Libraries of Sanctuary

Welcoming everyone

We are committed to providing help and support for those in need. This is why we wish to become a Library of Sanctuary. We want to continue to play a vital role in welcoming refugees and people seeking sanctuary in our communities.

Library of Sanctuary is awarded by the City of Sanctuary UK, a charity coordinating, supporting and growing networks for people seeking sanctuary and safety. They work with individuals, groups, and organisations such as libraries to encourage:

• inclusivity
• solidarity
• compassion

for people from a forced displacement background.

Libraries help with this because we facilitate learning, cultural exchange, and community integration.

Get involved

Contact us to volunteer at our libraries, with a specific focus on welcoming, cultural, or community projects.

What we offer

Language development programmes

We offer English and Spanish conversation classes and groups. These are tailored to help people learning English or Spanish as an additional language. 

Online and physical resources

To support learning, we provide access to a wide array of online resources, including:

• digital platforms for language learning
• educational development
• digital help sessions for anyone who is digitally excluded

Our online collection features e-books, audiobooks, and journals in multiple languages, ensuring resources are accessible to everyone.

We also house a rich collection of community language books, promoting inclusivity and cultural understanding by serving our multicultural audience. We boast a significant collection of Chinese and Japanese books, with high circulation and a quiet reading environment for users.

Community and cultural events

Throughout the year, we organise awareness activities highlighting and celebrating cultural heritage and traditions from around the globe.

Our awareness programme includes displays, activities, and events for Refugee Week and much more. We also host Black History Month (BHM) events dedicated to recognising and celebrating Black history and culture.

We will continue to help people in need find sanctuary at the library, in all its forms.