“The matters of language and historical records touch my professional and thus personal responsibility. Language lies at the heart of our humanity and is the core of culture: its preservation is vital; in addition, two living languages are richer than one.
As an institution devoted to culture as expressed in language, the Library can promote the value of the Māori language and the need to preserve it by using it itself where appropriate.”
Dorothea Brown, Librarian.
Biculturalism: a Memorandum. For staff of the Canterbury Public Library, 1989.
Interestingly I met with Dorothea as a young person thinking of becoming a librarian when she managed the Fendalton Libraries (I think before the merger with Christchurch City). She was a formidably intelligent and capable librarian and manager who cared deeply about the profession and the communities we serve. She would be really chuffed at how well her words resonated 27 year later with another young librarian. What she says remains very true.