Residents in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, can now attend free weekly social sessions at local libraries designed to help people meet new friends and learn new skills. The WEAR Friends programme, organised by Sunderland Libraries, began on February 19, 2026, and provides a regular place for people to get together.
Attendees can take part in various activities including board games, arts and crafts, and book discussions. The sessions also offer support for using digital technology and provide a space to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with neighbours.
The weekly meet-ups take place on Thursday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, where the City Library is currently located. Similar sessions are held every Friday morning starting at 10:00 AM at the Washington Library.
This initiative is led by the Sunderland City Council as part of the Culture House Sunderland project to improve local community connections. While the events are free to attend, residents may need to book their spot in advance using the mylibrary.digital website. The sessions are also listed as a wellbeing resource in the Links for Life Sunderland directory.
These social gatherings will continue to run throughout February, March, and April 2026. The programme aims to ensure that all residents have a warm and welcoming place to visit during the week.
