Wiltshire Council libraries remain open as 'warm spaces'
The authority's also given out 1,000 warm packs over the winter
Wiltshire Council's reminding us that their libraries remain open for people to get some support, advice and comfort during the cost of living crisis.
Sites like Salisbury, Amesbury, Ludgershall, Mere, Tisbury, Tidworth, Downton, Pewsey, Netheravon and Wilton can offer somewhere for anyone to sit and chat, or meet others.
Some libraries are offering hot drinks and additional activities like board games, crafting session and book groups.
The warm spaces have been operating since November 2022, and have also distributed more than 1,000 'warm packs' to people that might need them.
They contain a hot water bottle, blanket and thermal mug and will still be available until the end of March, subject to availability.
Library staff have also been supporting customers needing help with energy bills, making more than 80 referrals to Warm and Safe Wiltshire and the Rural Communities Energy Support Network.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“Of course we wish in this day and age that such services weren’t needed, but we’re pleased that people have been using our library warm spaces service and hope it’s provided a little bit of peace of mind at a really challenging time.
“The drop-in energy advice service has proved to be really useful for residents, particularly those who are elderly and more vulnerable, so we’ll be continuing with this with our partners for the foreseeable future.
“We know that the challenges residents are facing won’t just disappear when temperatures get warmer so we’ll ensure we continue to do what we can and be there for people as long as it’s needed.”