Barnsley Libraries and Museums celebrated as places of sanctuary

Yesterday, Barnsley Libraries and Barnsley Museums were recognised as places of sanctuary and presented with the Libraries of Sanctuary and Museum of Sanctuary awards. These awards are a fantastic achievement for our teams and recognise the support we offer daily across our borough.

We’re proud that our libraries and museums are safe, welcoming spaces for everyone in our community to spend time and enjoy the wide variety of services, activities and events that take place throughout the year.

Our Libraries Team have done fantastic work to shape an offer that supports everyone in our borough. Our libraries are free and open to all, with free internet access, a wide range of resources, and more – creating welcoming spaces where people can feel at home.

We’re proud to have so many safe spaces in our borough, and we’re delighted that Barnsley Museums has also been recognised for the work that they do with a Museum of Sanctuary award – an award very few museums hold in the UK.

Together, these awards highlight our commitment to making sure our borough is a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community for everyone.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “I’m incredibly proud that both our libraries and museums have been recognised as places of sanctuary. These awards highlight the work our teams do every day to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can feel at home, access support, and be part of our community.”