Libraries will host free activities during the winter months as part of Renfrewshire Council’s Winter Connections programme. 

Activities including family craft and play sessions and film nights, will be available in selected Renfrewshire libraries as part of the programme, which is creating a network of local places and spaces which offer free events and activities where people can come together and connect this winter. 

Residents can also pop into any Renfrewshire library to play a board game, do a puzzle or get a cup of tea or coffee. 

The programme will now run until March 2023 after councillors approved additional funding of £20,000 for Winter Connections and £10,000 for OneRen to support Renfrewshire libraries taking part. 

Nine new community and voluntary groups have also joined the programme, taking the number of organisations which are part of Winter Connections up to 24.

The new activities which will be available as part of the programme include: 

  • Film afternoons with the Kilbarchan Improvement Project in Kilbarchan 
  • Tablet and computer training for people with disabilities in Ferguslie with Renfrewshire Access Panel 
  • Health and wellbeing activities at the West End Community Centre in Paisley 
  • Crafts, music sessions, board games and drop-in at St Mark’s Oldhall Church in Paisley 
  • Weekend evening kids club with Twist and Hit Cheerleaders in Paisley 
  • Wake Up, Warm Up exercise classes for older adults with Thorn Athletic Community Trust in Johnstone 
  • Events including bingo, afternoon tea, movie nights, quiz nights, live entertainment, line dancing and games nights with Friends of Howwood Park in Howwood 
  • Talk over toast and tea with ROAR: Connections for Life in Paisley Sherwood Greenlaw 

There will also be Move It or Lose It exercise classes available through Forever Young for older adults who live in some of Renfrewshire's sheltered housing complexes.

Jacqueline Cameron, depute leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome OneRen and our new community and voluntary groups to the Winter Connections programme. 

“This winter may be tougher than most for some people in our communities as the cost-of-living crisis continues. Winter Connections will be vital for our communities this winter and will give everyone the chance to learn new skills while having a natter and making connections. 

“Having our libraries involved in the programme means even more people will be able to enjoy a warm welcome this winter.” 

Joyce Higgins, libraries and digital development manager at OneRen, said: “Our libraries are at the heart of our communities and always offer a warm welcome and a range of activities that everyone can enjoy. 

“The run up to Christmas and the winter months can be hard on everybody and our libraries provide a safe space, where people can relax and have some time for themselves. Whether it’s reading a book, or a newspaper, connecting to our free Wi-Fi or taking part in one of our free activities, there really is something for everyone – and it won’t cost a penny.” 

Winter Connections launched in November, with fifteen community and voluntary groups receiving funding from the Winter Connections Fund to run events in their own communities. 

Winter Connections activities are free, open to everyone and guarantee a warm welcome. 

The council is working with community and voluntary groups to introduce new venues and activities to the programme each week during winter. 

Venues taking part in the programme will display our Winter Connections logo. 

For the latest information on all the activities, groups and venues taking part in Winter Connections, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/winter-connections. 

To find your nearest library hosting Winter Connections events, visit https://www.oneren.org/.