This group of librarians have just done something incredible. Hampshire Libraries is now a Library Service of Sanctuary. That means they go above and beyond to provide a safe and supportive space to new arrivals into the community.
From providing welcome packs and translated maps to hosting a wide range of courses, free space for English lessons and stocking diverse book titles – the forty libraries within this service are each providing the welcome and support that everyone deserves.
To date, the library service has hosted 202 events to help 2,079 people from Ukraine and their Hampshire hosts.
From providing welcome packs and translated maps to hosting a wide range of courses, free space for English lessons and stocking diverse book titles – the forty libraries within this service are each providing the welcome and support that everyone deserves.
To date, the library service has hosted 202 events to help 2,079 people from Ukraine and their Hampshire hosts.
The County Council’s Executive Member for Countryside, Culture and Communities, Councillor Russell Oppenheimer, said:
“This prestigious national award recognises that Hampshire’s libraries are a safe, supportive space for everyone where all cultures are celebrated. Our library teams work incredibly hard to provide a warm welcome to anyone including most recently, individuals from Ukraine and Afghanistan. All 40 library branches in Hampshire have met City of Sanctuary UK’s standards to demonstrate they are inclusive, tolerant places that offer a package of supportive activities, practical help, and advice. Examples include providing a wide range of face-to-face courses and e-learning, free space for English language lessons, stocking diverse book titles, and hosting Community Connection events that bring people together. The Service of Sanctuary Award is a quality mark that illustrates our commitment to delivering a modern library service that puts our residents at the heart of all they do.”
Siân Summers-Rees, Chief Officer City of Sanctuary UK, added:
“We extend our congratulations to Hampshire Libraries for gaining a Library of Sanctuary Award; this award recognises the enormous efforts they have made to support people seeking sanctuary. We are delighted to welcome them to the growing network of libraries from across the UK who have committed and are taking action to welcoming people seeking sanctuary.”
We are delighted to welcome them to the growing network of libraries from across the UK who have committed and are taking action to welcoming people seeking sanctuary.
Is your local library involved? Find out more and get stuck in by clicking here.
We are delighted to welcome them to the growing network of libraries from across the UK who have committed and are taking action to welcoming people seeking sanctuary.
Is your local library involved? Find out more and get stuck in by clicking here.