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 Multilingual Library is a project of the Kittiwake Trust, registered charity 1165318.
You can find more information about the Trust and the Trustees here
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.
Notice of AGM
We will be holding the kittiwake trust AGM on Sunday, 24 November at 2.30pm at the Multilingual Library.
Address: High West Street (formerly The Gloucester), Gateshead, NE8 1EJ.
140 languages – sounds like so many but only a drop in the ocean of 7000 languages
So many oceans, so many souls, so many tongues
So many parents reading so many books to so many babies
So many piglets
And gruffalos
And bedknobs
And broomsticks
And hobbits
So many giggles
And snuggles
And cuddles
Our library is for everyone
For you and your neighbours
Your mum and your dad
For your brothers and sisters
Your aunties and uncles
Your granny and grandpa
Your sons and your daughters
This library is for YOU
_______________________________________________________________
Language Classes at the Library
Monday 11.30 - 12.30 English (beginners)
Tuesday 11.30 - 12.30 English (beginners)
14.00 - 15.00 Italian (starts again 26 November)
Thursday - English 13.30-15.00
Saturday - 14.30 - 16.00 Spanish/English language exchange
CHINESE STORYTIME
Fridays 4pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CILIP AGM 2021
In October 2020 We became the first Library of Sanctuary in the North East.
The official presentation of the Library of Sanctuary award was made during the AGM of CILIP North East
(the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals).
The recording of the event is available here.
New Acquisitions
We are receiving some wonderful books for children from Macmillan, Hachette, Nosy Crow and others in lots of languages including Turkish, Thai, Hebrew, Dutch, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Estonian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, Slovene, Greek and more...
COMMENTS
“Lovely place, good choice of books. Friendly folk. Peaceful"
"Nice little place"