Lilliput Library for St Kilda Kindergarten

Posted: Thursday Nov 02, 2023

A new larger lilliput library, designed to accommodate picture books for young children, was unveiled outside the St Kilda Kindergarten gate last week, much to the excitement of the keen young readers.

Lilliput Library for St Kilda Kindergarten | Otago Daily Times Online News (odt.co.nz)

Cheerful beach and playground-themed designs adorn the new extra-large Lilliput Library at St Kilda Kindergarten, painted by staff member and artist Nicki Gilmore.

The new library, larger to accommodate picture books for young children, was unveiled outside the St Kilda Kindergarten gate last week, much to the excitement of the keen young readers.

Teacher Claire Winchester said establishing the Lilliput Library had been a "great community effort"— Taieri Blokes Shed built it, Ms Gilmore painted it and neighbouring Dunedin Holiday Park manager Daniel Grubb installed it.

"It has been lovely to have so much support with getting the library set up.

"The children are very excited about having their own Lilliput Library and sharing books with the community," Ms Winchester said.

Reading was a popular pastime at the kindergarten.

Children often gathered around teachers to have stories read to them, or took books outside to read.

"We are just thrilled to have the library in place, and want to thank everyone who has helped us to get it established.

"I have no doubt it will also be very popular with locals."

The design was inspired by the beach nearby and the "gorgeous kids" she worked with at the kindergarten.

Last week’s unveiling was attended by Lilliput Libraries project founder Ruth Arnison and Read Share Grow project co-ordinator Allan Silvestro.

Ms Arnison was delighted to see the launch of Lilliput Library number 353 for New Zealand.

She set up the project with 10 Dunedin libraries more than 10 years ago.

"Lilliput Libraries have spread throughout New Zealand, which is fantastic to see, although Dunedin remains the largest centre for the libraries.

"This new one at St Kilda Kindergarten is gorgeous, and is a great spot.

"I’m sure it will be very well used by the local community," Ms Arnison said.

Mr Silvestro, who arranged for the library through Read Share Grow’s connection with Taieri Blokes Shed, said it was a third larger than the usual Lilliput Library to allow space for children’s picture books.

Read Share Grow, which works to distribute books to young readers in the South Dunedin community, has also donated a box of books for the library.

In collaboration with the National Library of New Zealand, Ministry of Education, Dunedin City Council, Dunedin City of Literature, Otākou Marae and Puketeraki Marae, Read Share Grow has distributed more than 20,000 books since it was established in 2019.