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.
This celebrates public libraries that “go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary.”
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.”
Valuable work by the service is already in line for a national prize.Judges in the Libraries Connected Awards are impressed by how Swansea Central Library has become a place of sanctuary, welcoming new people settling in and near the city.
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.
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.
