Introduction. In 2015, as a result of the global humanitarian crisis, Sweden experienced a sudden influx of asylum seeking refugees. This put pressure on Swedish authorities including its public libraries. This paper explores the practice of library work for refugees and newly arrived immigrants.

Method. Data was produced together with library staff from 23 public libraries in a two-step process including a questionnaire followed up by focus group interviews and visits to selected libraries.

Analysis. The empirical data was categorised in accordance with three themes derived in synergy from practice theory and the data.

Findings. Compared to before 2015, the work for newly arrived immigrants is characterised by new features such as confusion of languages, inexperienced library users with new needs and demands, emotional stress and an increasing need for acquiring of media in foreign languages. The notion of a widened mission focusing on what the library can do rather than what it should do has emerged.

Conclusion. The dynamic and dispersed practice of library work for newly arrived immigrants is embedded in material and economical arrangements, which risks to contribute to a situation where decisions affecting what can be done in the library are taken in places beyond the reach of the library staff.