Around the world, more people than ever are being forced to flee conflict, changing climates, environmental degradation, and persecution to find safety and sanctuary elsewhere. Libraries welcome people seeking sanctuary and other new arrivals into their community and seek to foster a culture of welcome and inclusivity.

Join CILIPS for this unique Online Learning event on 11th March, 11-12, during which we’ll learn more about  Libraries of Sanctuary, the vital value of the contribution they make, and how your own library service can get involved in becoming a Library of Sanctuary. We’re delighted to be joined by Ashley Beckett and  Gün Orgun from City of Sanctuary, and  John Vincent, coordinator of The Network and author of Facet‘s upcoming book Libraries and Sanctuary: supporting refugees and other new arrivals.

City of Sanctuary hold the vision that Scotland and the rest of the UK can be a welcoming place of safety for all, proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution, and libraries across the nation have a pivotal role to play. In advance of the session, find out more about Libraries of Sanctuary here and discover their resource pack filled with helpful insights, good practice examples and much more. You can also click here to read the brilliant blog that John kindly shared with us for Libraries Week 2021, reflecting on how libraries are #ChangingLives by welcoming new arrivals.

This free online event is open to all and will take place via Zoom, with joining instructions emailed to attendees a few days in advance.

Book tickets here