God, it’s depressing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-63499571

Many people who are struggling to heat their homes and unable to afford trips out are turning to their local libraries for support and warmth this winter.

Alexandra Mitchell, 28, says Chelmsford Library has become her sanctuary. It is one of the only places she can take her two children, aged three and one.

“Having a regular place you know your child can explore and be safe, and be entertained and be warm, is really important,” she says.

As a single parent, she cannot afford to take them to a café or to soft play, because everything is “extortionate” at the moment.

Instead, she brings them to the library’s free rhyme time session twice a week.

“We will be spending a lot of time here this winter. I can keep them warm here, but they don’t know that’s why they’re here…………………………………………