Councils should pass on Homes for Ukraine funding to public libraries, says Libraries Connected

Councils should pass on a share of the funding they receive from the government under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to public libraries, supporting their “vital work” welcoming Ukrainian refugees, according to charity Libraries Connected. 

A new briefing note compiled by the charity, based on the results of a snapshot survey of 45 library services, showed more than four fifths (82%) of library services now provide books, e-books and audiobooks in Ukrainian. Likewise, more than four fifths (82%) have enrolled Ukrainian arrivals with their library service, with many waiving the usual ID requirements, while nearly a third (31%) of library services host at least one welcome centre for Ukrainian refugees, providing essential information and practical support.

More than a third (38%) of library services provide English classes to Ukrainian arrivals and more than half (58%) run welcome events for refugees and their hosts. Other support provided includes assistance with visa applications and DBS checks, laptop loans and social events for refugees.

Yet the vast majority (87%) of libraries have received no additional funding to deliver these activities. Libraries Connected say this is despite councils receiving £10,500 for every Ukrainian national arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Isobel Hunter, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: "We’ve known for some time that libraries have been providing essential support to Ukrainian arrivals and their sponsors. This briefing reveals the scale and scope of that support. Public libraries have a long tradition of welcoming those in need, and once again they have demonstrated their unique ability to bring communities together.

"Quite rightly the government is funding councils to help Ukrainian refugees rebuild their lives and become part of the community. It’s only right that libraries have access to their fair share of these funds so that they can continue to provide this support, which may prove critical to the success of the Home for Ukraine scheme."