Residents struggling with the rising costs of living are being reminded that they will find a warm and friendly welcome in their local library this winter.
There are 33 libraries across Cambridgeshire which are open regularly throughout the winter months and keen to welcome anyone who may be struggling to heat their homes or needs information about rising living costs.
Our libraries will continue to offer people access to hundreds of thousands of books, as well as a place to work, free internet access and social activities. Although you don’t have to be a member to use the space, joining the library is simple and free and gives you access to all our services. You can apply in person or by completing an online library membership application form.
Cllr Tom Sanderson, Chair of the council’s Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: “We’re fully committed to doing everything we can to help people who are struggling with the rising costs of living. Our libraries provide vital community focal points and we want to remind residents they will always be welcome at libraries throughout winter.
“As well as providing a wide range of services and a place to simply keep warm, library staff are on hand to help you find information about cost-of-living support. Please don’t feel afraid or stigmatised by asking for help – we recognise that the crisis is affecting everyone and want to offer support any way we can.”
You can visit libraries for a great choice of books, digital magazines and newspapers, as well as free WiFi and computer access. You can bring snacks and drinks along, meet up with friends (you’re allowed to talk in the library!) or join in with one of our many social activities: from story and rhyme-times for pre-schoolers to Knit and Natter groups, book clubs and Engage talks. Find details of events at Library.Live or ask at your local library.
We also aim to offer free warm drinks in many of our libraries this winter. If you can volunteer some time to help with this, the team would love to hear from you.
If you can’t get out to visit your local library don’t forget that our Mobile libraries make over 380 stops across the county, plus the council provides an award-winning Library at Home service which helps provide books and reading materials for vulnerable residents.
Find more information about Cambridgeshire Libraries, opening times and the services provided.
The council is continuing to offer several support schemes aimed at helping people who are struggling to pay for essential items and energy bills.
