International Migrants Day

Tue 10/Dec/24

Sutton Libraries Celebrate International Migrant Day

 

International Migrant Day, celebrated annually on December 18, is an opportunity to recognise the valuable contributions of migrants and promote understanding among all members of our community. Sutton Libraries are proud to support and celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences that make our community vibrant and unique.

 

🌍 Welcoming Everyone

 

Whether you’re new to Sutton or have been part of our community for years, Sutton Libraries are here to support you. We offer:

  • Library Cards: No matter your circumstances, our library Cards provide immediate access to books, resources, and online services without extensive documentation. You just need an ID.

  • Community Information Services: Library staff can connect you to local resources for housing, education, healthcare, and legal advice. More information on the Sutton Information Hub

  • Groups

    • Refugee and Migrant Network Sutton (RMNS): RMNS offers friendship, advice, and English language classes to refugees, asylum seekers and newly settled migrants. In term times RMNS operates a Drop-In Centre every Wednesday from 10.00to 12.00 at Trinity Church Hall, Hill Road, Sutton.

    • Community Action Sutton: Supports, develops and promotes the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in the London Borough of Sutton. They provide information, advice and guidance and can help you with a range of issues such as capacity building, governance, finance and fundraising. You can access a number of services, including training courses, a complete payroll service and finance services. 

 

📚 Multilingual Collections

 

Our library shelves reflect Sutton’s rich diversity with:

  • Books in multiple languages. For instance, the Hong Kongers book collection has been launched In November 2023 in collaboration with Sutton’s Hong Kong residents that helps to preserve Hong Kong culture and foster integration. Over 1000 books have been issued since then!

  • Dual-language books to support families maintaining their native languages while learning English.

  • E-books and E-Audiobooks available on Libby and Borrowbox through our digital platforms, with multilingual options available for instant access.

  • Stories and Activities for children and families available in more than 65 languages on LOTE4KIDS

  • Throughout 2024, we have delivered 12 library visits for students from ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at Sutton College, in which we introduced our range of physical book stock, including guides and text books for ESOL learners, and our wide range of digital resources. 

 

🎉 Events 

 

We’re always organising events that celebrate diversity and cultural heritage. Keep an eye on our events platform for updates on activities throughout the year, including Tamil Heritage Month in January and Lunar New Year celebrations.

 

🛠️ Practical Support for Migrants

 

Building a life in a new place comes with challenges, and we’re here to help:

  • Learn a new language: Transparent Language Online provides an effective and engaging experience for language learners looking to build their vocabulary, practise their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and maintain what they learn. With courses and supplemental resources in 110+ languages, Transparent Language Online can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on almost any device to access.

  • Prepare for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test: Go Citizen is an easy-to-use online resource designed to help you prepare for the Life in the UK test, or British citizenship test. It provides access to hundreds of practice questions, all based on the official handbook, so you can get familiar with the type of questions you'll face in the real test. You'll also find detailed explanations for each answer, helping you to improve your knowledge and your confidence.

  • Digital Support: Our digital volunteers can guide you through setting up emails, completing online forms, or accessing essential services. It is also an opportunity to learn how to navigate the NHS, register for services, and access health resources with confidence.

  • Free Mobile Data Service: Sutton Libraries are providing free mobile data, texts and calls to Sutton residents who need it. Visit the library to receive a FREE SIM card and free access to the internet.

To learn more about our digital services and resources, visit our digital offer on our website

 

🤝 Join the Celebration

 

We invite everyone in Sutton to participate in International Migrant Day by exploring our events, borrowing a book from our multilingual collections, or simply visiting us to learn more about our services. Together, we can build a community that values diversity and inclusion