Look what flew into the library!
Longsight Library and Manchester Museum, promoting the forthcoming new South East Asian Gallery, came together to celebrate the Peacock and Crane currently on display. “In the library?” I hear you say…”Yes in the library!”
The exhibits are on loan from Manchester Museum and are the source of much interest from all, inspiring great conversations and activities. Who knew that the Peacock is one of the few birds with a sense of smell?
Dancer, Shrikant Subramaniam and accompanying musician, Sarah Inala brought to life the fable of the Peacock & Crane through a beautiful interactive performance with help from children in the library. The whole library was filled with beautiful sounds of the violin.
Artist Harriet Hall of Interference Art took toddlers, children and their families on a journey around the library, where they were encouraged to collect coloured papers, ribbons and materials to recreate their journey, to the library from home, wherever home may be. Harriet has been attending the library’s story session for under fives. She is also producing an interactive book to accompany the Peacock and Crane with activities that have come out of these sessions.
Our very own artistic member of staff Anna, helped everyone make beautiful origami birds with all and we made colourful badges galore!
The Peacock & Crane are in the library for quite a few more months when they will be swapped for …what next? (I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a tiger!!)
We also had some more special guests – we were delighted to welcome Afzal Khan MP, plus Councillor Abid Chohan and Councillor Luthfur Rahman, the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, who said: “This unique exhibition at Longsight Library is a great way of introducing more local families to some of the amazing historical and cultural resources which are accessible to them here in Manchester.
“Our libraries are vital local hubs for learning and cultural activities, so this partnership is a natural fit, which will benefit residents by giving them to chance to enjoy the Manchester Museum’s incredible collections.”
All photos courtesy of David Oates Photographer & Manchester Museum.