How our libraries support people seeking sanctuary

Brighton & Hove Libraries play an important role in welcoming people into our communities. This includes refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, people seeking sanctuary, and other new arrivals.

Libraries of Sanctuary

In 2019 Jubilee Library became the second library in the country to be awarded Library of Sanctuary status.

In May 2024 Brighton & Hove Library Service achieved the Library Service of Sanctuary Award which means every library in our city is recognised as a safe and welcoming environment for anyone seeking sanctuary, fleeing violence or persecution.

To gain the award, library staff across the city received bespoke refugee, asylum seeker and migrant awareness training.

All libraries in the city have books in community languages, relevant sign posting and information for people seeking sanctuary.

The Network of International Women have been commissioned to create welcome banners for the 13 libraries in our city, having created a wonderful welcome banner for Jubilee Library in 2020.

Our library team works closely with other council departments and organisations across the city and nationally who support people seeking sanctuary.

Our libraries regularly host cultural events and activities, delivered and planned by people with lived experience, to bring people together and create better understanding between the settled communities in Brighton & Hove and those who have arrived more recently.

Read more about Libraries of Sanctuary. 

Joining our libraries

Libraries are open to you and available to everyone, both on-site and online. Becoming a library member is free and joining is easy. 

You do not have to be a member to visit or use a library but joining allows you to do much more and most things are free. 

You are welcome to join the library without any documents. We will ask for your name, contact details and date of birth.  

You can get an Exempt library card if you are seeking asylum. 

Read more about joining our libraries. 

How we can support you

We offer a range of free resources, services, and facilities to support new arrivals into our communities. 

We can support you to find information, access resources, get online and develop new skills. You can:

  • borrow books for all ages including in other languages, eBooks and audio books 
  • find support to learn English with books, CDs and online language courses 
  • use our computers and the library Wi-Fi 
  • get one to one help with basic IT skills like setting up an e-mail account 
  • prepare for the Life in the UK Test with GoCitizen online 
  • read newspapers and magazines including those from other countries 
  • find space to study for learners of all ages 
  • spend time in calm spaces with comfy chairs 
  • share stories, rhymes and play at family sessions 
  • take part in creative activities and inspiring events   

You can find out more information by:

Brighton & Hove, City of Sanctuary

Brighton & Hove is one of a large network of UK Cities of Sanctuary. The local City of Sanctuary group is called Sanctuary on Sea. 

Sanctuary on Sea have worked with the council to produce a directory of local services for refugees and migrants. This contains details of local organisations that can help refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the area and also local organisations working to help refugees overseas. 

The My Life directory lists services and organisations in Brighton & Hove offering support to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.