REFUGEES have been welcomed into libraries in Warwickshire via an arts project.
Two groups of refugees who are temporarily living in Warwickshire hotels have taken part in Warwickshire Libraries Alive – a participation, literature and arts project helping members of the community engage with their local libraries.
Both groups took part in visual arts workshops with professional artists, with the artwork created currently being displayed in Rugby Library and Kenilworth Library until Friday (August 5).
The project helped the refugees visit their local libraries by providing transport, putting on special events, and signing them up for free as library members.
Coun Andy Jenns, Warwickshire County Council’s Customer and Transformation spokesman, said: “The Warwickshire Libraries Alive project aimed to engage with those who may not typically access the library services because of barriers they face in their everyday lives.
“Warwickshire Libraries are friendly and welcoming spaces, and our staff are happy to help anyone who is new or is considering exploring their local library. They will continue to work supportively with residents who need to overcome any boundaries, reinforcing that our libraries are vibrant, safe and inclusive community spaces for all.”
Warwickshire Libraries Alive, which was funded by Arts Council England, aimed to engage people with literature and their local libraries through a series of workshops with professional literature consultants and artists. Art forms included visual arts, music, performing, poetry, podcasting and illustration. Each group that took part shared their work with the public at an event at their local library.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/jointhelibrary to join a local library. Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries for more on Warwickshire Libraries.
