Libraries across Buckinghamshire have opened their doors as ‘Welcoming Spaces’ this winter.

Visitors will be welcome for as long as they wish during opening hours and can make use of facilities including free wifi and computer access.

Bucks Council has set up 35 locations that residents can use to stay warm free of charge.

One library user, who asked to stay anonymous, said: “I am well aware of the cost of living crisis. It is expensive but we need to have the heating on.

“We have to economise, we have a smart metre and every day you are looking at it. It’s an average of £15 a day we are doing for just cooking, heating and showering.

“We have definitely noticed the increase, it has more than doubled.”

Library staff will also be on hand to offer information and support to visitors struggling with the effects of the cost of living crisis.

Hazlemere library manager, Michelle Sandalls said: “It’s incredibly important that people in communities know they can come into a library and there is a warm, safe and welcoming space.

“They can get support, advice and we can help them out with groups, clubs and help them out with things to do to support their health and well-being.

Cllr Steve Bowles said: “It's not only a few people that are affected, it is a vast number of people affected by the cost of living crisis and the increase in fuel prices so naturally there has been an increase in numbers." 

He added that people should not be "ashamed" or "worry" about using the service.

Here's a list of warm spaces across Buckinghamshire. 

  • Beacon Villages Community Library
  • Bourne End Community Library
  • Castlefield Community Library
  • Chalfont St Giles Community Library
  • Burnham Community Library
  • Farnham Common Community Library
  • Flackwell Heath Community Library
  • Haddenham Community Library
  • Great Missenden Community Library
  • Iver Heath Community Library
  • Long Crendon Community Library
  • Micklefield Community Library
  • Stokenchurch Community Library
  • Winslow Community Library
  • West Wycombe Community Library
  • Wendover Community Library
  • Amersham Community Library
  • Little Chalfont Community Library
  • Chalfont St Peter Community Library
  • Gerrards Cross Community Library
  • Aylesbury Community Library
  • Wing Community Library
  • Chesham Library 
  • High Wycombe Library 
  • Princes Risborough Library 
  • Buckingham Library 
  • Hazlemere Library 
  • Marlow Library 
  • Beaconsfield Library 
  • Bierton Welcoming Space Community Library
  • Welcoming Space Christ Church United Reformed Church
  • More Plus Community Coffee Shop Aylesbury
  • Welcoming Space Men in Sheds Winslow
  • Welcoming Space Cosy Community Café Waddesdon Hall

For more details, click here