East Devon libraries become warm space this winter

Free warm clothes, hygiene banks, community fridges stocked with free food, and hundreds of welcoming groups and events are among the list.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs 54 libraries in the county, is rolling out its Cold Days, Warm Libraries campaign for the third year running. The initiative is aimed at encouraging people into warm, friendly library spaces this Winter not only to help with their fuel bills and the cost of living but to combat isolation.  

1.2 million visits were made to the libraries between 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024 during the campaign.  

Libraries Unlimited’s Health and Wellbeing Manager Beth Harris said: “Everyone deserves to feel warm and connected during the colder times of the year, but sadly we know this isn’t always the case. Our libraries across Devon and Torbay will always be a welcome space for people to come in for free, with no obligations and no questions asked. We have comfy chairs, cosy nooks, hot drinks, engaging activities and events, and of course, a whole host of reading materials for the public to enjoy. 

"Some libraries are welcoming donations of clean, warm coats, clothing, and accessories for their Coat Rails. Anyone can also take an item of clothing for free, no questions asked.  

"Community fridges and hygiene banks in a number of libraries are also appealing for tins and non-perishable, in-date food, as well as unopened hygiene products. Libraries will also be working with local food waste groups to stock up, supporting recycling and preventing food going to landfill."

  Activities and services across multiple libraries include: 

Coat rails of donated clothing in Churston, Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot, Chudleigh, Tavistock, Totnes, Ivybridge, Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Bideford, Tiverton, Seaton, Teignmouth, Exmouth, Exeter, Lynton and Clyst Vale libraries. 

Community Fridges/Larders in Tiverton, Seaton, Honiton, Crediton and Tavistock libraries  

Free warm drinks in many libraries  

Hygiene banks offering stocks of donated shampoo, toothpaste, tampons and body wash 

School uniform swaps to help families save money and resources  

Gentle exercise classes aimed at keeping visitors warm and healthy 

Weekly clubs from Lego to knitting - there’s something for everyone  

A huge thanks to our supporters, sponsors and partners of whom have helped make this happen, included in those are Ikea, Willmott Dixon, Julian House, Torrington Town and Lands, Honiton Town Council, Devon County Council and our library Friends Groups.  

Beth added: "Willmott Dixon have kindly sponsored the weekly breakfast clubs happening at Torquay Library alongside additional coat rails and staff time to help out. Julian House, who run a range of accommodation and support services across the South West, have supported with coat donations for those most in need, aligning with their mission to support people who have been forced to live on the edges of society.  "

All 54 libraries are open as warm and welcoming spaces. But 37 are also offering further services and activities. 

Participating libraries and offerings include:  

Axminster – warm drinks 

Barnstaple – warm drinks, soup/food, coat rail  

Bideford – warm drinks, soup/food, coat rail 

Bovey Tracy - warm drinks  

Brixham – monthly breakfast clubs 

Churston – coat rail, warm drinks, biscuits, soups, school uniform swap  

Clyst Vale – coat rail  

Colyton - warm drinks  

Combe Martin – warm drinks, biscuits  

Crediton - warm drinks, community fridge 

Dawlish – warm drinks, biscuits  

Exeter - coat rail 

Exmouth – warm drinks, coat rail  

Holsworthy – warm drinks 

Honiton – warm drinks, community fridge 

Ilfracombe – warm drinks and biscuits, hygiene bank, coat rail, Saturday breakfast club for children 

Ivybridge - coat rail & Monday - Lego club for grown ups, Tuesday - Scrabble club, Thursday - Knit and natter, Friday - Book groups / colouring for adults.  

Kingsbridge – coat rail, warm drinks  

Kingsteignton - warm drinks, biscuits  

Lynton – warm drinks, biscuits, coat rail  

Newton Abbot & Chudleigh – coat rail, warm drinks, hygiene bank, soup/other food, school uniform swap, gentle exercise classes for keeping warm and healthy 

Northam - warm drinks 

Okehampton – warm drinks 

Ottery St Mary - warm drinks, snacks  

Paignton - warm rail  

Princetown – warm drinks  

Salcombe – warm drinks 

Seaton – coat rail, warm drinks, community fridge 

South Molton – warm drinks, hygiene bank  

St Thomas – warm drinks  

Tavistock – warm drinks, coat rail, hygiene bank, community fridge 

Teignmouth – warm drinks, food, coat rail  

Tiverton - coat rail, hot drinks, community fridge, cakes (starting in the New Year) 

Torquay – coat rail, warm drinks, soup/food, school uniform swap   

Torrington – warm drinks, cake  

Totnes - coat rail, warm drinks