Frankton Library: World Languages Lilliput Libraries
Author: Juliette Hicks, Volunteer South
Something magical is happening in the garden at Frankton Library from March 4. Six beautiful Lilliput Library boxes decorated by local volunteer artists will pop up to reveal books written in languages from every continent in the world. They will give our richly diverse community access to books in their own language and all readers with the opportunity to connect with other cultures.
A collaborative, co-design project the World Languages Lilliput Libraries project comes from many community-minded people donating their time and resources. “It’s a result of the community telling us what they wanted. We are just the facilitators” says Project Leader, Jess Payne from Frankton Library.
A team of creative migrant volunteers have created the colourful artwork on each library box. Jess and her team rounded up fourteen local artists from around the globe to bring flair and imagination to the project. The result is six libraries each depicting a culture of every continent. “These volunteers have done an incredible job to give each library its own personality and visual story,” says Jess.
Adeline Toso from France has been in Queenstown for 4 years and knows the comfort of books in her own language when away from her homeland. “Books in French have given me a little bit of home since arriving in New Zealand, so a library with books in languages from all over the world seemed like an amazing idea to me.” She teamed up with volunteer Katarzyna Hebda from Poland to design the European liliput library. Both are book lovers and relished the chance to design a library showcasing Europe’s colourful culture of stories including mythical creatures and fantasies. “And food too” says Katarzyna “ We love food so you might find some polish dumplings, pizza, strudel and waffles.”
Esdira Aijalida from Malaysia has been in New Zealand for 8 years and was part of a team designing the Middle Eastern and African library. Connection with community is close to the heart of this social activist. “I had so much fun meeting the other artists,” says Esdira. “It was great to connect and learn about their cultures. Of course we went with bright and bold colours to illustrate this library because of the rich cultures in these regions.” Mosques, pyramids, Arabic letters and deserts represent the Middle East and an African woman, animals and deserts depict Africa.
Self-described Illustrator, designer and day dreamer Rona Jia from China teamed up with Japanese artist and music arranger Meg Hirata to design the Chinese/Japanese library.
Meg says that it was a real privilege to be involved and meet with the other artists. Their library features one of Rona’s favourite subjects, Jojo the Dragon. “JoJo is adventurous and extroverted. She loves meeting people from all over the world, reading and appropriately she sleeps with books at night.”
Originally from Malaysia Rebecca Koe has been a Queenstown resident for 22 years. She loved the collaborative aspect of the project. “It’s been an astounding experience meeting these wonderful artists in the community.” Working on the Central Asian and South East Asian/Pacific islands library box she was able to learn numerous painting techniques and styles from her other team members. “I made new friends and I am very thankful to have been part of this project.”
Jess Payne says that the World Languages LIlliput Libraries Project has been “wildly successful.” Thanks must go to the inspiring volunteer artists from around the world who have added their own brand of enchantment to the libraries.
At Volunteer South - Central Lakes, we can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. For more information visit www.volunteersouth.org.nz
