The Kittiwake Trust
Multilingual Library
our patron
our patron
After the library had been running a few months, we approached Professor David Crystal, author of over a hundred books on language, to ask if he would be our Patron.
He agreed enthusiastically.
He visited the library in April 2016 and gave a talk that is available here
We are indebted to Professor Crystal for his continuing support and advice.
His website is here
the kittiwake trust
the kittiwake trust
The Multilingual Library is a project of the Kittiwake Trust, registered charity 116538.
You can find more information about the Trust and the Trustees here
our philosophy
our philosophy
There is no such thing as a foreign language, just languages you don't understand.
Words are vitally important.
We never say 'asylum seekers' -
If they need defining further than human beings or refugees we use
the term 'asylum applicants'.
Feel the difference.
Words like 'diversity' suggest the opposite.
We are all notes in a melody that resounds around the globe.
COVID-19
COVID-19
In common with all libraries at present, our beloved library is closed. We are posting information about languages and related subjects including resources for children on our Facebook page.
All loans are automatically extended until we re-open and memberships paid for this year will be extended by 12 months.
We look forward to seeing you once we are able to open again, but be assured, we will not re-open until we are as sure as we can be that it will be safe to do so. The health and safety of our volunteer and visitors is an absolute priority.
We may bring in new measures to open up the space and allow for physical distancing.
Stay well - stay safe - stay home and keep reading.
Latest News
Latest News
On our Facebook page we regularly post links to multilingual resources for adults and children, international radio stations, health information in different languages and whatever we think will be of interest to our friends who love the library
newsletter
newsletter
Our latest newsletter is now available here
“Lovely place, good choice of books. Friendly folk. Peaceful"
“Lovely place, good choice of books. Friendly folk. Peaceful"
"Nice little place"
“A very welcoming library! We brought students from Action Language to visit this week. They were so pleased to find so many books in their own languages. They'll be back! Thank you!"
“The Library is a lovely, charming place. I am so grateful for such places in Newcastle, this one made me eventually truly get to like the city!.”
“Very welcoming - we popped in to see what it is all about (I am a linguist) - kids got crafty and I had a nice peruse followed by a sit down. Everyone is welcome :) x.”