This June is the tenth anniversary of Loneliness Awareness Week. We are looking to make more connections in communities across the UK and the world than ever before.

Libraries are calm, trusted spaces at the heart of communities. People come to read, reflect, study, discover stories and to feel part of something. Even in quiet spaces, connection can happen through shared surroundings, thoughtful conversations and the stories we explore.

This year, we warmly invite libraries to help create gentle, welcoming spaces for reflection and connection during Loneliness Awareness Week. 
 

When is Loneliness Awareness Week and what is the theme?

Led by Marmalade Trust, the week will take place from 15 to 21 June 2026. This year’s tagline is 'giving loneliness a voice' - putting human experiences at the heart of the campaign and creating space for people to express what loneliness feels like for them.
 

Why Loneliness Awareness Week matters

Loneliness affects millions of people across the UK. While 82% of adults say they feel lonely at least some of the time, 61% of them have never spoken to anyone about how they feel.

Loneliness Awareness Week helps reduce stigma by encouraging open conversations and opportunities for meaningful connection. It reminds people that loneliness is a natural human emotion that we will all experience at some point in our lives.

How libraries can take part 

Taking part does not need to involve large events or major changes. Small, thoughtful actions can gently invite reflection and connection.

Here are some ideas your library may wish to consider:

Create a themed book display

Curate a display of books that explore loneliness, belonging, friendship, grief or community. This might include fiction, memoirs, poetry, wellbeing titles and children’s books.

Check out the campaign resources to find recommended children’s reading lists to support younger readers in exploring the theme in an age appropriate way. 

Share Loneliness Awareness Week bookmarks

Campaign bookmarks can be placed inside borrowed books during the week. A small message discovered at home can offer reassurance and help someone feel a little more connected.
 

Use Connection Cards in reading spaces

You can find Connection Cards in the campaign resources. These include gentle prompts such as:

“I feel connected when…”.

Place the cards on tables, near displays or at enquiry desks. Visitors may choose to reflect privately, write a response or simply pause for a moment. It is a simple way of aligning with this year’s theme.

Offer 'connection coupons'

'Connection coupons' include small prompts such as taking a short walk, trying a breathing exercise, calling someone you care about or spending five minutes reading something comforting.

You could display these near book issue points or invite visitors to take one alongside their books. They are small invitations to nurture connection beyond the library.

Invite gentle conversation

For the week, staff might choose to wear a small badge or display a sign at enquiry desks with wording such as “Happy to chat this Loneliness Awareness Week” or “Share a conversation with us”.

This simply signals warmth and openness, while respecting the quiet nature of library spaces. Even brief, friendly interactions can help someone feel acknowledged.

Use 'Chatty Table' signs in community areas

If your library includes a café, meeting space or public table, Chatty Table signs (downloadable from the campaign resources page) can indicate a table where conversation is welcome. This allows visitors to opt in to chatting if they wish, while keeping other areas quiet and undisturbed.

Host a reflective book club session

If you run a book club, you may wish to choose a book that explores loneliness or belonging during that week. A thoughtful discussion about how connection is portrayed in the story can create meaningful moments of understanding.

Share the campaign digitally

You might also support the campaign through your social media or newsletter by sharing a themed reading list, a reflection from a librarian or a campaign graphic.

Resources including bookmarks, recommended children’s books, chatty table signs, connection cards and connection coupons can be found in the campaign toolkit here.

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