of, and in partnership with, Bridgend County Borough Council, Green Libraries Week complements the council’s wider green agenda and its commitment to responding to the climate and nature emergency.”

Cllr Jane Gebbie, the council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Libraries have a vital role to play in helping us build a greener, more sustainable future. They are welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn, ask questions and access reliable information to help them make informed choices about the world around them.

“Green Libraries Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate how our libraries are helping people understand the challenges facing our environment, recognise climate misinformation and discover the positive steps we can all take to protect our planet.

“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and achieving our ambition of net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. From making our buildings more energy efficient to raising awareness of sustainability, we all have a part to play in creating a healthier environment for future generations.

“By combining trusted information with practical action, our libraries can help inspire individuals and communities to make a real difference. Every positive step counts, and together we can help create a greener, more resilient future for Bridgend County Borough.”