HUNDREDS of books aimed at people whose first language is not English have been donated to the new library at Rose Hill in Oxford.

Workbooks and other reading material has been given to the community scheme by Oxford-based Macmillan Education.

Among those looking forward to using the new material is the Arabic Women’s Group, which meets at the Rose Hill and Littlemore Children’s Centre.

The group is led by Fikria El-Kaouakibi and Nassira Jmil, who are keen to hold storytelling sessions at the library when it opens on Monday, January 18.

Children’s TV presenter Floella Benjamin will cut the ribbon.

Ms El-Kaouakibi said: “We want to be able to offer more activities in the future, which will start by encouraging more Arabic women to take their children to the library.

“These dual language books are perfect, because they help non-English speakers learn the language, or introduce people to Arabic. We hope the Read/Swap library will help Arabic women living around here to integrate more in the community.”

Donations of books and cash are still being sought. Cheques should be made payable to Rose Hill Read/Swap Library, addressed to the Treasurer, Rose Hill Read/Swap Library, c/o Rose Hill Community Centre, The Oval, Rose Hill, OX4 4UY.