A project designed to offer people a place for a hot drink and a chat has launched at Lichfield.
The Places of Welcome network already sees community groups across the country offering hospitality to local people for a few hours each week.
A new branch has launched at the new Lichfield Library at the St Mary’s Centre in the Market Square each Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.
Places of Welcome Enabler Helen Titterton said: “Places of Welcome is about opening the door for people to meet others in their community and is great at involving those who may feel isolated, including the elderly.
“Libraries are already wonderful community hubs and it is great they want to build on their important role of signposting to local services and other sources of help if needed.
“We are delighted that we have been able to work in partnership with the Staffordshire Library Service and that Lichfield and Burntwood libraries have joined the network.”
Lichfield is the fifth library in Staffordshire to become a Place of Welcome with more in the pipeline.
“Safe and inviting places”
Cllr Gill Heath Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for communities said: “Libraries are already regarded as safe and inviting places for everybody in the community, and by becoming Places of Welcome we want to build our role as a real asset within the community.
“The whole concept of getting a friendly welcome and the chance to enjoy a cuppa while meeting with others is one that is making a positive difference.”
Places of Welcome are sponsored and supported by Transforming Communities Together, a joint venture between the Church Urban Fund and the Diocese of Lichfield.
Transforming Communities Together chair, the Rev Dr David Primrose, said: “We’re delighted to have Places of Welcome now at a growing number of places across the Diocese and want to continue this growth across Lichfield District.
“It’s fantastic to have libraries and community centres, as well as churches involved, as we work towards our vision of every neighbourhood having a Place of Welcome.”