Watford libraries preparing to become warm banks this winter

Libraries Connected has said more people are already spending long periods in libraries to avoid using energy at home.

The charity found four in five libraries expect more people using the building to keep warm this winter and over a third have already introduced services specifically to help people cope with the crisis.

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Watford Central Library manager Angela Hadwin said: “There is a HCC-wide initiative about warm spaces that will be made available to people during the winter to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

“We are actively discussing as to how this will work across Hertfordshire, but libraries across the county will be part of this initiative.

Can't believe I'm writing this, but I wonder if this winter well need 'warm banks' the equivalent of 'food banks' where people who can't afford heating are invited to spend their days at no cost with heating (eg libraries, public buildings)?

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) July 11, 2022

“Watford Central Library is currently open seven days a week with lots of spaces available to sit and read or study in the warm.”

Watford Central Library. Picture: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire County Council said: “We have always welcomed people who want to use our libraries as a warm and safe space during the winter months.”

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