Refugee Week 2026: Resources and support at Sutton Libraries
Refugee Week is a time to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
This year’s theme is Courage. It recognises the courage it can take to leave home, rebuild a life somewhere new, learn a new language, find your way around unfamiliar systems, and become part of a new community.
At Sutton Libraries, we believe libraries should be welcoming spaces for everyone. Whether you are new to Sutton, learning English, supporting someone who has recently arrived in the UK, or looking for books that explore migration, belonging and identity, we have a range of free resources available.
New: British English for Newcomers
One of the newest resources available through Sutton Libraries is British English for Newcomers, a course on Transparent Language Online designed to support people who are new to life in the UK.
Starting somewhere new can be difficult. Finding a home, looking for work, registering with a GP, using public transport, going shopping, or helping children settle into school can all feel harder when there is a language barrier.
British English for Newcomers focuses on the everyday English and cultural knowledge people may need when settling in the UK. The course covers practical topics including:
- shopping for food and groceries
- looking for work
- renting a flat
- getting medical and dental care
- using public transport
- understanding everyday British English
The course helps learners build British English skills from 12 different languages: Amharic, Arabic (Modern Standard), Bengali, Dari, Farsi, French, Kurdish (Sorani), Pashto, Somali, Spanish (Castilian), Tigrinya and Ukrainian.
Access Transparent Language Online through Sutton Libraries .
Learn English and other languages
Alongside British English for Newcomers, Transparent Language Online offers courses and learning tools for more than 110 languages.
It can support people who are learning English, families who want to maintain a home language, or anyone interested in learning a new language. Learners can practise vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing at their own pace.
A welcoming place for everyone
Sutton Libraries are free to join and open to all. Your library card gives you access to books, online resources, study spaces, public computers, Wi-Fi and digital support.
If you are new to the area, library staff can also help you find information about local services and support. You can also explore the Sutton Information Hub, which brings together information about local organisations, activities and advice services.
Find out how to join Sutton Libraries .
Support from local organisations
Sutton is home to organisations that offer support, advice and opportunities to connect with others.
Refugee and Migrant Network Sutton offers friendship, advice and English language classes to refugees, asylum seekers and newly settled migrants. Their work helps people feel less isolated and more confident as they build their lives in the borough.
Community Action Sutton supports voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across Sutton. They can help connect residents and community groups with local opportunities, advice and support.
Books in different languages
Our library collections reflect the diversity of our community. Across Sutton Libraries, you can find books in a range of languages, as well as dual-language books that can support families who want to read together in more than one language.
Our Hong Kongers book collection, created in collaboration with Sutton’s Hong Kong residents, helps preserve Hong Kong culture while supporting integration and community connection.
You can also ask library staff about English language learning books, ESOL resources and books that may support adults and children who are learning English.
Digital books, audiobooks and magazines
Your Sutton Libraries card also gives you free access to a wide range of digital resources.
With Libby and BorrowBox, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks from home. These collections include fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and titles exploring migration, identity, family, home and belonging.
With PressReader, you can read thousands of digital newspapers and magazines from around the world. This is especially useful for anyone who wants to keep up with news in different languages or stay connected with events in another country.
Explore Sutton Libraries’ digital library .
Stories for children in many languages
LOTE4Kids gives families access to digital picture books in many languages. Children can enjoy stories in English and other languages, making it a lovely resource for families who speak more than one language at home.
It can also help children stay connected to their home language while developing confidence in English.
Prepare for the Life in the UK test
If you are preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test, Sutton Libraries provides free access to GoCitizen.
GoCitizen includes practice questions based on the official handbook, explanations for answers, and study materials to help learners build confidence before taking the test.
Digital support, Learn My Way and free mobile data
Many essential services now happen online, from applying for jobs to accessing NHS services, filling in forms, checking emails or booking appointments.
Sutton Libraries offers digital support to help residents build confidence with computers, smartphones and online services. Our digital volunteers and library staff can help with everyday digital tasks and signpost you to further support.
You can also use Learn My Way, a free online learning platform that helps people build basic digital skills at their own pace. It includes support with using a device, getting online, managing email, staying safe online, and accessing online services.
We also offer a free mobile data service for Sutton residents who need help getting online. Eligible residents can visit the library to ask about free SIM cards with mobile data, texts and calls.
Visit us during Refugee Week
During Refugee Week, we invite everyone in Sutton to explore the resources available through their local library.
You could:
- try the new British English for Newcomers course
- borrow a book by a refugee or migrant author
- explore stories about home, journeys, courage and belonging
- read newspapers and magazines from around the world
- ask about digital support
- find out more about local organisations supporting refugees, migrants and newly settled communities
Libraries are places to learn, connect and belong. This Refugee Week, we are proud to celebrate the courage of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and to support everyone who calls Sutton home.