Warm Welcome builds on the success of last year’s cost of living campaign with all Suffolk libraries acting as warm spaces and many offering hot drinks and kindness racks offering free donated quality clothing. The East of England Co-op has kindly donated £1,000 of vouchers to enable libraries to offer free hot drinks again this year.

Click on this link to view the dedicated webpage

Suffolk Libraries has also teamed up with BBC Radio Suffolk to launch a ‘Be Kind to a Kid’ appeal for donations of new toys which can be donated to any of Suffolk’s 45 libraries. The appeal will run from 13 November to 8 December and the toys will then be passed on to families who might be struggling during the cost-of-living crisis and would benefit from an extra Christmas present this year.

As always, Suffolk’s libraries will also be there to provide many other free services which can make a huge difference to people during these tough times:

• Warm spaces – Anyone is welcome to visit the library just to keep warm and find someone to talk to. You don’t have to take part in an activity or be borrowing something, it’s ok just to come in to get out of the cold and be around people

• Libraries offer a huge range of free activities for children, families and older adults. They’re a great way to meet people and make new friends

• All libraries have free computer and wi-fi access which can be a lifeline for those without access at home who need to look for a job, apply for benefits or just look for help or support online

• The Pride & Periods service offers free menstrual items from many libraries

• At the heart of everything on offer are the helpful, expert staff who can signpost you to other organisations if you need specialist help or advice 

• Everything at Suffolk Libraries is centred around improving people’s wellbeing with drop-in sessions, books and information and even a menopause support programme.