On 4 February the City of Sanctuary organisation recognised the work Lambeth Libraries do in supporting refugees, asylum and sanctuary seekers and we were awarded Library of Sanctuary status.

To celebrate the public libraries who go above and beyond to welcome people seeking sanctuary, we have the Libraries of Sanctuary Award.

The key criteria for the awards are:

• Learn: find out what it means to be seeking sanctuary; and be actively involved in awareness raising.
• Embed: take positive action to make welcome and inclusion part of the values of your organisation or community, to support sanctuary seekers and refugees, and to include them in your activities.
• Share your vision and achievements: let others know about the positive contribution refugees make to our society and the benefits of a welcoming culture to everyone.

"This has been something we have been working towards for nearly two years so we had a library service that could support this new part of our community and welcome them to Lambeth." - Susanna Barnes - Head of Lambeth Libraries