How lilipad works

Our work adapts to different places and contexts, but the approach remains consistent: build shared spaces, return regularly, and allow relationships, culture, and creativity to flourish over time.

Three children seated in a library holding colorful books in front of their faces, with bookshelves and stacks of books behind them.

Libraries as shared spaces

We establish libraries in places where children have limited access to cultural infrastructure.

Oftentimes, lilipad libraries are the first libraries children experience.

To reach children where they need us, we set up our libraries within existing structures such as refugee accommodations, youth shelters, and community centres. We fill them with multilingual storybooks and educational materials, and work with our partners to make sure they are open on a regular basis, with a consistent adult presence when possible.

Children are free to read, browse, draw, talk, or simply spend time. Libraries are places to return to, and part of everyday life.

We currently have 21 active libraries in Germany (11), Morocco (6), France (2), Italy (1) and Uganda (1).

Be part of the solution

Where we work

Our methodology

Start by creating a library space

Most of our projects begin with a partner reaching out to us and asking for a lilipad library. They provide a space - sometimes a large room, sometimes just a corner within an existing setting.

Each library is then set up with care to feel welcoming and calm. Spaces furnished and decorated intentionally, using mutlingual books, materials, and simple design choices to create an environment that feels playful and safe. No two libraries look the same, but all are shaped to be places where children feel comfortable spending time, returning regularly, and gradually making the space their own.

Person in a brown sweater browsing books on shelves under a Lilipad Library banner in a children's library.

Child reading an illustrated book with Arabic text and a drawing of a yellow animal holding a white object near a colorful doorway.

Child lying on a wooden floor looking at a magazine featuring colorful graffiti art on buildings.

Build trust thanks to local champions and librarians

One of our earliest learnings was that books alone are not enough - especially when working with children who have experienced displacement, instability, or different forms of vulnerability. Many of the children we work with are growing up without consistent access to supportive adults or stable environments.

In this context, trust is essential. Each library is anchored by a local champion, and where possible, a lilipad librarian - a young person from the community. They build relationships over time, read with children, and create a sense of continuity. In some contexts, this is supported by reading volunteers. These relationships are what bring the library to life.

Teacher wearing a beige headscarf and orange coat leaning over a desk helping a student with schoolwork.

Teacher with tattoos leaning over to help a student in a classroom with other children working on art projects.

Offer different pathways to storytelling

Reading is not always the easiest entry point. Some children are still learning to read, while others may associate reading with pressure, exclusion, or interruption in their education.

Through storytelling workshops and creative activities, we offer multiple ways to engage - through visuals arts such as painting, drawing and photography, creative writing, music, performance, and conversation. This allows all children to experience stories in ways that feel accessible and meaningful to them, including those who may not yet feel confident with reading.

Child and woman sitting at a table in a library, smiling and looking at a small book together.

Child with short hair sitting on a yellow couch reading a book with colorful illustrations and text.

Celebrate divrersity through cultural events

Our work does not stop inside the library. Increasingly, lilipad creates opportunities for children’s work to be shared beyond the spaces where they live. Through exhibitions, performances, festivals, and cultural events, children’s voices and perspectives become visible to wider audiences.

These public-facing moments are about celebration, recognition, representation, and shifting how children and their experiences are understood. While the msot recent, this part of our work continues to grow.

Keep our libraries running

Your support helps ensure children continue to have access to spaces where their language, curiosity, and imagination are taken seriously.