Swansea Library Services celebrated all of the libraries in Swansea becoming nationally recognised as Libraries of Sanctuary on 23rd August 2024, with an afternoon of poetry, music and talks!
The award recognises Swansea Libraries’ commitment to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all, including people seeking sanctuary. The libraries’ efforts are considered a vital part of making people feel like they are part of the Swansea community.
The afternoon of celebrations started with a welcome from Jennifer Dorrian, Swansea Central Library and Karen Gibbins, Library Services Manager.
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- Karen Gibbins
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- Jennifer Dorrian
Long term volunteer and Management Committee member of Swansea City of Sanctuary (SCoS), Funmi Olaniyan, then engaged everyone in a spirited activity of singing action rhymes in the Yoruba language, which Funmi had previously led with mother and toddler groups in libraries in Swansea.
José Cifuentes gave a talk on his journey from Chile, following its 9/11 moment, as described in his book Revolutionary Dreams. It was a serious subject but lightened by José’s sense of humour.
Dr Krys Williams, on behalf of SCoS, congratulated Swansea Council Libraries on their achievement. She interwove her own family’s links with sanctuary seeking, and the importance of the local library in her childhood. Her later academic studies made her realise how much libraries have changed over the years and she praised the lively, engaging, varied activities and open welcome of libraries today.
Two moving and relevant poetry readings were given by Dr Martha Ako and Aruni McShane, who both released their own publishings at the end of 2023. These heartfelt presentations brought to an end the first part of the afternoon’s celebration and they were followed by stories and craft in Swansea Central Library.
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- Dr Krys Williams
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- Dr Martha Ako
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- Aruni McShane
The memorable event was supported by Swansea City of Sanctuary, Unity in Diversity and Helen Clancy (Migration, Asylum Seeker and Refugee Coordinator) from Swansea Council, with councillors Elliott King and Sam Bennett in attendance.
We’d like to express a huge congratulations once again to the Swansea Library Service for all their hard work throughout the past year in working towards achieving sanctuary status. The library teams have demonstrated such a commitment to the City of Sanctuary vision, and should all be incredibly proud to be recognised as a place of welcome and inclusion.
If your organisation is interested in working towards a Sanctuary Award, please take a look at the requirements on the City of Sanctuary website, or get in touch for more information!
Photos and write-up courtesy of Carys Davies, Management Committee Member.