With another cold spell hitting the country, Suffolk Libraries is reminding everyone that libraries around the county are still open as warm spaces for anyone struggling with their bills or just needing a chat.

45 libraries around Suffolk have been operating as warm spaces since November as part of Suffolk Libraries wider Be Kind in Kind campaign, offering comprehensive help and support to those struggling in these tough times.

Many of them have also been providing free hot drinks and kindness racks where people can pick up donated clothes.

East Anglian Daily Times: A Chantry foodbank event, Suffolk LibrariesA Chantry foodbank event, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Bury St Edmunds Library alone has handed out knitted hats and coats and around 1,200 free hot drinks since November.

West Suffolk councillor Julia Wakelam also recently donated £507 from her locality budget to help buy a new kindness rack, mini fridge and more supplies for free hot drinks.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kessingland Library: kindness rack, Suffolk LibrariesKessingland Library: kindness rack, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Gill Turner, the assistant manager at Bury Library, said: “We have one customer who has trouble with his joints and circulation.

"It has been made worse from the long-term effects of COVID-19 and he has really been struggling with the cold weather, so he often comes into the library to warm up with a hot drink.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hot drink station in Newmarket Library, Suffolk LibrariesHot drink station in Newmarket Library, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

“We also have some regular library users who sit alone in the study area have taken a break together in the warm space to have a cuppa and a chat, so the initiative is helping to tackle isolation and helping people to make connections.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Clare Library knitting group making items to donate to people, Suffolk LibrariesClare Library knitting group making items to donate to people, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Nearly 4,000 free hot drinks were given out to people between mid-November and the end of December by the libraries in Suffolk.

READ MORE: 174 warm spaces in Suffolk

The free hot drinks have been made possible thanks to donations from the public, East of England Co-op and Paddy and Scott’s.

East Anglian Daily Times: The launch of the Be Kind campaign at Gainsborough Library, Suffolk LibrariesThe launch of the Be Kind campaign at Gainsborough Library, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)

Suffolk Libraries also offer free internet and computer access as well as support to get online, free loans from a choice of millions of books and other items and eLibrary service which offers thousands of free eBooks, eAudio, music downloads and streaming, online newspapers, magazines and films.

The libraries also organise weekly activities for all ages, which give a chance to meet new people and socialise.

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor Judy Cloke at Bungay Library as she’s been supporting the campaign, Suffolk LibrariesCouncillor Judy Cloke at Bungay Library as she’s been supporting the campaign, Suffolk Libraries (Image: Suffolk Libraries)