Listen Live

    Libraries open for the vulnerable this winter

    Image: Libraries Unlimited

    Over 50 sites helping again

    This winter, libraries across Devon and Torbay are offering a range of essential services and activities to help community members stay warm, connected, and supported.

    Free Services and Resources

    • Warm Clothes: Donate or take clean, warm clothing from coat rails in participating libraries.
    • Food: Access community fridges stocked with free food and hygiene banks with essential items.
    • Community Events: Join a variety of groups and events, from knitting clubs to gentle exercise classes.

    Libraries Unlimited, is a charity that operates 54 libraries in the county, is launching its third annual Cold Days, Warm Libraries campaign.

    The initiative aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, especially during the colder months.

    Beth Harris, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Libraries Unlimited, said: "Our libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are warm, friendly spaces where people can come together, socialize, and access essential services. We offer free hot drinks, comfortable seating, and a variety of activities for all ages."

    Participating Libraries and Offerings:

    Axminster: Warm drinks
    Barnstaple: Warm drinks, food, coats
    Bideford: Warm drinks, food, coats
    Bovey Tracy: Warm drinks
    Brixham: Monthly breakfast clubs
    Churston: Coats, warm drinks, food, school uniforms
    Clyst Vale: Coats
    Colyton: Warm drinks
    Combe Martin: Warm drinks, biscuits
    Crediton: Warm drinks, community fridge
    Dawlish: Warm drinks, biscuits
    Exeter: Coats
    Exmouth: Warm drinks, coats
    Holsworthy: Warm drinks
    Honiton: Warm drinks, community fridge
    Ilfracombe: Warm drinks, biscuits, hygiene items, coats, Saturday breakfast club
    Ivybridge: Coats, various weekly clubs
    Kingsbridge: Coats, warm drinks
    Kingsteignton: Warm drinks, biscuits
    Lynton: Warm drinks, biscuits, coats
    Newton Abbot & Chudleigh: Coats, warm drinks, hygiene items, food, school uniforms, exercise classes
    Northam: Warm drinks
    Okehampton: Warm drinks
    Ottery St Mary: Warm drinks, snacks
    Paignton: Coats
    Princetown: Warm drinks
    Salcombe: Warm drinks
    Seaton: Coats, warm drinks, community fridge
    South Molton: Warm drinks, hygiene items
    St Thomas: Warm drinks
    Tavistock: Warm drinks, coats, hygiene items, community fridge
    Teignmouth: Warm drinks, food, coats
    Tiverton: Coats, warm drinks, community fridge, cakes
    Torquay: Coats, warm drinks, food, school uniforms
    Torrington: Warm drinks, cakes
    Totnes: Coats, warm drinks

    All 54 libraries are open as warm and welcoming spaces. However, 37 libraries are offering additional services and activities.

    More from Local News

    Listen Live
    On Air Now Ashley Jeary Playing Who's That Girl Madonna