In honor of World Refugee Day, here are some resources highlighting the different ways libraries have helped refugees and immigrants in the past and continue to help in the present.
The Digital Public Library of America’s online exhibit “A History of US Public Libraries”, showcases various resources and services American public libraries offered to immigrants in the early 20th century.
For a history of UK libraries’ work with refugees, be sure to check out John Vincent’s book Libraries and Sanctuary: Supporting Refugees and Other New Arrivals.
You can find more recent examples of ways libraries across Europe continue to support refugees in “Responding! Public Libraries and Refugees”, a document published by the Public Libraries Section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).