Libraries across North Yorkshire have been given a special award for providing a safe space for sanctuary seekers and refugees.

The service has 42 libraries and one mobile vehicle offering facilities across England’s largest county.

Now North Yorkshire’s has been awarded the Libraries of Sanctuary status given by the City of Sanctuary UK charity, which supports communities to make schools, theatres and libraries safe places for people seeking refuge.

The award presentation was held at Ripon Library. Author Katie Daynes led a class visit with pupils from Moorside Primary School about her lift-the-flap book on refugees, it guides children through questions about refugees, delivering an empowering message about how to help.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Yuliya Pavlenko with Aurora

Cllr Simon Myers, libraries lead, said: "We are delighted to receive the award which is testament to the dedicated staff and volunteers going the extra mile for the most vulnerable in our communities.

"Libraries offer a safe and welcoming space and are actively reaching out to sanctuary seekers to raise awareness of our services and resources.

"Our staff have been trained to understand issues faced to signpost for support, and we are encouraging attendance to a range of inclusive activities. We are determined to improve going forward to ensure we are providing the best service we can."

North Yorkshire has been praised for making library services easily accessible with outreach staff visiting temporary accommodation. Library visits have been organised to showcase stock, services and activities with proof of identification, fines, hire charges and reservation fees suspended.

Free IT subscriptions are offered helping sanctuary seekers stay in touch with loved ones and get vital support. Books, e-newspapers and e-magazines have been introduced in first languages, with picture and story books for younger readers. 

Staff and volunteers have done training with the Refugee Council.

The libraries rely on more than 1,000 volunteers with 31 sites managed by local communities and there is a range of chances to volunteer.

Yuliya Pavlenko, volunteered after moving to the UK following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, said: "I love books and being among them inspires and relaxes me. I am meeting new people and love being helpful to the customers.

"Volunteering in the library helps me integrate into society. It is important when you are trying to settle in another country. I really appreciate the openness and friendly attitude of the team."

Ashley Beckett, lead for City of Sanctuary UK, said: "We're pleased to give North Yorkshire a Libraries of Sanctuary award in recognition of their efforts to extend to everyone in their communities a warm and inclusive welcome. They've gone out of their way to make sure people seeking sanctuary are able to access resources and feel welcomed to North Yorkshire. This is a tremendous achievement."