Supporting you through the rising cost of living

Our libraries providing you with warm and friendly welcome this winter

Wiltshire Council libraries have officially become warm spaces, providing a warm and friendly welcome to support anyone who needs help through the cost of living crisis.

Of course, Wiltshire libraries are open to the public throughout the year, but now anyone is welcome to drop-in to any library in the county during the usual opening hours to have a sit down, pick up some useful information, take part in activities and enjoy a friendly chat with staff should they need it.

What's available at our library warm spaces?

Working with Warm and Safe Wiltshire and The Rural Communities Energy Support Network, our friendly library staff will be able to assist residents seeking basic energy advice and make referrals to experienced energy advisors in all but our smallest libraries. All libraries will be able to signpost people to community partners and agencies that can support people through the rising cost of living.

Libraries are offering warm packs (including a scarf, thermal hat and gloves, fleece blanket, a hot water bottle with a cover and a Worrying about money: Wiltshire (opens new window) leaflet) for anyone who would benefit from some free essentials. Working with local community partners to reach the most vulnerable, libraries are also offering an enhanced offer of heated throws and radiator reflectors.

All the other usual library facilities will be available too, including free access to books, newspapers, computer facilities, digital support, and tables for anyone who needs to do some quiet work. Libraries are also continuing to provide a Home library service for people who are housebound or who struggle to get to the library. If anyone is interested in this service, they should contact their local library.

Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE): Warm & Safe Wiltshire (opens new window)
 

Who can visit our library warm spaces?

There is no criteria for anyone who might need to use the library as a warm space, and staff will be friendly and welcoming so that people feel as comfortable as possible.
 

Other warm spaces in the county

Please visit our interactive Community Directory to find out where other warm spaces are located in the county. If you would like to amend or delete a warm spaces listing, please contact businessinsight@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

Interactive Community Directory (opens new window)

Other support available

We also have a range of support and advice on our dedicated cost of living webpages. They contain information on council tax and benefits, energy advice, housing information, mental health support, local practical help, and support available for businesses. Our recently launched interactive community directory can also be found there, which contains details of other warm spaces in the county as well as community food providers.

Supporting you through the rising cost of living

Free sims and mobile data from Wiltshire libraries

Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme (opens new window) is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.

The free SIMs and mobile data are available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries.

To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:

• you have no or poor access to the internet at home
• you have no or poor access to the internet away from home
• you can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up

If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment or complete the National Databank application form.

Want to volunteer and support our library service?

We are always looking for volunteers to support library services, so if you have time to spare and want to join a friendly team this winter please email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or visit Libraries.