Libraries in England and Wales will offer shelter to those in need during the UK’s cost of living crisis. There are also plans for many libraries to abolish their late fees for books. The idea is to invite those who will need warmth and comfort this winter as energy prices skyrocket.
A Libraries Connected report reveals that nearly 60% of libraries are actively considering taking part in a “warm bank” scheme. Many of them plan to provide hot drinks and advice on managing bills. Almost 47% of them plan to work with local partners such as churches, charities, and community groups to support the vulnerable.
In a very telling statistic, only 4% of library leaders expect to receive any extra funding for this activity. That makes it uncertain how long they will be able to provide this level of support.
The Guardian has reached out to further library authorities and found that around 39 libraries (out of 79 contacted) are no longer charging adults late fees, in a bid to encourage people to use their services more and to help ease financial pressures.
The importance of libraries and why we should be supporting them
There was a time when I was suffering both mentally and physically. My health alienated me from my friends and family, who might not have understood the pressure I was feeling to perform at the same level as everyone else. During this time, visiting the library gave me an escape. Being surrounded by so many books—filled with wisdom, guiadance, and entertainment—provided a strong sense of nurture that allowed me to heal mentally. It gave me a new focus. Art and literature became the thing I could cling to and ignore my pain. The library is significant to so many people for this reason.
Libraries are important sources of learning materials, information, history, and truth. By providing free access to educational, news, and historical resources, libraries aim to keep the public informed with facts. The importance of this is plain to see as we live in the digital age of misinformation.
Furthermore, libraries offer a sense of community. Particularly for children and young adults. As technology continues to make our lives more convenient, lessening the need to step out and interact with people, it’s important that we still maintain a level of community and support. Especially when facing a crisis such as the looming cost of living spike.
The library is a resource that we have taken for granted. But now is the time to support them more than ever so that they can continue to offer warmth and shelter to the people that need it.
How can I support my local library?
Here are a few ways you can start helping your local library immediately:
- Sign up for a library card (this helps boost up their statistics and allows them to get more funding and resources)
- Donate books
- Attend their events
- Share the details of any events or courses that your library is promoting
- Keep an eye on any charity events or giveaways
- Support local author events
- Clean up after yourself (because cleaners cost money. And the staff is already overworked)
- Volunteer
These are just a few ways to help out your local library. Remember that although libraries are free to visit, every statistic is important for them when it comes to receiving more funding. So even small things like registering for a library card and following your local library on social media go a long way.
The more funding that libraries receive, the more they can help out the community during times of hardship.
