2023-12-05 07:59:49
We discover through the shelves that in children’s literature, a book is paradoxically not necessarily made to be read: it is an object that can be looked at, handled and appreciated in multiple ways. “ There are many different ways of reading a book for a child: through images, out loud, in the evening as a ritual, alone only by browsing the illustrations, or following reading with their parents to rediscover it… all these approaches to book develop the imagination and allow the child to appropriate a book in their own way, and we are there, at the media library, to support them. »
“We don’t just manage a stock of books, but a place to live”
The professional immediately insists, “ In Maisons-Alfort, we are aimed at a family audience, not only children but also their parents, everyone should be able to find what they are looking for! » And to explain: “ Beyond the book and what it contains, the culture it brings, there is also the bond it develops between parents and children: literature then becomes a bridge in the parent-child relationship. , but also the child-adult relationship (teachers, early childhood professionals, etc.) in which we provide support. » Thus, the Youth fund is aimed at both children and adults, moreover « there are children’s documents which are very good introductions to many cultural, historical or scientific subjects, including for adults! »
« Our job is not just regarding managing a stock of books. Our mission is also to create links with and around books. In a society where everything moves very quickly, we offer a space conducive to sharing with the child, in peace, in a free place and with free content, without needing to look at your watch, and simply taking the time to be together around of a book. We try to bring the place to life because the Youth Space is above all a place of life. »
The importance of staging the book and reading
A desire to transmit and make reading come alive which is also found during the more than 300 annual interventions that the City’s media libraries carry out with schools. “ The goal is to make them want to come back. There is not only “useful” reading – reading given in the school context – there is also “pleasure” reading. Of course, behind an animation, there is an educational and cultural goal but we try to bring it in a fun and funny way through play, whether through anecdotes and parallels on daily life, or by means of language and gesture games. To transmit and give young people a taste for reading, it is important to stage it. »
Offer an alternative to screens without banning them
Of course, we might not talk regarding children’s literature without the question of screens being brought into our discussion. “ It is not a question of banning them, that would be nonsense today. Rather, we try to offer an alternative. With a screen, the image imposes itself on them, unlike reading which leaves plenty of room for their imagination. This involves highlighting new releases, an attractive presentation of books, through a play of colors for example, events around current events, our exhibitions, our favorites. Our background would have no meaning if we didn’t highlight it! » There is also a social function to this profession: having such access to books and culture for free and close to home means helping to bridge certain inequalities. “ Indeed, we realize that some children mix up a bit of everything with what they can see on the screens, and we also try, through our interventions, to provide them with other references, another support on which to rely to learn and understand the world around them ».
And to conclude our visit: “ Stories are fundamental in our lives: whether they are listened to, seen or read. They are necessary for our development and fulfillment. In my opinion, reading should above all be an open-minded pleasure that is shared with the family and creates bonds. This is all you will find at the Youth area. »
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