When picturebooks come to life under the library lights

Abstract

Goal:

The goal of the "Bringing Picture Books to Life" project is to foster a love for reading, literature, and art among children by dramatizing stories, creating stage sets based on illustrative templates, and bringing characters from picture books to life through theatrical performances.

Approach:

The project is based on the expertise and personal competencies of librarians, combining literary, visual, and theatrical elements of picture books as a template for creating theatrical productions. This holistic approach provides children with a unique opportunity to experience a picture book in a dynamic and interactive way, allowing them to immerse themselves in stories through multiple senses, thereby stimulating their imagination and creativity.

Results:

From January 2019 to July 2023 (with a hiatus of a year and a half due to the coronavirus pandemic), three productions were realized, totaling 47 performances attended by 2320 visitors. Collaborations were established with various institutions, including libraries, preschools, and elementary schools. Additionally, the play "Snowman Snowy at Tea with Witch Clotilde" was performed at the "Prepare, Stage... Theatre" event at the Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević Library on April 8, 2019. On February 4, 2020, the project was presented at the Information Tuesday event at the City Library of Zagreb, and on June 2, 2023, "The Big Bad Fox" was performed at the "Days of Dubec 2023" event in collaboration with the Dubec Library.

Social Significance:

The societal importance of the project is evident in its promotion of reading among children, the development of their language skills, attention span, and concentration. Furthermore, theatrical performances offer a unique opportunity for education and raising awareness about the importance of art and literature in children's education.

Originality:

The "Bringing Picture Books to Life" project combines picture books and theater within the library setting. The originality stems from the creative approach to creating new dimensions of picture books. All segments of the project are collectively conceived and executed by librarians, creating a universal program that highlights the diversity of the library profession. The project promotes the library as a stimulating environment for learning through play, entertainment, and socializing, contributing to the broader goal of promoting reading among the youngest population