Photo credit: Matthew Feeney

Libraries and thecost of living crisis

Briefing note
June 2022

Introduction
Libraries Connected represents, supports andpromotes public libraries. Through constant dialogue
with our members - all public library services inEngland, Wales and Northern Ireland - we canidentify emerging challenges before they become
apparent to government and local decision-makers.
The cost of living crisis is one such challenge.
Libraries told us they were experiencing increased
demand for information on personal finance andbudgeting, for help reducing household bills and forpractical support accessing food and clothing. They
said that vulnerable people were increasingly using
libraries to keep warm, to avoid paying for energy.
To quantify the impact of the crisis and get a clearer
national picture, we surveyed heads of libraryservices. The results of that snapshot survey arepresented in this briefing note. Over 30 heads ofservice responded, representing almost a fifth of all
our member library services.
The survey revealed that more than two-fifths ofpublic libraries have already experienced increased
demand for services related to the cost of living
crisis. And the vast majority predict the problem toget worse - with over 80% expecting the number ofpeople using libraries to keep warm to increase. The
survey also shows the breadth of support provided
by libraries: food and clothes banks, cooking on
a budget classes, help with household bills coffee
mornings and holiday activities for children are justsome of the ways they are responding to the new
economic reality.
The results show that public libraries are alreadyplaying a crucial frontline role in helping people
navigate the cost of living crisis. As the crisis
deepens, this role will only become more importantand entrenched. Library services are ready andwilling to respond but they must be adequately
funded and supported to fulfil this vital communityrole.

Isobel Hunter MBE
Chief Executive
Libraries Connected81%

of library services expect to see anincrease in people using libraries
to keep warm this coming winter44%

of library services have alreadyexperienced increased demand forservices to help people throughthe cost of living crisis

38%

of library services have alreadyintroduced new services
specifically to help people throughthe cost of living crisis

What libraries leaders
are saying““““

We are seeing increasing numbers ofpeople in need through our doors.
We are being approached by partners
to help them reach families and thevulnerable with specific support aroundwarmer homes initiatives, mental healthsupport and scam awareness as there arereports people are being offered bogus
help with their financial situation.
We have more people who are “justsitting” in the library - also increasednumbers of homeless people using
services.
Lots more use of the internet looking formoney saving tips, whether they shouldchange suppliers and where to access
additional financial support.

“““

We are already seeing an increase inpeople spending long periods of timein libraries, some of whom tell us they
are avoiding using energy at home

Libraries have always been a safe haven.
We are seeing increased homelessness
and more people living at the margins.
Library staff have supported customers
to use the public computers to accessswitching sites for utilities, online deals
for energy efficient white goods andsignposted to council services for help
with housing and benefit enquiries.
There has also been an increase inpeople seeking information about debtadvice.

What libraries are doing
Our survey showed that libraries are delivering a very broad range of services to help people
navigate the cost of living crisis. Some of these are part of the library service’s core offer - others
have been specially developed in recent months to address those struggling with rising prices
and falling wages. These services fall into five broad areas:

Information and advice
A traditional way that libraries help people withthe cost of living crisis is through books andresources on budgeting, personal finance anddebt, along with fiction titles exploring thesethemes. Over a quarter (28%) had developed
their stock on these topics in recent months.
The vast majority (88%) also signpost users
to advice and advocacy organisations such as
Citizens Advice or Age UK. Many libraries also
host advice sessions run by charities or local
councill service points.
Digital support
Every library in Britain offers free use ofcomputers and free wifi, with most also offering
one-to-one support with using PCs. Our
survey suggets that libraries are increasingly
being asked for help using the internet toswitch utility suppliers, find the best deals
on household goods and apply for the £150
council tax rebate to help with rising energy
costs. Library PCs are also being used to claim
and manage Universal Credit, which can only
be done online.
Skilling up
Libraries have reacted quickly to programme a
range of learning events to equip people withessential skills that could lessen the impact ofthe crisis. Examples include informal drop-insessions on reducing household bills, budget
cooking workshops and intensive support forrough sleepers looking for employment. The
vast majority of these sessions are free andopen to all.

Food, clothing and hygiene banks
Over half of library services surveyed host food,clothing or hygiene banks - or act as donationand distribution points for them. Libraries are anatural choice for this role as they are locatedin the heart of communities, are convenient toaccess, have high local recognition and, as they
are used by a very wide range of people formany different purposes, may be perceived asless stigmatising than other venues. Examples
of clothing banks hosted by libraries include
school uniform swaps, winter coat rails andsmart outfits to borrow for job interviews.
Clubs and cultural activities
Every library service in the country runs clubs
and cultural activities. It could be scrabble clubor “knit and natter” sessions aimed at older
people, rhyme time for young children andtheir carers or a reading group for all ages.
Libraries told us they have noticed an increasein people attending these events and thenstaying in the library for the rest of the day.
Importantly, most libraries (59%) provide freedrinks and sometimes food at these events.
Many libraries also host Holiday Activity andFood (HAF) events, which support to children
in receipt of free school meals through holiday
periods.

