LEICESTER libraries are offering people a warm welcome over the winter months, with a range of free activities on offer.
The Warm Welcome programme runs from now until the end of March 2025, giving people the chance to use their local library as a ‘warm hub’ where they can enjoy a hot drink, meet new people, and try something new.
It has all been brought together by a collaboration of council services, including Leicester libraries, Leicester Adult Education and the council’s public health team.
For the first six weeks, there will be an activity at the same time and day at your local library or Warm Welcome location. All sessions are free of charge, and once signed up, people are welcome to attend as many sessions as they would like.
Activities include an introduction to art inspired by nature at St Barnabas Library, where you can get creative and learn a variety of techniques, including pebble art, watercolours and card printing.
At Beaumont Leys, Pork Pie and Highfields libraries, a series of sessions on sustainable crafting will include making cards and gift tags, recycling sari fabric and garlands, and creating seasonal wreaths.
The Brite Centre in Braunstone will run sessions on everyday cooking as well as a series of events exploring local history, while Sew to Save at New Parks library will help people to transform recycled materials into something new using a range of different techniques.
There will also be a programme of events on mindfulness at Leicester Central Library. For the full list of what’s going on where, ask at your local library or see leicester.gov.uk/warmwelcome
Assistant city mayor for culture, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “We know that for some people, winter can be really challenging. On top of dark evenings and social isolation, many people are still struggling with the cost of living and we want to support them to keep warm.
“Libraries and community centres are at the heart of our neighbourhoods. These sessions are a chance to learn something new in a warm and welcoming space, so that no-one need feel cold or alone through the winter months.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads on public health, said: “Our Warm Welcome programme has been really popular in recent years, helping people to get together during the long winter months in a friendly environment.
“As well as offering a chance to socialise, by bringing together specialists from across the council, we can offer expert advice and help to anyone who might be struggling this winter. A Warm Welcome can be the gateway to further support.”
Leicester Libraries also offer a vast range of free resources, including free wifi and use of computers, free weekly Toddler Time sessions for young children, and homework clubs for school-age children. There’s access to a vast range of books, plus online e-books and e-magazines through the new Bookfinder website, where you can also reserve, renew, search for and review books, as well as find out about events coming up in your local library.
To find out more, visit leicester.gov.uk/libraries and https://bookfinder.leicester.gov.uk