Welcome to the Story Garden
Join in with the Summer Reading Challenge at your local Southwark Library. We've got activities for children to enjoy all summer on the theme of nature and the great outdoors.
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Refugees and asylum seekers are welcome in our libraries
How we support new arrivals to the UK as Libraries of Sanctuary. Become a member, or just drop in and take part.
All our libraries offer a warm welcome to new arrivals to the UK and those seeking sanctuary.
We are the first library service in London to receive the Libraries of Sanctuary award in recognition of what we offer.
Join us
It’s easy to join the library and it’s free.
If you're a refugee or asylum seeker, you don’t need to provide ID to join. Visit any branch and our staff will talk you through what you need to do.
We offer:
- English as a second language (ESOL) classes
- a directory of services for those seeking sanctuary
- books in other languages, including Farsi, Arabic, Albanian, Pashtu and Spanish
- opportunities to meet people and join in with activities
See what else you can do at our libraries, and the extra things you can do if you become a member.