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https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/17/most-libraries-to-provide-warm-banks-again-this-winter>
"Most libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will again offer “warm
banks” this winter as cost of living pressures continue, according to a survey.
Of the libraries surveyed, 93% are preparing to offer free, heated spaces for
visitors during the cold months as part of a warm spaces scheme. The “warm
hubs” initiatives began in 2022 when energy prices rose after the the
Russia-Ukraine war began.
Among those libraries offering warm spaces, 79% expect demand to be higher or
about the same as last year. No responding libraries said that they expect
demand to be lower.
The research covered 57 libraries and was conducted by Libraries Connected, a
charity representing the services in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the
Crown Dependencies.
“With temperatures dropping, and the price of essentials continuing to rise, it
is a sad fact that many people will again be wondering how they will heat their
homes this winter,” said Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected.
“Libraries will be there to offer a warm space and a warm welcome – not only to
those who are struggling to pay their energy bills, but anyone who’s looking
for company, conversation or advice,” she added. “And that’s on top of all the
wonderful things libraries do every single day, for free. Once again our
libraries are proving themselves to be a vital community resource.”
Of the libraries taking part in a warm spaces scheme, 74% will also host
entertainment and cultural activities, such as board games, yoga and craft
clubs, 70% will provide free hot drinks and 66% will run advice sessions on
topics such as household budgeting. Some will also provide warm items, such as
hot-water bottles and blankets, as well as menstrual and sanitary products."
Via Joerg Fliege, who wrote "This is supposed to be a first-world country." and
Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
