National award for Essex libraries supporting asylum seekers

From left - Head of Libraries Juliet Pirez; Library Service Development team Sarah Moth, Kirstie Kemp and Mary Frake; Councillor Mark Durham; Elizabeth Long and Maria Wilby from RAMA.

Our library service has been honoured with the Library of Sanctuary Award. 

It recognises the resources and services available for those seeking sanctuary in Britain.

This includes sanctuary library cards. These grant free access to books, online services and computers without needing documents.

Welcome leaflets and joining forms are also available in 21 languages.

Our library service joins a growing network of libraries and book lovers. It raises awareness of the issues facing people in the asylum system.