Around the world, more people than ever are being forced to flee conflict, changing climates, environmental degradation, or persecution to find safety and sanctuary access to information, often exacerbated by potential language barriers and navigating complex or unclear systems. However, libraries can provide refuge and support for people in these situations, whether directing them to local groups or in-house help.

Libraries and Sanctuary is a practical guide to how libraries and their staff can support ‘new arrivals’ – people who have crossed borders to reach a country. The book looks at the different drivers behind an individual’s move, their need for signposting, and at the sorts of barriers that are faced by new arrivals and people seeking sanctuary. For anyone seeking to identify initiatives to start in their own institution, it also covers a history of library responses, modern ‘what works’ examples, and longer case studies from libraries across the country.

Sian Summer-Rees, City of Sanctuary Chief Officer, said of the book ‘The Libraries of Sanctuary movement simply would not have been possible without John. His in-depth knowledge of libraries and how they can be a place of welcome and solidarity has been pivotal in setting up the Libraries of Sanctuary programme and supporting its growth into the flourishing network that it is today. If you want to know why libraries have to be at the centre of the movement of creating welcome for all, you need this book.’

Libraries and Sanctuary is the first book of the new Libraries and Social Justice series which will cover a wide range of social issues facing communities today. The series will consist of practical and digestible guides, becoming an important reference for people wishing to explore, read around or start in a particular area of work.

About the Author: John Vincent has worked in the public sector since the 1960s, primarily for Hertfordshire, Lambeth and Enfield public library services. In 1997, he was invited to become part of the team that produced the UK’s first review of public libraries and social exclusion (from which The Network, which he now coordinates, originated). John runs courses and lectures, writes, produces regular newsletters and lobbies for greater awareness of the role that libraries, archives, museums, and the cultural and heritage sector play in contributing to social justice. He is particularly interested in supporting the work that libraries do with young people in care, with LGBTQ+ people, and with people seeking sanctuary and other ‘new arrivals’ to the UK.

This book will be available from the American Library Association in North America and Canada and from Taylor & Francis in Australia and New Zealand.