Inspired by Finnish libraries’ move away from plastic book protection, and their own pupils’ passion for environmentalism, The Cherwell School set out to eliminate plastic book covers from their library. We talk to the team at The Cherwell School, who were shortlisted for the SLA Enterprise of the Year Award, to find out about how and why they implemented this change, and the impact it is having on their school.

Caterina, we understand that this change was spearheaded by you, can you please tell us more about what the Finns do, and why you decided to follow suit.
Well, even before I heard about Finnish libraries, I was uncomfortable using plastic to protect the books, as I felt this was not consistent with the values that libraries promote, which include civic and environmental awareness. Also, many of my students at The Cherwell School were passionate about the environment. And yet, I kept on using plastic for some time, because I thought that there was no alternative. I took the final decision to move away from plastic during the school's 2023 Festival of Reading. On this occasion, my book club asked a number of authors whether writing a book had ever changed something in the way they saw the world. I started asking myself whether my daily practises as a librarian had ever changed after reading and promoting so many books about global warming and the need to take action individually. I decided that our school library simply had to stop using plastic, and that this change was urgent: it was a matter of consistency and credibility. I did some research and found out that the public library in Kuopio had already stopped using plastic, and that the public libraries in Helsinki (both in Finland) were following. This was very encouraging: other librarians had already taken this step, and it was working! However, I knew that books needed some form of protection, especially if handled by young people. The public libraries of Helsinki, for example, are using biodegradable covers to protect children's books, but this is locally made sugar cane material that is not available in the UK.  After further research and experimenting with the sewing machine, I thought that a very good option could be fabric book sleeves.

How did you manage to make this happen and get the school community behind your decision?
The senior teams at both The Cherwell School and Matthew Arnold School (where I work now and I have just started carrying out the first phases of this project), welcomed my decision with no hesitation, and the Cherwell School students were very excited as soon as they heard about this change. Over 25 parents and 5 members of staff at The Cherwell School have accepted to get involved: we need as many volunteers as possible. The Cherwell library assistant school club has also been immensely helpful cutting out yards of fabrics!

How do you now protect your books in The Cherwell School Library?
We make book sleeves, using exclusively remnant or recycled fabrics. They are all unique and gorgeous. Businesses such as The Curtain Shop-Oxford, Rhubarb Seating and Kids Just Recycle are being incredibly generous by donating fabrics for this project. I would like to emphasise the fact that by moving away from plastic the library is also saving money: the only thing we buy is cotton thread. 

What impact has this had on your school?
A massive impact. First of all, we are conveying an important message to our students and to our community: to stop using plastic is extremely important, and this is why a large school community is getting involved in this project devoting to it their time, skills and care.   Also, this project has raised the popularity of reading across the school! The Cherwell School students love the fabric book sleeves, over 140 of them have received one to keep whereas other students are borrowing a book sleeve with their library books. They take very good care of them, return them regularly and feel encouraged to borrow more and more library books because they want a book sleeve!

What advice would you like to give to other school libraries looking to become more environmentally friendly?
Just go for it! It is so important. We, and by "we" I mean the adult world and the school environment first and foremost, have to set the example. Trust the community and the students and find a solution that involves them. Be creative and don't be afraid to learn new skills! I didn't know how to use a sewing machine before starting this project. 

What's next for your school library?
Soon it will be time for Cherwell to involve the new cohort of year 7s' parents and carers. As said, Matthew Arnold School is starting this project in partnership with the Cherwell School. Kristin Linnet - the new librarian at Cherwell- and I are experimenting into sustainable ways to mend  and restore books, and the idea is to involve students and families in this new project as well. Watch this space!