Norwich Millennium Library awarded Library of Sanctuary status

The Library of Sanctuary award recognises and celebrates libraries that go above and beyond to show solidarity and welcome.

The award recognises that the libraries are safe and welcoming spaces for everyone and highlights our commitment to helping those seeking sanctuary have all the help and support they need to settle into the community.

The Millennium Library applied for the award at the end of April after years of hard work, and Norfolk Library Service is aiming to get the award for King's Lynn, Thetford, and Great Yarmouth libraries in the coming year.

The announcement comes at the start of Refugee Week, which runs from 20 June-26 June.

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet member for Communities and Partnerships said: "This status is hugely deserved by the Millennium Library and goes to show how hard our staff work to make all of our libraries inclusive and welcoming places to be.

"Libraries are public spaces and should be open and accessible to all, the awarding of this status reaffirms what we already knew - that anybody and everybody is welcome in Norfolk Libraries."

Jill Terrell, head of the Libraries Service said: "Libraries in Norfolk have always been a place of sanctuary for local people and migrant communities. They are an established safe and welcoming place, and we are honoured to have been awarded Library of Sanctuary status for our flagship library, the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library.

"It is a resounding recognition of the work of our staff and the services we provide for all communities."

The status will be formally recognised at the launch of Refugee Week at the Arts Centre this Sunday (19 June) at 4pm.