The City of Sanctuary UK has named a number of museums and libraries as places of sanctuary for their work welcoming and supporting migrant communities.
In Scotland, Glasgow Women’s Library was recognised as the country’s first a Library of Sanctuary for its inclusive activities such as creative workshops, language support, inclusive programming, and community storytelling.
The library also runs a Conversation Cafe providing support for women learning to speak English as a second language, and runs events like the Urdu Poetry Story Cafe and She Settles in the Shields, a project that showcases the rich cultural contributions of Glasgow’s migrant communities.
Women seeking sanctuary are offered volunteering opportunities, allowing them to develop skills, gain confidence and build community.
What role can museums play in fostering long-lasting and positive change with our communities?
Join Glasgow Women’s Library and other speakers at the Museums Association Conference 2025: Perthyn – Belonging
Barnsley Libraries and Barnsley Museums have also been recognised as places of sanctuary and presented with the Libraries of Sanctuary and Museum of Sanctuary awards.
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“I’m incredibly proud that both our libraries and museums have been recognised as places of sanctuary,” said councillor Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities at Barnsley Council.
"These awards highlight the work our teams do every day to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can feel at home, access support, and be part of our community.”
Three local authorities in England have also been awarded City of Sanctuary status this year for the first time: Brent Council, Cumberland Council, and Worcester City Council.
The key criteria for the awards are:
- Learn | Find out what it means to be seeking sanctuary and be actively involved in awareness raising.
- Embed | Take positive action to make welcome and inclusion part of the values of your organisation or community, to support sanctuary seekers and refugees, and to include them in your activities.
- Share your vision and achievements | Let others know about the positive contribution refugees make to our society and the benefits of a welcoming culture to everyone.
