Winter warmth in your local library

Libraries across Devon, including Exeter, are gearing up for a second winter of special events to help communities enjoy warm spaces and community connection during the colder months.

The first ever ‘Libraries for Life’ campaign last winter was an outstanding success, boosting numbers of visitors across libraries and seeing the introduction of new initiatives ranging from free hot drinks to provision of natural sunlight lamps.

Now the campaign is being launched again for the 2023/24 winter months.

Lynn West from Libraries Unlimited, who are Exeter Chamber members, said: “Last winter we had lots of feedback appreciating the warm welcoming community hubs that libraries were able to offer. Our staff and volunteers pulled out the stops to make sure people felt welcomed and supported, and in turn really loved the buzz it created.

"New partnerships with other support organisations were set up, and libraries moved furniture around to make better seating spaces and got creative on new ideas for activities. The cost of living crisis is anything but over, and may deepen as mortgage rates rise, so we’re ready to roll out another season of support. We want to harness all last year’s successes and make this year’s Libraries for Life even bigger and better.”

Libraries have again teamed up with Julian House to help vulnerable individuals to find a warm coat in libraries across Devon and Torbay without any cost. Libraries will be calling on their communities to donate unwanted coats to fill the coat rails, from which anyone who needs a warm coat can come and take one.

For further information and full contact details please visit the Libraries Unlimited website.