Maidenhead & Windsor

There's a world of difference on the literary "menu" at Maidenhead Library this month – with Chinese crispy duck and Polish doughnuts just for starters!

The library in St Ives Road, Maidenhead is definitely the place to be for a literary-fest with a musical and culinary flavour as the Royal Borough celebrates the launch of two new book collections in Chinese and Polish to add to its burgeoning language stock.

With over 150 titles in each collection, the new range of Polish and Chinese books will take to the shelves alongside the library's recently-extended Indian language collection and its popular West European language books widely used by local residents and language students alike.

Both new collections also include book and CD courses to help learn and improve English.

The launch of the new Maidenhead collections on Saturday February 24 coincides with traditional food festivals in Polish and Chinese culture - the Polish Fat Thursday celebration (Tlusty czwartek, the equivalent of Mardi Gras) on February 15 and the Chinese New Year (February 18).

The library's action-packed event will feature food, music, singing and dancing – and of course a preview of the new books! The programme for the day includes:
· 12 noon - selection of Chinese food for tasting
· 12 – 1.30pm - traditional Chinese calligrapher and musician
· 2.15 – 2.45 -Polish dancing and singing
· 2 – 4pm - traditional Polish paczki (doughnuts).

Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for Maidenhead leisure and cultural services, said: "The language collections at all our libraries are very popular and it's fantastic that we have been able to expand our collection at Maidenhead to include Polish and Chinese. And what better way to launch these new books than with a truly traditional celebration!

"It is important to recognise that our society is truly multi-cultural and to provide as wide a range as possible of books and other materials in different languages for everyone to enjoy. Our libraries also have a wonderful selection of language learning courses for holidays and businesses abroad.

"So spread the word – in your own chosen language – about the great books at Maidenhead Library – and come along and enjoy the launch day on 24th!"

The launch event is FREE – just turn up on the day.

For further information about the event – and the new book collections – contact Richard Palfery, adult team librarian on 01628 796981.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead