DEVON libraries are once again taking part in the nationwide campaign, The Big Draw which is celebrating its 10th year.

DEVON libraries are once again taking part in the nationwide campaign, 'The Big Draw' which is celebrating its 10th year.

This year, libraries are linking in with the BBC's Breathing Places initiative with a wildlife theme. In addition to the events there will also be an art competition called Wild About Devon which is open to all ages. Prizes include wildlife books, National Book Tokens and Cotman 'field' watercolour art sets. There are three age groups - 5-12, 13-17 and 18+. The closing date for the competition is 6th November 2009. Entry forms are available in all libraries.

Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Libraries, Councillor Stuart Barker says; "I am delighted this event is being supported in Devon. With such a range of activities happening across the county, there is something for everyone here. It's a great way for families and children to explore their creative talents and for people who have not thought about drawing before to give it a try. We have nearly 30 events running in partnership with the Devon Artist Network and wildlife experts from organisations such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dartmoor National Park, The Wildlife Trust and Local Authorities. There's a huge programme of events which range from activities in the library to art workshops and ranger-lead walks and talks".

Events listed below:

Tavistock Library - 5th October, 10 - 11:45am - Art workshop for children

St Thomas Library - 7th October, 2 - 3:30pm - Art workshop for adults

Ilfracombe Library - 13th October, 10am - noon - Workshop with illustrator Beth Barrington and textile artist Emma Cocker

Seaton Library - 13th October, 2 - 3:30pm (adults) 4 - 5pm (children) - Art workshops

Bovey Tracey Library - 14th October, 3:30 - 5pm - Make a beautiful nature sketchbook with Joanna Radford

Stover Country Park - 14th October, 2pm - Walk and sketch at Stover Country Park supported by

Buckfastleigh Library

Ivybridge Library - 15th October, 4 - 5:30pm - Make a beautiful nature sketchbook with Joanna Radford

Kingsbridge Library - 16th October, 2pm - Estuary walk and talk - start at the library

Barnstaple Library - 17th October, 10:30am - 12:30pm - Art workshop with Sam Elverson

Shapham Estate - 18th October - join us for a celebration of Autumn wildlife and harvest, supported by Dartmouth Library

Tavistock Library - 20th October, 2pm - Autumn Watch and walk start at the library

Tiverton Library - 20th October, 4 - 5:30pm - Family art workshop lead by Clare Schmidt Norris

St Thomas Library - 21st October, 2pm - Create an eco-friendly 'living wall' at Cricklepit Mill - start at the library

Dawlish Warren - 22nd October, 9:30 - 11:30 - Bird walk and talk - bring your binnoculars if you have them! Dawlish Library

Totnes Library - 24th October, 2 - 4:30pm - Art workshop with sculptor Isabel Coulton

Ivybridge Library - 26th October, 2pm - Tree walk - identify and collect leaves for craft activities back at the library

Barnstaple Library - 26th October, 2pm - Walk the Taka Trail - starts at the library

Bideford Library - 27th October, 2pm - Explore Ford Woods and be artistically inspired! Please contact the library for start point.

Topsham Library - 27th October, 10:30 - Exe Estuary wildlife walk, talk and draw. Please contact the library for start point.

Crediton Library - 28th October, 10:30am - noon - Art workshop with Hermoine Skrine

Combe Martin Library - 28th October, 2pm - Beach walk with Martin Caddy. Please contact the library for start point.

Holsworthy Library - 29th October, 7pm - Re-building a living landscape - an evening with Peter Burgess - Wildlife Trust

Tiverton Canal - 29th October, 2pm - Canal walk, talk and canal painting - supported by Tiverton Library

Chulmleigh Library - 29th October, 2pm - Wild about Devon walk and talk - grab your sketch book!

Exmouth Library - 30th October, 2:30 - 4:30pm - Art workshop for all the family

Tiverton Canal - 30th October, 10:30am - Canal talk and fun activities at the library - supported by Cullompton Library

Stover Country Park - 1st November, 2pm - Stover Park walk and sketch supported by Kingsteignton and Bovey Tracey Libraries

For more information, go to www.devon.gov.uk/bigdraw09

People need to contact the library in all cases as booking may be necessary.

The Campaign for Drawing was launched in 2000 by the Guild of St George, a small charity founded by John Ruskin, whose writings on art, architecture, natural history, social and economic issues helped to shape Victorian cultural life. Now an independent charity, the Campaign raises the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement