The regional library protects children's rights

Norrbotten Regional Library is stepping up initiatives that strengthen children's right to language, a love of reading and community. With a focus on both tradition and innovation, the library will become a place where children can encounter stories in many different ways, and perhaps most importantly – each other.

Reading and storytelling on children's terms

In Norrbotten there is a unique linguistic and cultural diversity, and strengthening children's right to their language and culture is an investment in both the individual and society. The regional library therefore works closely with library staff, educators and other professional groups to create creative and safe meeting places where curiosity and storytelling are at the center. Here, it is not only books that matter, but also play, music and creativity are allowed to take place side by side with literature and make the stories something to experience together.

At the same time, the digital offering is growing. Polarbibblo, a national library service run by the Regional Library, is a platform that allows children to explore language and awaken the joy of reading in Swedish and several minority languages. The digital environment is safe and ad-free, and children can receive feedback on their texts from adult editors who speak the children's language.

During a conference for children's librarians recently organized by the Regional Library, many participants believed that Polarbibblo will become a bridge between the digital and the physical with the material that Polarbibblo offers for professionals, especially in municipalities where resources for their own language projects like Sorsele's essence walk are lacking.

At the conference, librarians Anna-Carolina Brandels and Ingrid Nylén Vinka from Sorsele were invited to tell how they brought the Sami storytelling tradition to life by inviting children to an exciting nature walk where all the senses can participate. The nature walks have been made possible through collaborations with native language teachers and parents in the municipality. All children have been able to participate, regardless of what language they speak and at what level.

Library staff from all over Norrbotten gathered in Älvsbyn for a conference on the theme of children's rights and national minority languages.

Networks that connect

But it is not only inspiring to work with language and culture in Norrbotten, it is also challenging. Many who work in libraries do not speak the minority languages ​​themselves, have difficulty finding partners and there is not always enough time. But the will is great and through networks, further training and collaboration both knowledge and courage to try new things grow.

To further strengthen language work, the Regional Library coordinates the language network Miessie, where librarians, educators, speech therapists and others who work with the language development of the youngest children meet to share experiences and find new ways to collaborate. Miessie is a project run by the four northernmost counties in the country, and at the latest meeting the need for joint language support was highlighted. Participants emphasized the importance of networks and inspiration, not only for professionals but also for parents and other adults in the vicinity of children.

“Language should be fun and in meaningful contexts for children,” said Anne Madeleine Kuhmunen, deputy principal and mother tongue teacher in Arjeplog Municipality.

Dare to share both successes and pitfalls is of utmost importance in these forums. Behind all the work there is also a clear children's rights perspective. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is law, and in addition to that, libraries have a legal requirement to promote minority languages. But it is also about showing every child that their language, stories and dreams are important.

How investments make a difference

So what does all this mean for the children in Norrbotten? Well, when cooperation between adults with different functions in society works, it results in more children having the opportunity to discover the joy of reading and the ability to express themselves. Using each other's networks and knowledge is a must in both sparsely populated municipalities and in big cities.

The regional library's initiatives show that the library can be a place where all children feel at home, curious and proud of their background, regardless of whether they belong to a national minority or not. Here the children can encounter new languages, new stories and new friends.

Text and image: Linda Kvenås