The Role of Libraries in Offering a Warm Welcome to Refugees
Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British author. Her debut novel, My Name is Samim, is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story of courage, resilience and friendship, following the experience of a young Afghan refugee as he flees his home and strives for safety and a better future.
Libraries are, at their heart, places of refuge.
When I first arrived in Scotland nearly twenty years ago, I felt disconnected from my family, friends, and culture, and while everything new was exciting, it could also be overwhelmingly lonely at times. The library was one of the first places I found myself drawn to. A brief conversation with a friendly librarian about the book I chose turned into a moment of connection, a simple exchange that made me feel like I wasn’t quite as far from everything familiar after all.
Libraries offer more than just knowledge; they provide a place of comfort and connection for those who seek them. Scotland has a long and proud history of welcoming people from all over the world, and that welcome is more important now than ever. For those who’ve been forced to flee their homes, arriving in a new country can feel like stepping into the unknown. Library professionals are in a unique position to help ease that uncertainty, creating spaces where people can feel included and supported.
Our libraries are more than just places for books; they are community hubs, safe spaces, and gateways to knowledge, connection, and opportunity. Unlike many places that require paperwork, appointments, or complicated systems to navigate, libraries are open to everyone. That open door isn’t just a policy – it’s an act of inclusion that says: Everyone is welcome here. Shelves stocked with books in multiple languages send a quiet but powerful message: You are seen here.
But the impact of a library is not just in the books it holds – it is in the people who work there. A patient explanation of how to use a computer, a conversation to help someone practise their English, or simply a warm smile at the front desk can make all the difference to someone navigating an unfamiliar world.
Libraries are also vital signposts, directing people to the resources they need. A librarian may be the first friendly face a refugee encounters in their new home, and that interaction could lead to life-changing support – guidance on housing, employment, or mental health services. By working with local refugee organisations, libraries can ensure that information is accessible, practical, and delivered with empathy.
Beyond offering support, libraries can bring communities together. Hosting events that celebrate different cultures through literature, music, or food builds understanding and unity. In a time when hostility towards refugees is often normalised, libraries can challenge this narrative with truth and empathy, fostering a culture of acceptance and connection.
Find out more about Fidan’s new book, My Name is Samim.