Suffolk Libraries is always looking to reach out to people to help tackle isolation and loneliness.
It’s been wonderful seeing people back in libraries again since July. Libraries are more or less operating as normal now, with a varied programme of events and activities and the full range of services available to everyone in the local community.
Libraries have also been helping to keep everyone safe by acting as pick up points for Lateral Flow home testing kits with thousands having been given out over the last few months.
With the return of library events there’s plenty on offer across the county from the regular Top Time social activities for over 50’s, craft activities, author talks, knitting and much more. You can find out more about what’s available at your local library by visiting suffolklibraries.co.uk/whats-on or visiting your nearest library.
Of course, there are many people who can’t get to a library, but Suffolk Libraries offers several ways to bring the library service to you.
The mobile library service is up and running again with the three mobile vehicles stopping at hundreds of rural locations across Suffolk. The mobiles carry a selection of books and other items. Many people don’t realise you can reserve items from any library in Suffolk to pick up from the mobile when it visits. You can find out where the mobile library stops near your home on the Suffolk Libraries website.
The Home Library Service is also operating again now and is ideal for anyone with a disability or mobility issue who can’t get to a library or visit the mobile library. Volunteers bring books directly to the home and can also stay for a chat, thereby providing much needed social interaction for many isolated people. The service can also be accessed by care homes too. Suffolk Libraries has volunteers across the county so if you or someone you know might benefit, please contact your local library or email hls@suffolklibraries.co.uk
Suffolk Libraries’ Phone a Friend service
is also another way we’re still reaching out to help people who may be lonely or isolated. Originally launched during lockdown, volunteers are now running this befriending service and making regular calls to any older or isolated library customers who would benefit from hearing a friendly voice. It’s been very successful over the past year and around 11,000 telephone calls have been made since the first lockdown.
If you or someone you know could benefit from a regular call you can email phoneafriend@suffolklibraries.co.uk
In December several libraries are running Afternoon Tea events and screening Britten Pears Arts’ excellent Tea Dance film. If you’d like to pop along for some tea, cake, conversation and maybe a dance, check out suffolklibraries.co.uk/tea-dance to see if there’s one near you.
Suffolk Libraries is the independent charity which runs the county’s library service. If you’re interested in joining the library service or in finding out more about any of these services you can also contact the Suffolk Libraries customer service team at help@suffolklibraries.co.uk call 01473 351249 or visit suffolklibraries.co.uk