Coventry Library Service given sanctuary award - The Coventry Observer

Coventry Library Service given sanctuary award

Coventry Editorial 23rd Jan, 2023   0

COVENTRY’S library service is celebrating achieving the nationally recognised Libraries of Sanctuary award.

The award was celebrated at a presentation on Tuesday (January 17) at Central Library.

Libraries of Sanctuary aims to inspire, support and promote the use of public libraries as places of welcome for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.

It also recognises the good practice of libraries welcoming new arrivals into their community.




The services have looked at ways they could make the welcomes more helpful and meaningful to those seeking sanctuary.

These include employing staff who speak Arabic and Dari, setting up sessions to support those wanting to practice and improve their spoken English, and using library spaces for Ukrainian refugee welcome meetings.


Coventry has recently been awarded the city of sanctuary award for work helping new arrivals feel welcome.

Coun Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “The libraries team have worked tremendously hard to make this happen, and I am very proud of everyone involved.

“This is just the start of the exciting journey, with the team continuing to work with those seeking sanctuary to further develop our services in the future.”

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