Central Hawke’s Bay library books protected with ocean-bound plastic coverings

Central Hawke's Bay libraries now have books covered in ocean-bound plastics. Photo / Central Hawke's Bay District

Central Hawke’s Bay libraries are doing their part for the planet and using ocean-bound plastic coverings for their books.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council community and library services manager Bridget Cover said the ocean-bound plastic coverings were made from plastic that was recovered within 50km of the shoreline and recycled into plastic products.

She said the coverings increased the life cycles and protected the library books.

The majority of their books were pre-covered by a company called Wheelers.

“Last year, Wheelers gave Central Hawke’s Bay District Libraries the option to change from a plant-based book covering to Ocean Bound Plastic.”

Both Central Hawke’s Bay libraries started being supplied with paperback books covered in Ocean Bound Plastic last September.

“In 2026 this will extend to dust jackets. This new adhesive is a cheaper alternative, resulting in a 30 cent saving per book to ratepayers.”

Only a small portion of books would not be in this material.

This included large print books from a different supplier, books bought directly from local authors and any other books sourced through local stores.

“You will know if a book has been covered by Ocean Bound Plastic as it will have a sticker on the first page of the book.”