But first, coffee. 🍵

That’s the approach one UK library took when supporting dozens of Ukrainian refugees resettling in their community.

Libraries are on the front lines of supporting immigrants and refugees. Which in the UK is more than 17% of the population as of 2021.

Libraries are responding with a slew of creative literacy programs. English literacy, financial literacy, digital literacy, and beyond. But logistics and language barriers can get in the way. And newcomers can’t take advantage of library resources they don’t know about.

That’s why Blackburn Central Library started with coffee. Back in 2022, they began welcoming refugees from Ukraine (who the library prefers to call guests) into their community with a weekly “Coffee Morning”.

Launching Coffee Mornings

The library partnered with the local Homes for Ukraine service. They spread the word to newcomers about the Coffee Mornings and provided a Ukrainian speaker.

The library’s Literacy Development and Engagement Officer, Angela Boatswain, highlighted the importance of starting slow and making guests feel welcome:

“Our coffee morning events began with food—a huge spread of Ukrainian food—which was really important for welcoming them. Over time as they became more comfortable, the spread got smaller and now it’s usually a cup of tea or coffee at the events. But in the beginning that was the priority, to let people meet and get comfortable.”

After a few meetings, library staff eventually gave a tour of the library, issued library cards, and helped people sign up for online resources like Transparent Language Online.

Blackburn Library’s coffee mornings are now patron-driven, with programing tailored to their needs or interests. Popular events include dual story time for children, therapeutic drawing sessions with a therapist, and a lantern-making class so guests could join Blackburn’s local Festival of Light parade.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

Blackburn was lucky to have the help of Ukrainian-speaking partners from a local organization. But staff also tapped into their network of vendors to overcome the language barrier.

The library requested a printable leaflet in Ukrainian to promote Transparent Language Online. Our team was happy to take that on, providing a handout with info about how to sign up and access our English course for Ukrainian speakers. (Available for any library to download from the Marketing Kit.)

Looking to do similar outreach to incoming immigrants and refugees to your library community? Look for local partners to help raise awareness and connect you with additional resources. Try reaching out to:

• Immigrant and refugee services agencies
• Literacy councils
• Religious and faith-based organizations
• Healthcare services
• Local school districts

As newcomers find out about the library, consider hosting a regular meet and greet with the library staff, where you:

• Serve copious amounts of coffee (or tea!)
• Welcome them to the community
• Give out library cards
• Walk through the most relevant services (ESL services, programs for their children, legal services, and so on)
• Show them how to use library technology (computer, printer, scanner, etc.)

Supporting English Language Learners at Your Library

If your library is looking for more ideas to support immigrants and refugees, get more advice in our free guide: Supporting English Language Learners at Your Library.

No AI fluff. Just real advice from real librarians.

You’ll get inspiration and actionable tips from librarians from Texas to Massachusetts to Blackburn, UK about their programs for ELLs, including:

• Formal English Classes
• Conversation Clubs
• English Learner Book Clubs
• Dual Language Storytime
• Citizenship Services
• And more

And bravo to Blackburn Central Library, who is still hosting Coffee Mornings two years on!