Council’s Library Service receives national award for work to support communities

Cheshire West and Chester Library Service has gained national recognition for its work to provide a safe and supportive space to people from all communities.

It is one of just ten library authorities to gain the ‘Library Service of Sanctuary Award’, which has been granted by City of Sanctuary UK.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, said:

“This prestigious national award recognises that Cheshire West and Chester Libraries are safe, supportive spaces for everyone, where all cultures and diversity are celebrated.

“Our library team works incredibly hard to provide a warm welcome to all of our customers including those fleeing war and persecution from places such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and Eritrea.

“Our 23 wonderful libraries have met City of Sanctuary UK’s standards to demonstrate they are inclusive, tolerant places that offer supportive activities, practical help and advice.”

Examples that secured the award include access to a diverse range of book stock (including a wide selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines) in different languages, as well as key information, translated into languages that are spoken within Cheshire West communities.

Libraries also provide access to PCs where the language default can be changed and also have Ukrainian and Arabic keyboards for those who need them. Free library WiFi and the loaning of iPads (with data) has enabled individuals to continue to communicate with family and friends outside of the UK, as well as provide access to essential online support and council services.

Libraries also offer a space for English conversation sessions and have hosted many community events which have brought people together.

The ethos of Service of Sanctuary is to offer a safe environment to anyone fleeing persecution, and the Council’s libraries have delivered many initiatives across the year for those who need a safe space and to raise awareness about Libraries of Sanctuary.

These include Holocaust Memorial Day, LGBT History month, Refugee Week and Black History month. They also have a book collection to raise awareness called Stories of Sanctuary, available in print and electronic format to borrow.

The Service of Sanctuary Award is a quality mark that illustrates their commitment to delivering a modern library service that puts residents at the heart of all they do.

The ‘Libraries of Sanctuary’ initiative, run by City of Sanctuary UK, has been set up to recognise the libraries that meet defined standards to welcome people seeking sanctuary and other new arrivals into their community, and to foster a culture of welcome and inclusivity.

The aim is to support a nationwide network of welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary, helping new arrivals to settle into their new communities whilst promoting understanding, and celebrating the ways in which people seeking sanctuary contribute to society. 

Mike Johnson, Chair of the Chester City of Sanctuary Group commented:

“On behalf of City of Sanctuary, congratulations to Cheshire West and Cheshire Libraries for achieving ‘Libraries of Sanctuary’ accreditation. The Council’s Libraries have successfully demonstrated how they have embraced the City of Sanctuary ethos of welcome and hospitality for refugees and asylum seekers.

“It was such a positive experience being part of the evaluation panel, and hearing about the various initiatives that the Libraries have put in place. We look forward to libraries in west Cheshire continuing to develop their support for refugees and asylum seekers over the coming years.  Welcome to the City of Sanctuary network!”

Siân Summers-Rees, Chief Officer City of Sanctuary UK, added:

“We extend our congratulations to Cheshire West and Chester Libraries for gaining a Library Service 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.”

Find out more about the Library Service here: 

Council’s website.