A donation by Smiffys to Lincolnshire Libraries World Book Day Costume Swap and Create project has helped turn around World Book Day for hundreds of families.
200 brand new costumes were handed over to Gainsborough Library and shared between the 14 Lincolnshire libraries taking part. The donation by the Gainsborough head office of Smiffys meant that quick, last-minute costumes were readily available to transform children into their favourite book characters.
The aim of Lincolnshire Libraries World Book Day Costume Swap and Create project is for all children and their parents who want to take part in World Book Day to have a ‘new to them’ costume.
14 libraries have taken part in this year’s costume swap initiative. Parents were invited to bring along past costumes to donate and swap for something ‘new to them’.
Nicola Rogers, GLL’s Lincolnshire Libraries partnership manager, said: “There’s been a terrific response to our clothes swap project. Since it started four weeks ago, so many people have got behind us. Word quickly spread and when Smiffys approached us with this amazing offer we were ecstatic.”
The project received funding worth £1,800 from the Libraries Connected and Arts Council England’s Microgrant programme. It has involved the libraries hosting costume swap rails for parents to donate past costumes and swap for something ‘new’ for their child to wear.
Nicola continued: “On top of having many costumes donated, the contribution from Smiffys has meant that those who didn’t have a costume to swap have accessed a brand new costume for World Book Day 2025. We couldn’t be more thankful for their generosity.”
Dominique Peckett, director at Smiffys commented: “We’re delighted to be a part of the Lincolnshire Libraries World Book Day Costume Swap by donating Smiffys costumes to children who might not have had the opportunity to dress up this year. With our warehouse and one of our offices based in Gainsborough, being able to help children in our local area join in with the magic of World Book Day by bringing characters to life is a privilege for us.”
