The City of Sanctuary network described Newham’s approach as “phenomenal”

Newham Library Service has won an award for being a welcoming place of safety and offering sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.

The award was given by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally co-ordinated network of organisations that welcome refugees and people seeking asylum.

City of Sanctuary described Newham’s commitment to creating spaces to welcome people seeking sanctuary as “phenomenal.”

Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience, said: “Newham has a proud history and continuing commitment to supporting people fleeing conflict and persecution in their home countries. And we were recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary last year.”

The Library Service offers support for refugees through training in trauma for staff; special library cards for homeless people; helping sanctuary seekers get access to support services; and by providing books in the other languages including Tamil, Urdu, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Gujarati, Bengali, Hindi, and Punjabi.

At Stratford Library there are weekly Welcome Newham sessions providing support on a range of critical questions including health, welfare and benefit queries, school admissions, homelessness support, tips on accommodation issues and job seeking assistance.

In addition, Newham Libraries provide winter Warm Haven support which will continue this year when all libraries have extended hours, additional activities and events, and offer free tea and coffee.

Custom House Library is particularly busy in the colder months as it serves the most deprived area of Newham. To recognise the library’s work with refugees, Aaron Becker, winner of the Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award for Illustration, chose Custom House Library to receive a £500 donation from award winnings for his book, The Tree and the River.

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