Credit: Warm Welcome Spaces
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Winter is definitely on its way, and although we’re not looking forward to colder weather, there are many in the community who are in genuine danger from it. As a result, this winter libraries will once again serve as safe community spaces for anyone in Manchester in need of shelter and support, with the return of the Warm Welcome Spaces programme.
Operated across the city’s library network, Warm Welcome Spaces will resume this year on Monday, October 20, running until February 2026. This means that every public library in the city will remain a free, safe, welcoming and warm space for anyone who is in need this winter.
Credit: Manchester City Council/Supplied
In total, all of Manchester’s 22 public libraries will be taking part in this scheme, with a range of services on hand for people who may need an extra bit of support.
Services available in the Warm Welcome Spaces include:
- Age-friendly spaces
- Free self-service hot drinks (this offer is not available at the Central Library)
- Comfortable seating and a welcoming environment
- Free internet access and Wi-Fi
- Newspapers
- Staff support to signpost people to services that the Council provides or support agencies
- Under 5s story time once a week at 11am (consult your local library for more information)
Credit: Warm Welcome Spaces
The Warm Welcome Spaces network is a countrywide initiative, with more than 5,300 venues having signed up to take part. Over the 24/25 winter there were an estimated 2.6m visitors to Warm Spaces supported by a volunteer network of more than 10,000 people.
In Manchester last year, between November and February there were roughly 925,000 people who visited the network of libraries.
Credit: Warm Welcome Spaces
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care, said: “For many years the Council has been a proud supporter of the Warm Welcome Spaces initiative. In Manchester we have been all too aware of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the hardships people have suffered as a result.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say this work has the potential to be lifesaving. The simple act of offering a person a safe place where they can interact with other Mancunians, to not feel alone or get the help they need, can have a lasting and meaningful impact.”
Where can I find my closest Warm Welcome Space? 
Credit: Warm Welcome Spaces
To find out where your closest Warm Welcome Space is, visit the Warm Welcome Spaces website to find an interactive map.