Darlington Libraries unveils Sir David Attenborough book bench for his 100th birthday

Darlington Libraries is marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday with a community art project. A hand-painted book bench, created by local artist Lisa House in Darlington Library’s Art Gallery, will feature a portrait of Sir David alongside British wildlife. Once completed, it will be installed outside the Cockerton branch library. Councillor Libby McCollom, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for local services, highlighted the project’s alignment with Sir David Attenborough’s message of respect for nature, encouraging young people to care about environmental impact. The library is also organizing school assemblies on ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ principles and a poster competition for litter reduction, with the winner receiving a goodie bag. The bench project serves as both a tribute to Sir David’s legacy and a reminder of how individual actions can protect the environment. Darlington Libraries will reinforce this message by visiting schools and reminding residents to take litter home and preserve natural spaces. Ms. House’s artwork, inspired by nature, will be displayed in the Art Gallery before installation outside the Cockerton branch library.