Multicultural Library Services

We aim to provide library materials which reflect the cultural diversity of the county and to make our libraries the focus of local multicultural events. As well as taking part in Black History Month celebrations annually, we also hold occasional Urdu storytimes and Eid parties for children.

The main collections of library materials in languages other than English are at High Wycombe, Aylesbury  and Chesham libraries, but customers can use our reservation system to borrow specific titles through their local branch. Ask your local librarian for more information.

South Asian languages

• We have collections of library stock in Urdu and Gujarati, with some Punjabi, at High Wycombe, Aylesbury and Chesham.
• Books include the classics and popular novels, as well as modern authors in translation. There is a good selection of non-fiction, particularly on Islam, politics and history, with other useful books on popular subjects like choosing baby names, passing a driving test and learning English.
• Feature films, Pakistani TV dramas and music are available on video and DVD.
• A good collection of CDs and cassettes caters for all music tastes from classical sitar to hypnotic Qawwalis to drum-beating bhangra.
• Magazines: Bollywood, women’s interest and digests.
• CD-ROMs on Asian culture, music, calligraphy and the world of Islam.
• Dual-language picture books, and stories in Urdu for children up to 15 years.
• Islamic audio books and videos (in English) for children.

European fiction

• We have collections of French, Italian, Spanish and German novels, from classics to modern blockbusters and including English and American authors in translation at High Wycombe and Aylesbury.
• Small collections of other European fiction available on request.

Chinese

• We are able to offer a small collection of fiction and non-fiction titles in Chinese at High Wycombe.
• Please note that as these books are on loan from another library authority and are changed at regular intervals, we are unable to display details on our catalogue.  We are also unable to supply particular titles.  Customers are asked to visit High Wycombe library to make their selection but books can be requested from other libraries.
• High Wycombe library also has a collection of Black interest magazines and Afro-Caribbean fiction (in English), though many of the books are also available at other branches.

Information  in alternative languages

We provide information about the library service in several languages other than English. If you or someone you know is unable to understand English please open the appropriate file below for a summary of the library services we are able to provide you.