Costume swap to ease 'stress' of World Book Day
A children's costume swap scheme has opened in libraries across Lincolnshire to help ease the "stress and cost" for parents on World Book Day.
Families can swap used clean costumes for a donated one, or attend free craft sessions in the run up to the event on 6 March.
Nicola Rogers from Lincolnshire Libraries, said they started the swap to "put the focus on the importance of reading, rather than the worry of what costume parents are going to make".
From Thursday swap rails and craft sessions will be available at 14 different libraries, including Gainsborough, Mablethorpe and Lincoln Central.
"We want it to reduce the stress and environmental impact of World Book Day," said Ms Rogers.
She added the purpose of the day has been lost as it has often revolved around outfits.
Ms Rogers hopes the clothing swap will allow children to focus on books.
"We want it to go back to being about that," she said.
The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995, since then it has become an annual day which promotes reading.
Ms Rogers said the project wanted to help parents use "what they've got at home", and give inspiration to any "struggling with the creative aspect" of making a costume.
Bags of craft items and last minute costumes will also be available at participating libraries for any parents cutting it fine for ideas.
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