Eastwood Library, Ryde – 2010 – in the frames of the Living Library Program meeting with Jenny, a Chinese immigrant to Australia, will be held.
Jenny was a high school teacher in China, but migrating to Australia, she faced the difficulties of the adaptation period and was induced to start from point zero. Her learning was crowned with success and at the moment she works as an accountant.
Collecting herself after the initial shock Jenny managed to learn the new language and adapt to the new lifestyle and culture. She admits that participation in the Living Library Program was an important pre-condition for her socialization.
The regular bi-lingual meetings in the library not only helped her to master the language and learn much about the culture of the new country but provided the opportunity to make friends with other immigrants.
Jenny says that the moral support of her new friends helped her to survive in the new society.
In the Living Library, the books are replaced by the people sharing their life experiences, encouraging others for further learning and self-perfection. At the present moment, Jenny is one of the spokesmen of the meetings, as her example is worthy of emulation.
Sharing her experience of the successful adaptation to the new environment Jenny does not stop at what is accomplished. Her participation in the bi-lingual library program remains its significance for her further personal and professional growth.
The Living Library Program provides the opportunity for English and Mandarin listeners to enjoy the same stories, improving their language and communicative skills. Held once a month the meetings help the non-native speakers to get rid of their fear to communicate with the library staff and use the library resources.
The library becomes a platform for connecting people and breaking language and cultural barriers.
Reference
Ryde Library Services. City of Ryde. Web.