Bolton Libraries have opened their doors as Warm Spaces this winter to help those struggling with the cost of living, particularly coping with the rising price of fuel to heat their homes.
With all 10 Bolton Libraries open as Warm Spaces, people can drop in to get warm and join in lots of free activities such as reading, group events or using free Wi-Fi and computer access.
Visitors can also get a free hot drink to warm themselves up and chat to staff to get advice on how to get help with food, fuel and finances.
The library Warm Spaces are open during normal library opening times including Saturdays, with the new Crompton Place Library also open to the public on Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
Among those making use of the warm spaces across the borough are the Farnworth Knit and Natter group who meet regularly at Farnworth Library.
The group are skilled at making woollies to keep themselves warm, but they also enjoy the warm welcome at their local library, using the space to meet friends for a natter over a cup of tea or coffee.
The Knit and Natter regulars are always looking to expand their numbers and new members do not even have to knit to get involved.
Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said: “The weather has been relatively kind so far this winter and many people have managed to stave off the cold and keep warm in their own homes, despite the rising cost of living.
“With colder months ahead, those on tight budgets may soon have to make difficult choices and the Warm Spaces may offer valuable support to some people.
“The libraries are a great place to get help and advice when times are tough, so don’t shiver in silence and come along, grab a hot drink and talk to someone about what help is on hand with heating, food and finances.”
The libraries are listed on the national Warm Spaces website at www.warmwelcome.uk/
The Warm Spaces are open to all, but visitors are asked to be respectful of others. Young and vulnerable visitors must be accompanied by their parents, guardians or carers at all times.
Bolton Council’s also delivers a range of help and advice, supported by partner organisations across the borough, including:
- Half-term supermarket vouchers to the value of £15 for each child in households of families eligible for Free School Meals
- Emergency support with food parcels, gas and electric payments, travel costs and accessing household essentials such as cookers, fridge freezers and washing machines
- An extra £200k for Bolton’s Fund, which enables more local organisations to provide cost of living essentials in the local community
- £100k emergency funding to help those in genuine need with housing costs
For more general help visit www.bolton.gov.uk/costofliving.
Or contact moneyskills@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 331968.