OXFORD’S Central Library is celebrating the city’s cultural diversity by offering book readings from around the globe.

Traditional tales from countries including Russia, China and Italy will be told in their native tongue by language specialists and library staff from next week.

Oxfordshire County Council hopes the Saturday morning storytimes will attract all sections of the community and help children who are both native speakers and those interested in learning new languages.

A German storytime on October 3 will coincide with the Day of German Unity, a national holiday which commemorates the anniversary of the country’s reunification in 1990.

The free storytimes start on September 19 between 10am and 10.30am Books translated into languages that could be read include Italian fable The Little Red Hen and the Grains of Wheat, Russian tale The Elves and the Shoemaker and Farmer Duck, and Just Five Minutes’ Peace, from Germany.

Library team leader Rebecca Kirk said the storytimes were launched after staff noticed how many children were bilingual. She said: “The library held Russian, Chinese and German storytimes earlier in the year and they were so popular we decided to expand it by organising these storytimes.

“People were very enthusiastic during the earlier events and one girl even stood up during the Russian one and recited a traditional Russian poem which she had memorised. We asked for feedback, and somebody told us they wanted these storytimes to happen more often.

“We have a vast array of items to borrow and we are keen to get as many people visiting and to take advantage of the facilities on offer.

“The storytimes are intended for children of any age who speak the language or those who have an interest in learning a new language.

“The library service is always looking to increase the use of books and the enjoyment of reading and provide a wide range of family and community learning opportunities.”

Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, added: “Stories give children the opportunity to learn in a fun and informative environment. These foreign language storytimes are perfect for youngsters who want to explore a different language.”

No tickets are required for the sessions and people can just turn up to library in the Westgate Shopping Centre.

Readings are on: September 19: Russian October 3: German October 10: English October 17: Arabic October 24: English October 31: Chinese November 7: English November 14: Italian All children must be accompanied by an adult.