Malmö libraries for refugees

Abstract

With the escalating crisis in Syria and the difficult situation in Afghanistan a very large number of refugees came to seek asylum in Malmö in 2015. Many of the asylum seekers, both grownups and children, found their way to libraries. The public libraries in Malmö acted fast to increase the services aimed at refugees and immigrants and also developed new services and new ways of working. Language training, digital services for newcomers and social activities for unaccompanied children are some of the things the libraries in Malmö have arranged. There have also been events to make the people of Malmö better understand the refugees situation and volunteer to help. The refugee situation has made libraries in Malmö improve and strengthen service for refugees and immigrants and has accented the important social role libraries have.