Supporting people seeking sanctuary

Barnsley Libraries supports the City of Sanctuary vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. We hold the Library of Sanctuary award which recognises and celebrates the libraries that go above and beyond to be welcoming and show solidarity. 

City of Sanctuary statement of support

We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and agree to act in accordance with City of Sanctuary values and apply the network principles within our work (as far as our specific context enables us to).

We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary seekers are welcomed, included and supported within our context. We expect our branches or local groups to support their local City of Sanctuary group if one exists. We'll facilitate contact between them and their local City of Sanctuary group.

We are willing for our organisation’s name being added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary, linked to our website. We're also willing to be contacted by City of Sanctuary with further ideas for how we can turn our support into practical action and to discuss ways we might work together to promote the vision further.

Libraries of Sanctuary is a network of librarians, library staff, community groups and book lovers who are raising awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system. It offers support and participation opportunities, and contributing to a culture of welcome in the wider community.

Barnsley Libraries are currently working towards our Library of Sanctuary Award application. The award recognises and celebrates the libraries that go above and beyond to show solidarity and welcome.

How we support those seeking sanctuary

Libraries are safe spaces. We don't track people seeking asylum, and we don't report interactions with sanctuary seekers to official bodies.

We have 15 library branches and a home library service. All adults and children can join the library. There's no age limit and it's free to join. When you join you'll be given a library card.

You don’t need to join the library or have a library card to spend time reading, studying, working or relaxing in the library or to join our groups, activities and events.

More information

Contact us

We have a member of staff for sanctuary queries or for people seeking sanctuary. You can contact them by filling in our online form.