Silent books
Typ:
Community
Seniors
Kids
The binding of sheets of 'silent books' for the development of fine motor skills in children and the elderly; you can work with sheets like a story, which help develop the ability to tell stories and improve imagination. The sheets are designed and bound by librarians with significant support from elderly volunteers. This joint binding creates a small community.
Neighbourhood festival
Typ:
Sustainability
Community
A neighbourhood festival is a community activity that requires quite challenging preparations and is usually held once a year inside and outside the library (usually between May and September).
It consists in parallel programmes intended for different groups from the catchment area; it is best to verify the needs of the local community first (e.g. in the form of interviews in the field, questionnaires, polls) and tailor the programmes directly to these real needs.
The impacts are clearly visible, especially for residents who suffer from loneliness and social exclusion, as well as families, whether they are complete or not; it results in the strengthening or creation of completely new relationships. The library forms relationships with local companies or associations. If a specific neighbourhood festival has a central theme, e.g. sustainability, then activities are adapted to this theme (e.g. assembly of birdhouse kits, insect houses, planting raised beds, upcycling, workshops, etc.).
Plant swap
Typ:
Sustainability
Community
Exchange of unwanted indoor plants or their seedlings.
This event is held regularly in spring and autumn since 2021. It strengthens community relationships and develops and supports cooperation.
Memory of Ostrava / Paměť Ostravy
Typ:
Community
Paměť Ostravy is a long-term project of the Ostrava City Library, which has been implemented since 2014. The project focuses on collecting memories of life in Ostrava, making it a unique source of knowledge about the life of inhabitants of the city and the region in the 20th century. So far, 4 compilations of memories have been published within the project, and the launch of the fifth compilation took place in October 2024.
The Paměť Ostravy project helps build community identity by sharing personal stories and experiences. The memories of previous residents bring the city and the surrounding area to life, and they are also a source of information and knowledge.
Promoting reading for Roma children in Ostrava
Typ:
Sustainability
Community
Kids
Libraries are open to everyone regardless of their background. Equal access makes libraries a unique institution, and they often become community centres in their cities.
The Ostrava library branch in Přívoz uses the services of a Roma assistant. The experienced teacher guides children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds through books and reading. As a follow-up to the project Romaňi Kereka-Roma circle, which started in the Vítkovice branch, librarians at several branches in Ostrava are organizing educational events, lessons in information education and also history. This strengthens the cultural identity of Roma children and their knowledge of the history and personalities from their own ethnicity. Lectures are interspersed with interactive elements, screenings, reading and searching for information in books, which draw children into the story and involve them in the lesson.
Our library received the Bibliotheca Inspirans award for this community work. The Přívoz branch has become an example of how libraries can play an important role and become a safe place for diverse activities in socially excluded locations.
The work of librarians at the Přívoz branch and the pedagogical assistant helps children from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome educational and social barriers. To them, the library is a safe place full of fun, reading, programming, friendly meetings and other activities. The library also organizes trips for children, giving them the opportunity to discover new places and expand their horizons and knowledge.
Literary walks of the Ostrava City Library
Typ:
Community
Literary walks of the Ostrava City Library provide a unique experiential form of education and leisure. They provide a glimpse into the history of Ostrava and particularly the fates and work of local writers — in the place where it all happened!
These events are for primary and secondary school pupils, university students and employees of cultural institutions, but especially for all those interested in the cultural life of Ostrava.
Literary walks broaden awareness of regional history, culture and literature.
Don't buy, swap
Typ:
Sustainability
Community
We use the slogan 'Don't buy, swap' for regular themed swaps in our library. Our readers get to swap children's toys, books or houseplants in different seasons at a free exchange market.
The fashion accessories exchange held in the spring gained popularity among both children and adults, offering scarves, bracelets, pendants, sunglasses and even hats.
Children from the neighbouring school Mezi stromy also help prepare the plant swap. We plant rooted cuttings of houseplants together for later swapping. A swap of Christmas ornaments and decorations was held before Christmas, allowing people to save money and time, bringing them joy and promoting sustainability.
