Glasgow Women's Library earns UK sanctuary award
The announcement is being made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which celebrates the diversity and cultural richness in Scotland's communities by providing people from refugee backgrounds with a platform to showcase their creativity.
As well as inclusive programming, language support and creative workshops, Glasgow Women's Library has also supported people through a literacy project which includes the Conversation Café to provide support for women who are new to speaking English.
The title was awarded by the City of Sanctuary UK and is the first in Scotland to be recognised despite there being 30 others across the UK.
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Wendy Kirk, GWL Librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. This is needed now more than ever.
'Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced. We hope that our commitment to being a welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary will be even more visible now that we have received our award. I look forward to more libraries in Scotland joining this vital network of solidarity, inclusivity and compassion.'
Zahra Adams, GWL volunteer with lived experience of seeking sanctuary said: "When I first joined Glasgow Women's Library in 2022, I didn't feel confident because all the people were new to me. But realised everyone was so kind and welcoming, I quickly felt at ease.
'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Volunteering in the garden and craft sessions gave me confidence, teamwork skills, and a voice as well as communication skills. GWL is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow."
Adele Patrick, GWL Co-Director, said: 'Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust.
'At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial. Glasgow Women's Library strives to be a place where people seeking sanctuary — in whatever form — find a place that actively welcomes them over the threshold, that reaches out to them in their neighbourhood or online. Our library offers a non-judgemental, kind space, connections and resources that can bring joy, laughter and friendships; a sanctuary filled with information, learning opportunities and support that help equip people to live their lives, express and be themselves.'
Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: It's an absolute honour to receive the Library of Sanctuary award. We deeply value our role in providing a safe, inclusive space where women from every walk of life truly feel seen, heard, and respected.
'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'
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