A beacon of hope, fostering a connection to heritage through the power of language.
In a world increasingly defined by globalisation, the preservation of cultural identity remains a vital endeavour. For Romanian expatriates, the Tots’ Library (Biblioteca Prichindeilor) has emerged as a beacon of hope, fostering a connection to their heritage through the power of language.
This volunteer-driven initiative, founded by Ana Engrth Răduleț, has grown from a modest idea in Prague to a network of 23 libraries across 15 countries, offering Romanian children abroad the opportunity to read and engage in their native language.
The Genesis of the Tots’ Library
The Tots’ Library began as a personal quest for Ana Engrth Răduleț, who sought Romanian-language books for her children while living in Prague.
Faced with limited options, she decided to create a library herself. What started as a small collection of books in her home quickly evolved into a community-driven project. The library’s initial model involved parents pooling their children’s books, but it soon expanded with contributions from Romanian publishing houses and a growing network of volunteers.
A Network of Libraries
Today, the Tots’ Library boasts a collection of 15,000 books and operates entirely on volunteer efforts. Each branch reflects the unique dynamics of its host community, offering activities such as reading clubs, playgroups, and cultural events.
In Prague, for instance, weekly gatherings include Mom Talks and baby meetups, while other cities like Aarhus and Berlin host monthly read-and-play events. The initiative also aspires to feature Romanian authors and illustrators at its events, contingent on funding.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a volunteer-based project of this scale is not without its challenges. Volunteers, many of whom juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, dedicate significant time and effort to the library. Despite these hurdles, the initiative thrives on the shared passion for preserving Romanian culture and language. The library serves as a cultural anchor, enabling children to connect with their roots and fostering a sense of community among expatriate families.
The Bigger Picture
The Tots’ Library is not an isolated phenomenon. Across the globe, expatriate communities are taking similar steps to preserve their linguistic heritage. For instance, African families in the United States often create language-rich environments at home to maintain their native tongues. Similarly, bilingual parenting strategies, such as the Minority Language at Home (MLAH) method, are widely adopted by immigrant families to ensure their children grow up fluent in their heritage language.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
