Slough Libraries are working towards the Library of Sanctuary award. This will show our commitment to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive service for all.
Libraries of Sanctuary is a stream of the national City of Sanctuary UK movement which:
- seeks to create a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment across the nation for people seeking sanctuary
- promotes understanding, recognition and celebration of the ways in which people seeking sanctuary enrich society
- its goal is to create a network of inclusive and welcoming places that are proud to offer safety, support, and dignity to people seeking sanctuary.
The Libraries of Sanctuary award is an initiative to recognise the good practice of libraries, which go above, and beyond to show solidarity and welcome people seeking sanctuary and other new arrivals into their community.
For public libraries to get a Library of Sanctuary status they need to meet three key criteria. Slough Libraries are working in partnership with other organisations, such as Slough Refugee Support and Museums Partnership Reading to achieve this award.
- Learn
- Gain a better understanding of the needs of people seeking sanctuary by engaging with people with lived experience.
- Learn from best practice in other libraries and organisations in the City of Sanctuary network.
- Provide training opportunities and resources for library staff to increase awareness and understanding.
- Embed
- Embed concepts of welcome, celebration and inclusion into library policies and procedures, and monitor and evaluate good practice.
- Provide practical assistance at The Curve for initiatives that support new arrivals.
- Share
- Communicate the positive contribution refugees make to our society and the benefits of a welcoming culture to everyone.
- Share news of Library of Sanctuary activities and initiatives.
For more information on our Library of Sanctuary application, email Alison Beer, Principal Libraries Outreach Officer (Children and Young People) library@slough.gov.uk.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities linked with this programme, please email Libraries.CultureVolunteering@slough.gov.uk.