Libraries open for the vulnerable this winter

Over 50 sites helping again

This winter, libraries across Devon and Torbay are offering a range of essential services and activities to help community members stay warm, connected, and supported.

Free Services and Resources

• Warm Clothes: Donate or take clean, warm clothing from coat rails in participating libraries.
• Food: Access community fridges stocked with free food and hygiene banks with essential items.
• Community Events: Join a variety of groups and events, from knitting clubs to gentle exercise classes.

Libraries Unlimited, is a charity that operates 54 libraries in the county, is launching its third annual Cold Days, Warm Libraries campaign.

The initiative aims to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone, especially during the colder months.

Beth Harris, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Libraries Unlimited, said: "Our libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They are warm, friendly spaces where people can come together, socialize, and access essential services. We offer free hot drinks, comfortable seating, and a variety of activities for all ages."

Participating Libraries and Offerings:

Axminster: Warm drinks
Barnstaple: Warm drinks, food, coats
Bideford: Warm drinks, food, coats
Bovey Tracy: Warm drinks
Brixham: Monthly breakfast clubs
Churston: Coats, warm drinks, food, school uniforms
Clyst Vale: Coats
Colyton: Warm drinks
Combe Martin: Warm drinks, biscuits
Crediton: Warm drinks, community fridge
Dawlish: Warm drinks, biscuits
Exeter: Coats
Exmouth: Warm drinks, coats
Holsworthy: Warm drinks
Honiton: Warm drinks, community fridge
Ilfracombe: Warm drinks, biscuits, hygiene items, coats, Saturday breakfast club
Ivybridge: Coats, various weekly clubs
Kingsbridge: Coats, warm drinks
Kingsteignton: Warm drinks, biscuits
Lynton: Warm drinks, biscuits, coats
Newton Abbot & Chudleigh: Coats, warm drinks, hygiene items, food, school uniforms, exercise classes
Northam: Warm drinks
Okehampton: Warm drinks
Ottery St Mary: Warm drinks, snacks
Paignton: Coats
Princetown: Warm drinks
Salcombe: Warm drinks
Seaton: Coats, warm drinks, community fridge
South Molton: Warm drinks, hygiene items
St Thomas: Warm drinks
Tavistock: Warm drinks, coats, hygiene items, community fridge
Teignmouth: Warm drinks, food, coats
Tiverton: Coats, warm drinks, community fridge, cakes
Torquay: Coats, warm drinks, food, school uniforms
Torrington: Warm drinks, cakes
Totnes: Coats, warm drinks

All 54 libraries are open as warm and welcoming spaces. However, 37 libraries are offering additional services and activities.