Anyone looking for somewhere warm to spend a few hours this winter can drop into one of 30 Glasgow libraries for a free cup of tea or coffee, with no booking, no ticket and no questions asked.
The Welcome Places programme, run by Glasgow Life, starts on Sunday 1 November and continues until Thursday 1 April 2027. The drop-in Winter Warmer sessions are open to people of all ages, and visitors are free to use everything else the library offers while they are there.
Where and when
Sessions are spread across the city, from Drumchapel, Knightswood and Whiteinch in the west to Baillieston, Shettleston and Parkhead in the east, and from Springburn, Possilpark and Royston in the north to Castlemilk, Pollok and Govanhill in the south. The Library at GOMA in the city centre and the Library at The Bridge in Easterhouse are also taking part.
Most sessions run on weekdays from 11am to 1pm or from 2pm to 4pm, and several libraries add an hour in the early evening from 6pm. On Sundays, the Library at GOMA, Hillhead and Elder Park host sessions from 2pm to 4pm.
Times differ from branch to branch and from day to day, so it is worth checking the full timetable on the Glasgow Life Welcome Places page before setting off.
More than a hot drink
Library membership in Glasgow is free, and according to Glasgow Life every library has free wifi. Computers are available on a walk-up basis, with sessions of up to an hour, which can help anyone who needs to apply for support, pay a bill or simply get online.
Glasgow Life is also reminding visitors that SAD lamps can be borrowed free of charge. These light therapy lamps are designed to mimic natural daylight and may help some people whose mood and energy dip during the darker months.
Families with young children can also look out for Bookbug, Glasgow Life's free sessions of songs, rhymes and stories for babies, toddlers and children under five. They are drop-in, although places are limited, and details are on the Bookbug page.
Part of a wider network of warm spaces
Glasgow's libraries are not the only places opening their doors. The Warm Welcome campaign, hosted by the charity the Good Faith Foundation, keeps a UK-wide map of more than 6,000 free, heated spaces offering refreshments and a friendly welcome. Readers can search for spaces near them at warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space.
Help with heating costs
For advice on keeping your own home warm for less, Home Energy Scotland offers free, impartial guidance on 0808 808 2282. The service is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust, and more information is at homeenergyscotland.org.
Questions about Welcome Places can be put to Glasgow Life on 0141 287 4350, and opening hours for each branch are listed in the Glasgow Life venue finder.
