Mairtown Kindergarten's New Lilliput Libraries: Built by Whānau, Brought to Life by Tamariki

In May 2019, Mairtown Kindergarten was fortunate to be approached by the Whangārei District Library and invited to become kaitiaki of a Lilliput Library. Our kindergarten embraced this opportunity, knowing it would add another wonderful dimension to our kindergarten community.

As shared in a blog written by former kaiako Zair Taylor in May 2019: "So, what is a Lilliput Library? A Lilliput Library is a wonderful concept where the public can use this space to take or leave books. It is a small wooden cupboard, often decorated in beautiful and eye-catching ways, and placed in locations where the community can easily access it. They are located throughout New Zealand, and more information about them can be found on Facebook."

Over the years, our Lilliput Library became a much-loved and well-used part of our community. Sadly, at the end of last year, we arrived at kindergarten one morning to discover that it had been taken and many of the books had been left out in the rain. While this was upsetting for kaiako, tamariki, whānau and our wider community, it also provided an opportunity for us to come together and consider how we might replace it.

The tamariki were quick to offer ideas, with several suggesting that their whānau could help build a new one. That afternoon, we reached out to our whānau through Storypark, asking for support. It didn't take long before not one, but two beautiful new Lilliput Libraries arrived at kindergarten! A huge thank you to Adam and Steve for their generous gifts - of time, talent and resources. Not only did they build these wonderful libraries at home, but their tamariki were also involved throughout the process, making it an especially meaningful project.

     

Tamariki and kaiako began planning how they wanted these new Liliput Libraries to look. Together, we discussed colours, designs, and the steps involved in transforming the two wooden libraries into individualised masterpieces. The first step was applying primer. Then, with the support of our amazing reliever Zair, tamariki helped sketch and plan the creative designs that would bring the libraries to life. Over several weeks, tamariki and Zair carefully painted and decorated the libraries with vibrant colours. The last step was applying a protective varnish, carefully sealing the artwork and helping to ensure the beautiful designs will last for many years to come.

   

   

                          

 

 

One of the most meaningful parts of this project was seeing how invested the tamariki became in the process. As they worked together to decorate the libraries, rich conversations emerged about sharing, community, literacy, and caring for resources that everyone can enjoy. Throughout the project, we witnessed the tamariki developing a genuine sense of ownership and pride in the Lilliput Libraries and the role they play within our community.

 

 

 

The Lilliput Library concept is a wonderful example of sustainability in action. It encourages people to share resources, connect with one another, and foster a love of reading. We are proud to be part of a movement that strengthens community connections while promoting literacy and lifelong learning.

"The wider world of family and community is an integral part of early childhood curriculum. Me whiri mai te whānau, te hapū, te iwi, me tauiwi, me ō rātou wāhi nohonga, ki roto i te whāriki, hei āwhina, hei tautoko i te akoranga, i te whakatipuranga o te mokopuna." (Te Whāriki, 2017)

It is incredibly empowering for tamariki to know they are contributing to something that benefits others. Through this experience, they develop a strong sense of belonging and community while making meaningful connections with the people and places around them.

 

On Wednesday 29^th July, Zair and the tamariki proudly completed a project they had been working towards for many months: filling our beautiful Lilliput Libraries with books. These special libraries now stand proudly at the front of our kindergarten, ready to be enjoyed by our tamariki, whānau, and the community as a whole. We are so happy to again be able to provide this much missed resource for sharing the love of books around our Mairtown community.  A heartfelt thank you goes to Zair for her dedication and hard work in bringing this project to life.

            

             

             

     

Another special thank you goes to Karsyn and his whānau for generously donating a box of tamariki books to help fill one of the libraries. Your generosity will help nurture literacy, learning, and a love of reading throughout our kindergarten and wider community.

We would also like to express our gratitude to Bevan from Maintenance, who installed the libraries for us. Thank you for helping make this project possible.

As our beautiful Lilliput Libraries begin their next chapter, we invite our tamariki, whānau, and wider community to explore the books within them. Take a book, leave a book, and share the joy of reading with others. Enjoy all of the diverse worlds waiting to be explored within these wee libraries. If you or your tamaiti borrow a book from one of our Lilliput Libraries, we would love to see it being enjoyed. Feel free to take a photo and share it with us!

"Empowered students... Sustainable Communities! Our touchstone is creating a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world through people teaching and learning together."

(Enviroschools Kaupapa)

Ngā mihi,

Emma