Launch of Climate Installation at Nailsworth Library
On Friday 17th May, an event was held at Nailsworth Library to inaugurate an installation linked to the ‘Climate Corner’ initiative that the library has been hosting for several years.
Photos showing the journey of the ‘climate cart’ from Auspicious, where it was made, to Nailsworth Library; its final assembly in the library; it being ‘dressed’ and made ready for the formal inauguration of the installation (Image credits: Marilyn Erskine)
The aim of Climate Corner, which started in 2019, is educational and to get a conversation going. It provides 1-to-1 support (or for groups on request) in the quiet, low-key setting of the library, for anyone with questions about climate change. Whether it is to understand the basics or to explore more complex questions, the aim was to promote conversations in the spirit of enquiry and discovery.
In 2022 Nailsworth Library was shortlisted for The David Vaisey Prize (for innovations in Gloucestershire Libraries) for Climate Corner, a collaboration with Nailsworth Climate Action Network, led by its Education Lead, Dr Richard Erskine.
After exploring various options of how to use the £1,000 award, it was decided by Library Manager Frances Sands that a permanent installation would have the greatest impact. Jenny Bowers acting as artistic director for the project prepared a outline brief for Nigel Wilson of Auspicious, furniture makers in Nailsworth. They took on the task of designing and creating a ‘climate cart’, putting in much thought and going above and beyond with the time they devoted to the project.
In addition to displaying books, the climate cart has a ‘tree’ from which can be hung wishes, postcards from the future, minizines, and other artistic creations. In a cubicle we see a girl holding the world up with the message ‘No one is too small to make a difference’. Artwork, poems, and much more will be able to be included as the display evolves and is refreshed over time.
The lettering on the face of the cart is made from 5,000 year old bog oak, placed on a background of recycled industrial plastic (which is millions of year old carbon), in a cart made from plywood that comes from trees that are 50 years old. So in microcosm the cart is telling a story about carbon.
At the launch Fran gave a speech thanking the library staff and volunteers who have been involved in Climate Corner over the years, and helped in it achieving an award. She noted that books related to climate and green matters in general were the most loaned books in the library’s collection. Helen Rose performed a little ditty she wrote for the occasion (see below).
Richard said the aims of Climate Corner have not changed but the cart will help to breathe new life into the initiative by attracting people and promoting conversations. Jenny talked about the brief, which was to ensure that all age groups would find something to attract them, and to ensure it was a flexible platform for creative ideas.
Nigel, Thom and Al from Auspicious spoke about the organic way they approached the challenge of making an installation in the spirit needed for Climate Corner. They used only waste cuts of mainly plywood, and other recycled materials, including a board made from waste paper and resin, ancient bog oak and recycled plastic. The shelving pegs were made from old broom handles. There are so many neat design touches, such as the arms that turn into stabilisers.
Nigel Wilson, Auspicious founder, talking with Fran Sands, Library Manager (Dursley Area Cluster: Dursley, Nailsworth, Tetbury and Wotton Under Edge Libraries) (Image credit: Marilyn Erskine).
The launch ceremony ended with an untying of the ribbon bow by Margaret Marshall, then followed by refreshments kindly provided by library staff.
Margaret Marshall undoing the ribbon to inaugurate the climate cart (Image credit: Marilyn Erskine)
Nailsworth Library Climate Cart Ditty by Helen Rose, Library Assistant
Dr Erskine so helpful and wise
Arrived at the Library and helped us devise
A Climate Corner in our library space
To discuss Green Issues face to face.
Would an Air Source Heat Pump be a good form of heating?
If a bike is electric is that cheating?
Governments’ plans to reach Net Zero
Choose a great novel with a climate hero.
Want to recycle your pet food pouches?
Re-use, recycle, re-upholster your couches.
Climate justice, dwindling bees,
Rising temperatures, warming seas.
With thanks to everyone who played a part
We now have a beautiful Climate Cart.