Make your library a place of welcome
Why join the Places of Welcome network?
Libraries are already natural gathering spaces. By joining the Places of Welcome network, you can:
Welcome more people. Spark new ideas. Strengthen your community.
Bring in new visitors who may not otherwise discover your library.
Enrich your library with new skills, ideas, and experiences from those visitors.
Offer a vital service that helps people feel connected and included.
Build on what you already do - no need to start something new.
Build partnerships with local organisations and community groups.
Inspire new projects - from poetry workshops to creative clubs.
How it works
Joining is simple. You’ll become part of a national network of friendly, accessible community spaces, each offering a warm welcome. There’s no cost to sign up, and you’ll get access to resources, support, and a recognised framework that helps your library thrive as a hub of connection.
“One man realised he was grumpy when he moved here, coming from London to live near his son, through places of welcome he has found his feet, makes everyone welcome, chats to everyone, tells jokes and is a much loved and valued member of the group.
Several of the regulars took part in the Inspire Craft Challenge, last year they knitted blankets and the year before Teddy Bears, they went to see the exhibitions of them in the Central Library, going for lunch afterwards and making a day of it.
The volunteers themselves have become firm friends. Often someone comes along with a problem, the volunteers and library staff try help to solve it whether it's finding a repair man or helping them to use their mobile phone.” - Southwell Library (Nottinghamshire)
What libraries are saying
Tracey Hughes, Library Manager, says, “I’m proud we’re able to offer such an important group. It’s been amazing to see new friendships being forged, with the library at the centre of it all.”
“We have a gentleman, who will be 90 this year, who lost his wife 18 months ago and had not been out of the house for several months, who now comes regularly, getting 2 buses each way to get to us. His daughter contacted us to say what a lifeline we are.
We have a number of visitors, who are nervous and have been brought in with a social worker or friend for their initial visit and now depend on the weekly interaction for their wellbeing.” - Hednesford Library (Cannock)
Ready to join?
Turn your library into a Place of Welcome.