Suffolk Libraries, the charity that runs the library service in Suffolk, is this week launching a new campaign to help people during the winter months. The launch coincides with World Kindness Day on Sunday 13 November.
The Be Kind in Kind campaign will use Suffolk Libraries’ county-wide network of 45 libraries to offer comprehensive help and support to those struggling in these tough times. The campaign will be a call to action for staff, volunteers and corporate partners to make a difference in their community.
The county’s libraries are already acting as warm spaces. Many libraries will also be offering free hot drinks and kindness racks so people can pick up donated clothes. Most libraries already offer free menstrual products, and several sites work with the Hygiene Bank to provide free hygiene products.
Suffolk Libraries is also reminding everyone of the many ways its services can help people save money or find the support they need.
Corporate partners have stepped up with Suffolk based coffee company Paddy and Scott’s kindly donating coffee and Birchall are also providing tea to help Suffolk Libraries provide free hot drinks. The East of England Co-op have also generously donated vouchers to enable libraries to buy milk and other supplies.
Be Kind in Kind is also encouraging people to be generous 'in kind', whether that's by donating money, their time or second-hand clothing to their communities.
In these challenging times Suffolk Libraries is appealing for donations to enable the organisation to do even more for people. You can donate to support the work Suffolk Libraries does in communities by donating to us.
Libraries that are running kindness racks are also asking for donations of quality, clean second-hand clothes. Before donating clothes, please check with your local library or visit our Be Kind in Kind page.
Suffolk Libraries has also had an amazing response to an appeal to its volunteers with many offering their time. Anyone interested in volunteering for Suffolk Libraries can find out more on our website.
Many libraries are already delivering special local services to help their communities. Gainsborough Community Library has recently doubled the number of low-cost fruit and veg bags sold at its weekly pop-up shop.
The library’s Friends Group ‘Voices 4 Gainsborough Community Library’ has also recently been successful in obtaining £3,300 from Ipswich Borough Council’s South East Area Committee to refurbish and purchase new equipment for its community café to help with the increased demand over the winter.
Chantry Library has helped hundreds of people at a series of food bank events and Capel Library is also now holding Warm Wednesday events.
Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said:
“Suffolk Libraries is a charity which is constantly working to support communities. We stepped up during the pandemic and we’re determined to help as many people as we can during these tough times. Our libraries are already offering so much which can help ease the pressure on people’s finances. We want to launch Be Kind in Kind with a big bang and get the message out to as many people as possible about the many ways we’re here to help.
“Our unique charitable model also means that each local library is empowered to provide services that meet the needs of their community. This approach enables us to work with local people to directly address the challenges they face in their local area.”
Much of what Suffolk Libraries already offers is either free or very low cost so a visit to the library can make a big difference to people’s pockets as well as providing a huge range of services and activities which are enjoyable, sociable, engaging and informative for people of all ages.
These include:
