By Hannah Reid
Libraries across the country are accessible all year round. However Warm Welcomes offers extra opportunities for residents.
Essex County Council partners with its libraries to offer free hot drinks, warm spaces, extra activities and advice during its sessions to all library attendants over the winter.
The initiative was launched on Wednesday 2 November at Chelmsford Library and is set to start on 5 November for all libraries in Essex.
In addition to the library staff helping, volunteers will be available on hand to offer support, run clubs and events for residents.
The programme is part of the Council’s Cost of living Support for Households and Communities plan, with a £50m package of support announced last month.
ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr Louise McKinlay said:” ‘Warm Welcomes’ will bring social benefits and emotional warmth to residents too, which is so important, particularly during these trying times.”