[Photo Journal] International Youth Library in Munich

Myra here.

We are excited to share photographs every Tuesday about our recent or long-ago travels, or just everyday stuff that appealed to our mindful eye and sharp sensibilities as captured through fleeting images.

A year ago, I blogged about the International Youth Library (IYL) or Internationale Jugendbibliothek in Munich as part of the Sunshine Blogger Challenge. Ever since I discovered that this library existed (the biggest international library for children’s literature and young adult fiction), thanks to Paul Hazard’s Books, Children, and Men which mentioned IYL – I knew in my heart of hearts that this is a place I must visit. Here is their official website, their blog, and their Facebook page.

These photos of the IYL are taken from their website:

When my research project was approved by my institution (see here for more information about our research), this provided us with the necessary funds to visit the library as part of our objective to build a multicultural text-set for teachers that promotes social and emotional learning in the classroom. Needless to say, the entire week that we spent there felt like a dream, it was that surreal. And I live for the day that I return to do more work.

With my research team members, friends, colleagues: Professor Ruanni Tupas from the English Language and Literature Academic Group of the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University; and Professor Tuting Hernandez, historical linguist from the Department of Linguistics, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

The bridge that leads to the castle.

The beautiful Blutenburg Castle.

With my colleagues/friends.

This is the biggest library for children’s literature and young adult fiction housed in the Blutenburg Castle in Munich. Such glorious beauty. Over 600,000 titles in all – the amazing thing is that these are all donated books from all over the world.

Swan lake. Fairy tales do come true.

Turrets and towers.

A chapel inside the castle – but of course.

The water under the bridge.

View while having lunch. Idyllic is an understatement.

So peaceful.

We are happy to be here, obviously.

Our workstation. Books will have to be ordered in advance. We are truly grateful to the wonderful people from IYL who prepared all these titles for us, for their patience, and for their warm hospitality. Librarians are indeed the best people in the world!

My work area.

What a gift to be able to do meaningful work that I so love. I will definitely be back, hopefully for a much longer time. One week simply isn’t enough.