The Challenge:

Imagine walking through Yangon, a city buzzing with energy, but still feeling the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis. The real struggle wasn't just rebuilding what was lost; it was breaking down invisible walls that kept many from fully using the city's libraries. These places, meant to be treasure troves of knowledge, weren't reaching everyone. Some people couldn't get in the door, and others found that once inside, the books didn't speak their language. Click here to verify

"Our city is a beautiful mix of voices, but our libraries were whispering to just a handful,"- Aye (a local librarian)

The Solution:

Aye saw a brighter future for Yangon's libraries, inspired by an idea from Gaza999 about making libraries welcoming for everyone. She pictured places where everyone, no matter their language or if they used a wheelchair or needed books they could listen to or touch, felt at home. 

"Finding out about Gaza999's plans felt like unlocking a treasure chest filled with stories waiting to be shared with everyone," – Aye (a local librarian)

The Implementation:

Aye's journey began with a comprehensive assessment of the community's needs, identifying the essential adaptations to make the libraries accessible and linguistically inclusive. Ramps and elevators were introduced, alongside sensory-friendly areas designed to welcome individuals with disabilities. The once monolingual shelves began to flourish with books in multiple languages, reflecting Yangon's rich cultural tapestry.

Staff underwent rigorous training in cultural sensitivity and multilingual communication, transforming them into knowledgeable guides for every visitor. Signage and guides blossomed in various languages, offering a warm welcome to all who entered.

"Seeing a child's eyes light up when they find a book in their mother tongue, in a space they can easily navigate, is a joy beyond words." - Min (Library Volunteer)

The Impact:

The initiative led to a significant shift in Yangon's educational and social landscape, with the renovated libraries serving over 10,000 individuals in the first year alone. Accessibility improvements allowed 300 people with disabilities to access the libraries, many for the first time. Multilingual collections grew by 60%, reflecting the city's linguistic diversity and fostering an unprecedented level of cultural exchange.

"Our libraries have become bridges of understanding, connecting diverse hearts and minds." - Aye  (a local librarian)

Lessons Learned:

• Implementing Universal Access: The introduction of physical accessibility features and assistive technologies was crucial in creating an inclusive environment for all library users.

• Cultural and Linguistic Representation: Expanding the library's collection to include multilingual resources effectively bridged linguistic divides and celebrated Yangon's cultural diversity.

• Staff Training and Sensitivity: Focused training on cultural sensitivity and multilingual communication for library staff played a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for diverse community members.