I recently heard about a library in Michigan (haven’t had a chance to write a post yet) that has a program called “International Storytelling,” where high school students from diverse backgrounds read books from their cultures to younger patrons (often in other languages, followed by translations). The aim is “to build a cultural bridge between the many cultures of the teens presenting stories and the younger patrons of the library.” This particular library was the winner of IBBY’s 2008 BRIDGE TO UNDERSTANDING AWARD, given “to acknowledge the work of adults who use books to promote international understanding among children—PaperTigers’ aim in a nutshell : ) Sadly, I learned from Sylvia Vardell (via CCBC-net listserv) that many years they receive no nominations… But we know these programs exist and are making a difference, so let’s all help spread the word on the award and on the programs themselves!