Libraries’ Warm Welcome Saluted with National Honour

Swansea’s much-loved local library service has been honoured for offering a warm welcome to people seeking sanctuary.

The network of libraries, run by Swansea Council, has become the first in Wales to be awarded Library of Sanctuary status. 

Libraries of Sanctuary is a network of librarians, library staff, community groups and book lovers who are raising awareness of the issues facing people that seek refuge, offering support and participation opportunities, and contributing to a culture of welcome in the wider community.

The Library of Sanctuary award recognises and celebrates the libraries that go above and beyond to show solidarity and welcome, and any library can apply for the award.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said:

“Our libraries offer a warm welcome to everybody, including those coming here to live for a variety of reasons. The service has a large selection of foreign language books and offers an ongoing programme of activities for people of all ages. This activity – right at the heart of their communities across the city and county – complements Swansea’s proud status as a City of Sanctuary.”

To secure Library of Sanctuary status, Swansea underwent an accreditation process.

Swansea Council has 17 libraries across local communities and offers a delivery service for customers who are unable to access their local library. Librarians offer a number of digital services to members. The programme of events offered this summer included a Refugee Day at Swansea Central Library.

Council staff run the Swansea Prison library as part of their network – and it’s the first time a prison library has been included in a Library of Sanctuary award.

Swansea Libraries were also shortlisted for the Libraries Connected Award 2024 in the Culture and Creativity Category. Judges in the Libraries Connected Awards were impressed by the valuable work carried out by Bethan Lee (Principal Librarian), Jennifer Dorrian (Programme and Events officer) and Zoe Thomas (Library Assistant), showing initiative to create new activities and develop resources to enable Swansea Central Library to welcome new people settling in and near the city.

Photo: Swansea Libraries staff Jennifer Dorrian, Bethan Lee and Zoe Thomas.