Why libraries?
47%
provide help using
price comparison
websites88%
signpost users toadvice and advocacy
organisations

56%
host food, clothingor hygiene banks/
donation points19%

offer personal
budgeting classes andworkshops

66%

offer help applying
for and managing
Universal Credit

A trusted service
Librarians are among Britain’s most trusted
professions1 and for many people libraries are
the natural place to go to find high quality,
independent advice and information. They knowthat books and information resources at theirlocal library have been carefully selected byprofessionals.
A warm welcome
Libraries work hard to create welcoming
and accessible spaces, with friendly staff. For
this reason, people in need often feel more
comfortable approaching a library than a councilbuilding. Users also know they can stay all day
if they need to, use the toilet and charge theirphone with no one asking intrusive or difficult
questions.
An unrivalled reach
There are almost 4,000 public libraries acrossthe UK 2. In fact, there are more libraries thanbranches of McDonalds3. Located in our town
centres, high streets and villages, they are aconstant presence in our lives, frequented bypeople of all ages and walks of life. As such they
are ideally placed to reach those most affectedby the cost of living crisis.
1
www.ipsos.com/en-uk/ipsos-mori-veracity-index-trust-policedrops-second-year-row
2
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/taking-part-201920-libraries/
libraries-taking-part-survey-201920
3
www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/help/faq/18510-how-many-mcdonalds-restaurants-are-there-in-the-uk-and-the-world.html

Case studies
BarnetBarnet’s library service, in North London, hasseen a much higher proportion of vulnerable
adults - particularly those who are homeless orat risk of homelessness - visiting their libraries
since the cost of living crisis began. “The needs
that we are trying to meet seem to be moreacute and it appears as if people have lesssupport than before the pandemic,” explains
Hannah Richens, Barnet’s Head of Libraries.
In response, the service has teamed up witha local skills and employment organisation
to provide regular weekly sessions focusedon youth employment and supporting roughsleepers into work. The service is also about
to embark on a coat donation scheme fromFinchley Church End Library in partnership witha local Jewish charity.

Norfolk“We are seeing more ways to work with others
to meet the needs of local people,” says SarahHassan, Assistant Head of Service at NorfolkLibraries. Over the winter Norfolk County
Council saw libraries as a natural pick-up point
for free warm clothing, toiletries and period
products. The service has gradually been
increasing its stock of books and information
resources on topics such as personal budgetingand debt management. It has also expanded
its business information for people needing
different income streams because of theeconomic situation. The service is now planning
Feed and Read sessions at schools andcommunity centres over the summer, which
offer children a free healthy lunch while giving
them access to books

Hampshire
In Hampshire, work started to facilitate theHousehold Support Grant in winter 2021, which
included signposting customers to utility/foodvouchers and, in areas of most need, givingout “warm boxes” and food packs. A numberof libraries provide space for a community
pantries or fridges which support cost of living
challenges and help reduce food waste. Library
teams have also developed engaging eventsusing the Holiday Activity Fund to help families
during school holidays – this includes snacks ormeals, a creative activity and an introduction
to libraries. Hampshire Library Service isdeveloping further plans to offer practicalsupport for its communities, including fuelpoverty initiatives.

Cheshire East
Libraries in Cheshire East have seen an
increase in people asking about emergency
assistance, food banks and help with heatingcosts. Over the winter library workers noticed
more older people taking advantage of WinterWellbeing resources, including duvets, throws,
handwarmers and thermal socks. Some people
attending regular activities have asked if they
can stay for the entire day to save putting
their heating on. In response, the service hasorganised Help With Household Bills coffee
mornings in 14 of its libraries. These drop-in
sessions offer practical advice on reducing
costs and highlight how libraries, other council
departments and charities can help. The service
also hosts food and clothing banks, and has
increased the number of free activities on offer.

Survey data
Do you expect to see an increase inpeople using your libraries to keep
warm this coming winter?

No
3%

Has your library service experienced
increased demand for services supporting
people through the cost of living crisis?
Don’t
know
12%

Don’t
know
16%

Yes
44%
Yes
81%

No
44%

Yes

No

Don’t
know

1

Has your library service experienced increased demand for services supporting
people through the cost of living crisis?

1414

42

Has your library service increased its provision of books or information resources on
topics related to the cost of living crisis (eg personal budgeting, debt management)?

921

23

Do you expect to see an increase in people using your libraries to keep warm thiscoming winter?

26

154Has your library service experienced increased demand from small businesses formeeting space, wi-fi, printing or other essential business amenities?

16

115

5Does your library service provide free food and drink at events?

19

12

1

6Is your library service considering increasing its provision of free food and drink in
response to the cost of living crisis?

821

37

Has your library service introduced any other new services specifically to help people
with the cost of living crisis?

12200Question 8
Does your library service offer anyof the following?

Total responses: 32

Signposting to advice and advocacy organisations

28

Help with applying for and managing Universal Credit

21

Help with using price comparison websites

15

Food or hygiene banks/donation points

14

Clothes banks/donation points

7

Personal budgeting classes or workshops

5About Libraries Connected
Libraries Connected is a membershiporganisation representing heads of libraryservices in England, Wales and NorthernIreland. We take a leading role in thedevelopment of public libraries throughadvocating for the power of libraries, sharing
best practice and helping to shape the publiclibrary service now and in the future.

Media enquiries
James Gray
Advocacy & Marketing Manager
james.gray@librariesconnected.org.uk
07849085762

Libraries Connected
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info@librariesconnected.org.uk
www.librariesconnected.org.uk
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