Funded by the Government’s Household Support Fund, the authority’s ‘Warm and Welcome’ events have already enabled more than 500 library visitors to access critical support and guidance from over 130 local organisations and charities. This includes information on managing the costs of food and fuel, as well as advice on parenting, home safety, mental health and much more.
Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, oversees libraries as part of his remit. He commented: “Our libraries are warm and welcoming spaces and rightly hold a very special place in our local communities. It’s fair to say they have changed a great deal over the years and now have so much more to offer beyond the more traditional expectations of a library - from arts and crafts activities and sessions for parents and children, to local support groups, card games, or even ‘Dungeons and Dragons’.
“Our ‘Warm and Welcome’ events are an important part of this wider offer, supporting residents to find valuable advice in a safe and trusted space while connecting local partners and organisations. I am pleased that so many residents and partners have already benefited from these hugely helpful sessions, and I hope that many more will do so as we continue to roll out these events over the next couple of months.”
Sixteen events have already taken place in libraries across the county this winter, with a further seven due to run on the following dates. All events are free to attend, with no prior appointment required. They are:
- Totton Library – 13 January, 10am-1pm
- Romsey Library – 16 January, 1pm-4pm
- Eastleigh Library - 23 January, 10am-1pm (this event is mainly aimed at new parents)
- Havant Library – 23 January, 10am-1.30pm
- Leigh Park Library – 30 January, 10am-1pm
- Gosport Discovery Centre - 19 February, 4.30pm-7pm (this event is mainly aimed at young people aged 16-25 as they prepare for their next steps in education, training, and independent living)
Visit the Hampshire libraries website for details of other upcoming events.