Warm and Safe Libraries
Libraries across the UK are encouraged to extend a warm welcome, quite literally, to customers new and old to help them through the cost-of-living crisis
17 Oct 2022
As winter approaches, with many people worried about their heating bills, libraries are responding by offering incentives such as hot drinks, blankets and additional activities, along with practical advice on how to keep home energy costs down.
Libraries Connected, the sector support organisation, has produced a useful briefing note to guide libraries as they make their plans to promote libraries as warm and friendly places to spend time: https://www.librariesconnected.org.uk/news/cost-living-crisis-how-libraries-plan-support-vulnerable-winter
Further advice is available from CILIP - the Library and Information Association - which worked with money-saving expert Martin Lewis on some practical guidelines.
“The warm libraries initiative once again emphasises the importance of flexible library spaces that can meet changing needs at short notice,” said Designing Libraries Director and Libraries Connected President Ayub Khan.
“Layouts may need to be adapted to accommodate higher customer numbers. Extra comfortable seating, for example, will be needed for those who want to stay longer to keep warm. Meanwhile we are only too aware that Covid is still with us - so spacing, ventilation and hygiene remain priorities to minimise infection risks.”
Ayub advises carrying out a risk assessment before implementing ‘warm library’ programmes. He suggests the assessment should include:
- fire exits and alarms
- cleaning and general hygiene
- CBR checks for staff and volunteers taking on new responsibilities
- checks on additional electrical equipment such as portable heaters or ventilation units
- risks associated with the provision of hot food or drinks
- additional capacity and length of stay