‘I Am Bird’ is a new immersive experience presenting stories of migration in local libraries with the support of Rothschild Foundation grantee, Farnham Maltings. You can still see the production in Marlow Library on 6^th and 7^th May. Find out more and book a slot: buckslibraries.eventbrite.co.uk

In I Am Bird audiences are transported away from Buckinghamshire through the everyday story of a young bird migrating from West Africa to the UK. The story is followed on headphones and mobile phones and through clues leading to different miniature paper worlds hidden around the library. Participants have enthused about the experience;

It was so wonderful to be transported to other places and at the same time to be engaging in a library space – exactly the magic of libraries! Our son, aged 5 loved finding the books and a delight to see his face light up with excitement at the beautiful hidden artworks. Thank you!

This experience was exquisite – Totally immersive and so thoughtfully produced. From the music to the idea, the artwork and the narration. I was totally transported to another world. I’ve often wondered what it’s like to be a bird and now I know! Thank you to everyone involved.

The interactive and personal experience invites audiences to explore their local library in a new and exciting way, reflecting on migration through stories and art. Katy Snelling, from Farnham Maltings comments;

When we commissioned Marie Klimis to create a piece for libraries we couldn’t have imagined a better outcome. I Am Bird exists within the library space, enhanced by the day to day activity that happens around the book shelves but is, at the same time, a deeply personal opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary feats of nature, the achievements of even the tiniest birds and the meaning of home. It is an experience that has allowed library staff, volunteers and users to imagine new ways that their spaces may be used without huge additional demands on their limited resources. Artistically, it is a piece that transports you to other places whilst your ears are filled with stories – exactly what you’d hope for in your local library.

I Am Bird is part of a three-year collaboration between Farnham Maltings and Buckinghamshire libraries, funded by the Rothschild Foundation, which focuses on removing geographic and social barriers to seeing and participating in the arts. In the coming months, three poets will deliver workshops in community libraries in Wendover, Burnham and Hazelmere, and their new writing will be exhibited as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. A new Story Pharmacy will be developed with the Home Library Service which delivers books to those unable to leave home and are at serious risk of loneliness.