The Kittiwake Trust

Multilingual Library

our patron

After the library had been open for almost six months, we asked Professor David Crystal, author of over a hundred books on language, 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 Multilingual Library is a project of the Kittiwake Trust,  registered charity 1165318. You can find more information about the Trust and the Trustees here.

the library

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.

A word from our Patron, 

Professor David Crystal, OBE

"People who speak only English find it hard to imagine what it must be like to be a speaker of a minority language in a country where it has no official status, where you may not yet have a good command of the majority language, and where there may be a lack of interpreters to help you in difficult situations, such as going to a doctor or attending a court hearing. It can be especially difficult to find resources that recognise and value your language, so that you can maintain it and pass it on to your children. There may be nothing in your local library (if there is still such a thing in the area where you live).


This is why the establishment of a multilingual library in Newcastle-upon-Tyne a few years ago was such a welcome surprise, and an important step forward in educational provision. In its reincarnation in a former pub in Gateshead in 2023 the library contains well over 23,000 books which service a remarkable 140+ languages. It is run by a team of 20 volunteers who together speak 21 languages. I know of no comparable publicly accessible library anywhere in the world. It is an initiative that needs to be imitated in as many places as possible."


January 2025

What's going on...

School Visits

 

We had a number of enquiries from schools during the Festival of Languages.  The library is a great place to bring small groups from schools, to see all the different languages and scripts, see a variety of musical instruments, check out dolls from around the world and listen to stories in a language of your choice. We recommend that one of the teachers come for a visit first to see the situation and discuss ideas. 

Groups should not exceed 12 pupils. Please get in touch.

Chinese Family Meet up

Come along, every Friday at 4 PM to meet new people, share stories, and explore different cultures in a friendly and welcoming space. Whether you're new to the area or simply curious about the world, this is an opportunity to connect with others over tea, coffee, and great conversation. No registration is needed, just drop in and be part of our diverse community!

Language Classes 

Mondays

  • English (beginners) - 11.15 - 12.15

Tuesdays

  • English (beginners) - 11.30 - 12.30

Fridays

  • Japanese conversation - 11:30 - 12:30

Saturdays

  • Spanish/English language exchange 14.30 - 16.00 

 

coming up: Writing group - soon.

Papercrafts - fortnightly from April 9. German and Italian groups are temporarily suspended. Check here for news of when they will resume.

This week

 

Games à la Carte is a fun and informal opportunity for people of all levels and ages to learn and practise French while playing modern board games. Beginners will learn basic vocabulary and phrases while playing popular games and more advanced speakers can practise and develop their skills with social games.

 

Our Newsletters

 

Summer 2024 - here

 

Spring 2024 - Click here

Autumn 2020 - Click here

Summer 2020 - Click here

Spring 2020 - Click here

 

 

You can learn more about our past events here.

 

Book Donations

Publishers, Agents, Authors, we have the solution to that room full of surplus complimentary copies of the books for which you sold rights. If you send them to us, one copy of each book will be added to our multilingual library and any duplicates will be given to local schools, hospitals, prisons or community groups. Rest assured, we will find homes for them and never sell them.

Financial Donations

Your generosity keeps our library running! Every donation helps us maintain our collection, support language programs, and create a welcoming space for all. No matter the amount, your help makes a difference. You can donate to us via our Total Giving page.

 

 

Volunteering

Be part of our library. Whether you love books, enjoy teaching languages, or want to support an inclusive community, your time and skills can help make the library a vibrant place for all. If you would like to volunteer with us, please fill this form.

 

 

 

New Acquisitions

We’re always expanding our collection with new  titles from around the world! Our latest arrivals include a diverse mix of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books in multiple languages including Turkish, Thai, Hebrew, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, French, Hebrew, German, Estonian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, Slovene, Greek and more....

 

Whether you're looking for a new novel, a cultural gem, or a some information on the history or politics of one country or another, there's something for everyone. Come for a visit and explore the latest acquisitions and discover your next great read.