International exhibit on wordless books to be hosted at Millennium Library

Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Public Library will host Silent Books: Final Destination Lampedusa at the Millennium Library from February 9 to March 12, 2016. The international traveling exhibit features over 100 of the best wordless picture books in the world.

�These books bypass age, culture and language to offer a shared experience for Winnipeggers to enjoy,- said Mike Pagtakhan, Chair of the Standing Committee on Protection, Community Services, and Parks. �I am happy to support another great resource offered by the City of Winnipeg that promotes inclusivity and diversity.-

Silent, or wordless, books tell a story with only pictures and offer universal access to a shared experience through images and art rather than language. Silent Books was launched in 2013 to bring awareness of the work of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Italia in building a library for refugee and local families in Lampedusa, Italy. The Silent Books exhibit will include a collection of the same wordless books as the Lampedusa Library.

�The Library is honoured to host this international exhibit and to have the opportunity to celebrate some of the best wordless picture books in the world,- said Rick Walker, Manager of Library Services. �Wordless books have an enormous value in developing early literacy regardless of language spoken.-

�This Exhibit has travelled through several countries,- said Flavia Fernandez Fabio, of the Dante Alighieri Cultural Society Inc. of Winnipeg. �As an immigrant myself, this exhibit is very meaningful. I am excited to help spread awareness of the library initiative in Lampedusa, Italy. I truly believe that we are the most multicultural city in all of Canada and I am thrilled to be a part of it.-

Those who visit the exhibit will be able to make their own wordless books to take home, and can write a postcard with a drawing or a personal message to send to the children in Lampedusa, Italy. Winnipeg Public Library's own collection of wordless picture books will also be available to browse and borrow during the exhibit.

Exhibit details:

Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 to Saturday, March 12, 2016

Time: Branch hours for Millennium Library are available here.

Location: Millennium Library Children's Section, first floor, 251 Donald Street

Note: Media are welcome to attend the launch tonight:

When:

TODAY - Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Where:

Millennium Library Children's Section, first floor, 251 Donald Street

Who:

Mike Pagtakhan, City Councillor for Point Douglas and Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection, Community Services and Parks
Rick Walker, Manager, Library Services
Flavia Fernandez Fabio, Dante Alighieri Cultural Society Inc. of Winnipeg
Mariella Bertelli, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Canada

The exhibit is hosted in partnership with the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Canada, the Dante Alighieri Cultural Society Inc. of Winnipeg, and IBBY Italia.