We are safe, neutral, welcoming spaces, accessible to all.

Our staff and volunteers are trained to understand issues faced by sanctuary seekers and provide support.

We provide free, low-cost activities to support specific needs of communities and engage with sanctuary seekers and organisations to ensure our services are relevant.

We work in partnership with others to promote inclusion, extend the sanctuary movement, and highlight the positive contribution of sanctuary seekers.

• An offer that is relevant and responsive to the needs of sanctuary seekers.
• Sanctuary seekers gain a consistent welcome, the support they need and associate libraries with a go to space and a safe, non-judgmental environment.
• Improvement of sanctuary seekers' knowledge of library offers and support available.
• Increase in staff, volunteer and community awareness of asylum and migration issues.
• Positive impact on sanctuary seekers' lives supporting issues such as isolation, loneliness, digital inclusion, learning, health, community integration and involvement.
• Expansion of collaborative working with other services, organisations and sanctuary seekers themselves to deliver Sanctuary agenda within libraries and via outreach.
• Gain local, regional and national recognition for our work with sanctuary seekers.

• A specific 'Libraries of Sanctuary' team trained and committed to making a difference.
• Regular evaluation of our offer alongside a program of engagement with sanctuary seekers.
• Maintaining a core of information specifically targeted at sanctuary seekers, which is regularly updated and shared with our workforce and partners.
• Free access to books including community and dual language books are available in our libraries and as part of our e-book collection at Kirklees Overdrive and on the Libby App .
• Free access to Pressreader , allowing people to read international publications that would otherwise not be available in the UK.
• Free access to e-resources such as Go Citizen , which helps people prepare for the Life in the UK test.
• Free public access I.T. for all library members.
• Volunteering opportunities.
• Formal ID no longer needed to become a library member.
• ESOL provision including informal library run conversation groups and signposting to more formal courses via #KirkleesWelcomes.
• Regular events such as 'Meet, Try, Learn' and 'Refugee Week' and special one off events, such as Eid and Christmas parties.

• Libby App - a digital library service that allows you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from a vast collection without any cost and has titles available in 27 languages.
• Pressreader - access newspapers and magazines from around the world, and stay informed with news and stories in 60 languages for free.
• Go Citizen - an online resource to help you study for the Life in the UK test, which is a requirement for British citizenship.
• Driving Theory Test - practice tests and study materials to help you prepare for the UK's driving theory exam.
• Digital Hub device loan scheme - borrow a Chromebook to help with digital access needs.
• Digital Hub free data scheme - free internet data to those in need, ensuring you have access to online services and resources.
• Paddock Community Trust - apply for a refurbished electronic device to help with your digital needs.

List of books available in our Sanctuary Book Collection:

• Browse our online Sanctuary Book Collection of eBooks and audiobooks which are specifically selected to support sanctuary seekers.
• View our Sanctuary Book Collection list of books and resources available in our libraries, which are tailored for sanctuary seekers: Sanctuary Book Collection

The Kirklees website is available in 50 languages. To change the language from English to another language, simply click the "Select Language" button on the menu bar at the very top of the page.

Libby

• The Libby app and website are available in 15 languages. To change the language on Libby, follow the instructions in the video below:




• To search for titles in one of 27 languages on Libby, follow the instructions in the video below:

Pressreader

• Pressreader is available in 23 languages. When using the Pressreader app, the language will be automatically set to the language your device uses. To change the language on the Pressreader website, follow the instructions in the video below:




• Pressreader can automatically translate selected articles and publications into many different languages. To use the auto-translate tool on the Pressreader app, follow the instructions in the video below:




• To use the auto-translate tool on the Pressreader website, follow the instructions in the video below:




• Pressreader has a selection of newspapers and magazines from over 120 countries in over 60 languages. To search for an international publication on the Pressreader app, follow the instructions in the video below:




• To search for an international publication on the Pressreader website, follow the instructions in the video below:




• Kirklees Libraries YouTube playlist of Libby and Pressreader support videos

Council services and partners

• Migration Team - the Migration Team provides support and services to individuals and families who have migrated to the area, helping them settle and integrate into the community.
• Kirklees Welcomes and the Kirklees Welcomes Blog - offers information, updates, and resources about welcoming and supporting sanctuary seekers in Kirklees.
• Refugee housing support - Assists refugees in finding and maintaining suitable housing.
• Community Languages Service - provides language support services, including translation and interpretation, to help sanctuary seekers overcome language barriers.
• Kirklees City of Sanctuary - part of a national movement aimed at creating a culture of hospitality and welcome for those seeking sanctuary.

External charities and services for sanctuary seekers

• IASK - IASK (Immigration Advice Service Kirklees) offers free legal advice and support on immigration matters, helping sanctuary seekers navigate complex legal processes.
• Solace - a charity offering therapeutic support and counselling services for refugees and asylum seekers who have experienced trauma.
• English classes for speakers of other languages (Kirklees College) - these classes, offered by Kirklees College, helps individuals improve their English language skills, which is essential for integration and accessing services.