Celebrate inclusivity with StoryTots and more during Welcoming Week
Published on 06 September 2024
Welcoming Week 2024 is from 6 September to 15 September.
Come along and explore our range of resources and programmes to help you connect with different cultures.
Drop by Central Library and explore our curated collections featuring world languages and books about other cultures. If you prefer browsing from the comforts of your home, explore multi-lingual e-books and magazines are available through the Libby App. If it is children's collection in world languages you are after, check out LOTE kids. With over 40 languages to choose from in LOTE Kids, there's something for every child and even the adults. Stay updated with the latest global news through PressReader, offering newspapers in languages such as Spanish, French, Chinese, and German. Discover our physical collections that include language learning resources, cultural studies, autobiographies, and fiction from around the world.
Join us for a week of special edition of our StoryTots, where stories are told in English and another language. Plus, don’t miss out on our workshops that guide you through exploring your family history and genealogy, helping you uncover your roots and connect with your heritage.
Welcoming Week Events in Upper Hutt Libraries
Why is it important that our libraries are a welcoming space?
Libraries play a crucial role in fostering welcoming communities by serving as inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, connect, and engage with each other.
We provide access to a wide range of materials in multiple languages, including books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and newspapers. This helps non-native speakers feel included and allows them to stay connected with their culture while learning about others.
We often host cultural events and workshops that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. These programmes are designed to bring people from different backgrounds together, creating a sense of belonging and community.
We are one of the few public spaces in Upper Hutt where everyone is welcome, regardless of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, or language. This makes us ideal places for fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
We support our local community groups in providing vital resources for immigrants and refugees, including access to information about local services, language learning programmes, and community integration activities. This support helps newcomers navigate their new environment and build connections within the community.
We also encourage civic participation by providing resources on local government, voter registration, and public services. We often partner with community organizations to host discussions and workshops that empower individuals to become active members of their community.
Libraries have traditionally acted as community anchors that promote social cohesion, support lifelong learning, and encourage a culture of inclusivity and respect. So come celebrate Welcoming Week with us and take this opportunity to learn, grow, and embrace the diversity that makes our community special.