Places of Welcome at Nottinghamshire Libraries – Where Community Comes Together
Hosted by Inspire, Nottinghamshire Libraries’ Places of Welcome provide community and support for all
In November 2023, Nottinghamshire’s Inspire Libraries hosted Places of Welcome in 11 locations. Now, one year later, that number has doubled to 22, thanks to the positive impact these gatherings have had on people and communities across the area.
Each library’s Place of Welcome has its own personality, yet they all share a simple recipe: a warm drink, a friendly chat, and a space where everyone belongs. In Worksop, people enjoy a pub quiz vibe; in Hucknall, they love a good card game. The Arnold group digs into board games, Southwell tries out seasonal crafts, Eastwood is the spot for friendly debates on current events, and the Carlton group swaps health tips and nutrition advice. Whatever the activity, the spirit of welcome is the same.
The true heart of Places of Welcome is the volunteers who bring these gatherings to life. Their warmth, commitment, and kindness create a special space for anyone who walks in. Some groups took time to find their footing, but the volunteers’ dedication has paid off. Many attendees say these sessions are now a high point in their week, and for some, it’s what gets them out of bed in the morning. One participant shared, “Since Covid, I have struggled with getting out and being sociable, but Places of Welcome has given me something to get up for in the morning.”
Libraries are the perfect spot for Places of Welcome—open to all, comfortable, and accessible. Here, people come to connect, share stories, and make friends. Volunteers get to know attendees, celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and special moments that make everyone feel like they’re part of a community.
Places of Welcome have changed lives. People often talk about how they feel more confident, connected, and supported. Kathleen, a volunteer at Sutton’s Place of Welcome, found a new purpose after adjusting to life with a disability, saying it gave her “a new lease of life” and the confidence to go out and meet others. Another attendee quoted Maya Angelou: “People will never forget how you made them feel. Coming here today has made me feel very special.”
With the success of Places of Welcome, Inspire Libraries are looking to grow this program even further. These sessions provide more than just a chance to meet up—they create connections that make a real difference in people’s lives. And with hundreds of new volunteers joining, Places of Welcome are spreading a sense of community and kindness across Nottinghamshire, creating a space where everyone can belong, during Interfaith Week and beyond.