Bridgemary Library is a space for the whole community to learn about nature and our changing climate. With an eco-friendly building, powered by renewable energy, special book collections, a secret nature garden, and community activities, Hampshire's first Green Library champions sustainability and celebrates nature for everyone.

Bridgemary green library Illustration

Improving our building

Supported by grants from Arts Council England and Hampshire County Council, we upgraded our building to reduce energy use by installing cavity wall insulation, new double glazing, window screens and LED lighting. Once the building was more efficient, we began a second phase of improvements, installing an air source heat pump and 26 rooftop solar panels to power the library.

Two electric vehicle charging points were installed to generate income for the library. Surplus energy from the solar panels also generates an income for the library.

When the building works were completed, we worked with a local sustainable print and design company to create and install wall-mounted murals that engage and inspire our community to find out more about sustainability, local wildlife and climate change.

inside the green library with a tree painted on the wall
climate change mural
climate change mural indoors
Charging a car using an EV point

Improving our garden

Behind Bridgemary Library our ‘secret garden’ is a haven for nature and the local community. We have improved access to the garden with gently sloping paths and ramps. New planting and fencing support nature and our sensory path invites all visitors to remove their shoes and explore with their feet and toes!

Our new story chair is a popular spot to rest, watch nature or enjoy a good book. Our local community also enjoy using the garden to interact with nature, in workshops and activities and through volunteering too.

Next time you visit our garden ask us about the worm farms too!

a wooden chair in the garden
a bee pollinating
a sensory path
heat pump

A warm welcome for everyone

We have changed the layout of the library to a create bigger space for children with book nooks, play spaces and a special nature-themed mural. We refreshed our book stock too and made an exhibition space in the ‘Books and Brews Cafe’ which is now the perfect place to meet old friends and make new friends or relax with a good book.

We hold lots of activities in the library, from crafting to conversation café’s they all offer a chance to meet people in our warm and welcoming space. Find out about all of the activities at the library on our website.

a child reading in a makeshift hut
tables and chairs within the cafe
a child sitting in the library
digital screens within the library

Friends of Bridgemary Library

The Friends of Bridgemary Library are a small, friendly group of volunteers who support the library in a number of ways including fundraising and looking after our garden.

If you would be interested in joining them, please email: [email protected].

The Friends current project is the Bridgemary Greening Campaign, which is a community-led project to encourage small actions that support nature conservation and sustainability. You can find out more and get involved with the Bridgemary Greening Campaign by contacting the Friends of Bridgemary Library.

friends of bridgemary library logo

Other volunteering opportunities

Giving just a few hours of your time regularly can make a huge difference. As a volunteer, you could be helping our library customers, running events or organising activities for children or adults.

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, gain varied experience, meet new people and give something back. Working alongside our friendly library teams, you’ll help to deliver library services to your local community.

We are looking for volunteers who can offer their time in a variety of different roles, including being a branch volunteer, a garden volunteer, helping with our café or supporting the Summer Reading Challenge and other family activities.

You can find out more about volunteering in a library here - https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library/about-us/volunteering.

a gardener working soil
Arts Council England logo
funded by UK Government logo