WILTSHIRE Council libraries continue to be available for anyone who may need help, support or advice during the cost-of-living crisis.

All the council’s libraries formally became warm spaces November last year, and residents have been welcomed to sit and stay, chat with the staff and volunteers, and connect with other people.

The council has also been distributing warm packs to anyone who might need them.

So far more than 1,000 packs have been provided; each contains a hot water bottle, blanket and thermal mug.

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The packs will continue to be available for anyone who needs one until the end of March, or while stocks last.

Hot drinks and extra activities are also being provided at some libraries, including jigsaws, board games and crafting sessions, as well as book chat groups and coffee and conversation events.

Councillor Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Of course we wish in this day and age that such services weren’t needed, but we’re pleased that people have been using our library warm spaces service and hope it’s provided a little bit of peace of mind at a really challenging time.

“The drop-in energy advice service has proved to be really useful for residents, particularly those who are elderly and more vulnerable, so we’ll be continuing with this with our partners for the foreseeable future.

“We know that the challenges residents are facing won’t just disappear when temperatures get warmer so we’ll ensure we continue to do what we can and be there for people as long as it’s needed.”

Library staff have also been supporting customers asking for energy advice and have made more than 80 referrals to Warm and Safe Wiltshire and the Rural Communities Energy Support Network.

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This advice service will continue with the council’s partners for the next two years. 

Wiltshire Council also provides a home library service for people who are housebound or struggle to get to a library.

For more information go to wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries.or libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk.