Suffolk Libraries provides free warm spaces for third year with help from the East of England Co-op

Libraries across Suffolk will once again serve as warm spaces this winter providing free hot drinks and kindness racks.

Suffolk Libraries said its warm spaces are there for anyone affected by cost-of-living increases or those struggling to heat their homes.

The charity was one of the first library services to announce it would be offering warm spaces in September 2022, and last winter gave out 19,397 hot drinks.

Bruce Leeke, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “We want to remind people that if you’re struggling with money or your wellbeing, you’re welcome in the library.

“You don't need to take part in a library activity or borrow a book - it's fine to simply come into our libraries to escape the cold, find a friendly face and enjoy the company of others.

“Almost everything on offer is free and whilst you’re in the library you might also find out about a service, activity or another organisation who can help.

“Our warm welcome has made a real difference to hundreds of people over the past two winters and we’re pleased to be able to extend this welcome for the coming winter.”

With the weather already starting to turn colder, the charity is appealing for donations to offer support over the winter period, this can be done online or by through collection boxes which will be in each library.

This year’s campaign has already been boosted by a £5,000 grant from the East of England Co-op, which has covered the cost of tea, coffee, sugar, milk, breakfast bars and period products - which Suffolk Libraries offers for free.

Angela Carpenter, community support manager at the East of England Co-op, said: “It is a privilege to be able to share some of the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund with Suffolk Libraries to support their important project to offer warm spaces and hot drinks.

“We would like to thank Suffolk Libraries for their commitment to supporting communities across Suffolk through their great work and the variety of services available at their libraries.”

Suffolk Libraries will also be working with BBC Radio Suffolk and other local organisations to run a Christmas toy appeal.

Last year libraries collected and donated more than 2,500 brand new toys to local families in need.

This appeal will be launched in the coming weeks.