Libraries' good practice in working with refugees and asylum seekers

The London Libraries Development Agency and The Network have launched a new website - www.welcometoyourlibrary.org.uk - that aims to support public librarians to engage effectively with refugees and asylum seekers.

The website is part of the national ‘Welcome To Your Library’ project which is increasing opportunities for active participation by refugee communities in public library service planning and delivery and therefore improving access to and quality of services for all.  The new website project is funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and coordinated through the London Libraries Development Agency.

The new site provides practical advice, good practice examples and information resources produced by the project and from other relevant sources. Registering on the site enables users to sign up to a weekly digest and post relevant events and training opportunities. 

Adrian Whittle, Head of Culture in the London Borough of Southwark, a member of the Welcome To Your Library National Policy Advisory Group, President of the Association of London Chief Librarians, and regional representative of the Society of Chief Librarians said: “The website is an excellent way of sharing good practice in engaging not only with refugee and asylum seeker communities but with other hard to reach groups. It also means that authorities not directly involved in the project can benefit from this ground breaking work."