Illustrated books without words can cut barriers between migrants and Italians and favor integration, according to a cultural project including itinerant exhibits across the world and a library for Italian and foreign young readers in Lampedusa.
'Silent books', illustrated novels without words, can become tools of integration that help children and adults overcome linguistic and cultural barriers. They are also an opportunity for Italians and foreigners to meet. The project, called "Silent books. Final destination Lampedusa" is promoted by the Italian chapter of the organization International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) with the educational services of Rome's Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
Thanks to the work of volunteers, a city library for migrant and Italian children and teens has been inaugurated in Lampedusa. In addition, two exhibitions have been organized as part of the initiative, one on the Sicilian island, which runs from September 16 until October 15, and another one in Rome on October 3-January 21, 2018.
Silent books to get acquainted through images
Books without words are ''a powerful tool in terms of inter-culturalism and integration'' explained Giulia Franchi of the educational services of Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. The story of these books is described by images, something that ''enables people who don't have the same culture or language'' to share an experience. The initiative was born in 2012 from the idea of ''showing the value of silent books and bringing books to Lampedusa, which until September 15 did not have a library for children''. In five years, the project has collected 250 books from all over the world.
The shows in Rome and Lampedusa, which have reached their third edition after opening all over the world in the past few years, include readings and laboratories for adults and children on themes like integration and migration.The exhibit in Rome will be inaugurated on October 3, ''the day of remembrance of the victims of immigration, a symbolic choice'', stressed Franchi. Culture is ''fundamental'' to talk about immigration ''and it is important for cultural institutions to take a stance on these issues''.
Library in Lampedusa a 'light for the world'
Thanks to the work of the project's volunteers, Lampedusa's first library for children and teens was inaugurated on September 16. Deborah Soria, the head of the project for IBBY Italia said the library for Italian and migrant children living on the island had been long in the works. ''Lampedusa is a piece of Italy where there are 1,000 Italian children and many migrant minors who are residents'', she said.The library will offer them ''the right to have an access to information and literature''.The library for young readers ''has a symbolic value, turning on a light for the whole world'' from the center of the Mediterranean.