First language reading and the role of public libraries
Public libraries support their multicultural communities by providing collections in languages other than English and a place to connect with others. The State Library of NSW is committed to working with public libraries to improve services for the multicultural community.
In 2021 the State Library partnered with Charles Sturt University on a project to understand the experience of reading in first language and the role played by public libraries in supporting this experience. Twelve participants from 11 language groups were interviewed and all participants expressed the importance of reading in their first language.
The project report First language reading and the role of public libraries outlines the research process and findings.
The report describes the experience of reading in a first language using the following themes:
- reading as an emotional experience
- reading as a cultural experience
- reading as a relaxing, refreshing and relieving experience
- reading as a welcoming experience.
It also includes ideas from participants on how libraries can improve collections and services for those from multicultural communities.