Iryna is a refugee from Ukraine who had to leave Ukraine and now lives in West Suffolk. She now visits her local library in Ixworth regularly and was keen to share how this has helped her feel less isolated.
“I'm from Ukraine. I needed to leave my city because it is occupied by Russia. I was very lucky and arrived in Ixworth in December 2023. I felt very anxious but I met amazingly kind, friendly and sympathetic people.
“I am very grateful to my hosts as they advised me to visit a local library where I became a welcome guest. Wonderful Courtney introduced me to some local ladies and provided me with valuable advice as to what to read. I started reading books on English tradition, culture and local places of interest in the UK.
“I also started reading books for children that has helped me a lot in learning English. Courtney suggested attending the Wednesday Crafternoon they run at Ixworth Library where I met my friend Angela. Angela also introduced me to the local ladies choir and I find the ladies there very helpful and they encourage me.
“When I came here, I felt a bit depressed and crestfallen and I desperately needed someone to talk to. My new friends helped me to settle in and I feel a part of the community. My mental health has been improving gradually thanks to these wonderful ladies and their urge to help me.
“I can't plan further forward due to the current situation in my country, but I know for sure that I'm planning to work on my English, socialise with my new friends and acquaintances. My advice to all Ukrainian people is to turn to libraries for help as there are wonderful people working there who are always ready to help.”
Courtney Thorpe is a Library and Information Advisor who works at Ixworth Library. She has been helping Iryna and encouraging her to join in with other library activities:
“Iryna's English was very limited when she first came into the library but she has come on leaps and bounds in the last few months and her English is improving so much. She attends our Wednesday Crafternoons most weeks. She also gets the bus into Bury St Edmunds to attend sessions at Bury Library and is really enjoying these as there are more Ukrainians there she can socialise with.
"Iryna met Angela who is a member of our friends group (FOIL) and she introduced her to the Ixworth ladies choir, which she attends weekly. Iryna has performed in two concerts so far - a D-Day concert in Bardwell and a summer concert in Lavenham. The group is currently working on their Christmas concert.”
All our libraries are safe, welcoming spaces, open to everyone. Suffolk's libraries are also warm spaces during the colder months, so anyone can come along and enjoy a free hot drink with no questions asked.
Our libraries offer free and low-cost events for all ages, including social groups and activities for older people. Suffolk Libraries also has a free telephone support service called Explore Together for anyone feeling lonely or isolated to help them discover things to do in their local area.
