For people seeking sanctuary, this mobile library is a lifeline.
North Yorkshire Library and Information Service now take their mobile library to hotels that house hundreds of families who have newly arrived into the UK.
Housed outside cities and towns, people in hotels are often isolated from the rest of the community. They receive just £8 per week to cover clothing, toiletries, travel and supplementary food, so regular bus fares – and books – are often out of the question.
This mobile library is bringing these families connection, community and creativity.
Made up of 42 branches and one mobile facility, North Yorkshire’s library service are an awarded Library Service of Sanctuary.
The service has removed the need for users to show proof of identification, and made an exemption for fines, hire charges and reservation fees. It now offers free IT subscriptions, allowing sanctuary seekers to stay in touch with loved ones and access vital support. It also runs inclusive events and activities such as conversation clubs, dual language story times and craft clubs. The service has introduced resources including books, e-newspapers and e-magazines in first languages, with dual language picture and story books for younger readers. The library app is also available in multiple languages.
Our Libraries of Sanctuary network is growing fast – this is a network of librarians, library staff, community groups and book lovers who are raising awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system, offering support and participation opportunities, and contributing to a culture of welcome in the wider community.
Find out more and get your local library involved: libraries.cityofsanctuary.org/