In November 2024, we awarded Bradford Libraries the Library Service of Sanctuary Award. Bradford Libraries inculdes 29 libraries across the district who have all committed to building a culture of welcome. Staff have been trained and practical steps taken to ensure people seeking sanctuary can fully access Library services. The Libraries work with us to promote awareness of the positive contribution sanctuary seekers, and all new arrivals make across our the Bradford District. You can read more about the service and the commitments they have made on their dedicated webpage.

Our chair, Will Sutcliffe said: “We have been hugely impressed at the commitment of the Library Service. Nigel Pick and his colleagues have been a joy to work with and have ensured that this Award will enable sanctuary seekers (as well as other migrant communities) to access a broad range of their services, many of which are online with translation options. Staff at all levels will have also received relevant training. The service has set a standard for others to emanate”