Stories from India.
Languages from Home.
Indian Center in Netherlands (ICIN), together with Dutch public libraries and community volunteers, brings Indian languages closer to children through regular storytelling sessions and Indian-language books.
Our goal is simple: to help children growing up in the Netherlands stay connected with the languages they hear at home, while embracing the Dutch and international environment in which they grow.
From "Mother Tongue" to "Home Language"
Traditionally, we often speak about a child's mother tongue. But families today can be wonderfully multilingual.
A mother and father may speak different Indian languages. Grandparents may communicate in another language. A child growing up in the Netherlands learns Dutch, while English and other languages may also become part of everyday life.
So which one is the child's mother tongue?
At ICIN, we want to embrace a broader and more inclusive idea — one that reflects how today's children actually grow, communicate and build their identity.
Home Language
A Home Language is a language that connects a child with family, relationships, stories, memories and cultural identity.
A child does not need to choose between becoming confident in Dutch and staying connected with an Indian language.
Every language can have a place in their story.
Two Initiatives. One Mission.
Storytelling and books work together to help children hear, experience and discover their Home Languages.
Hear the Language
Regular ICIN storytelling sessions bring Indian languages alive through stories, interaction and community storytellers in a welcoming Dutch library environment.
Read the Language
Indian-language children's books available through participating Dutch libraries give families an opportunity to discover, borrow and enjoy books in the languages they use at home.
Languages We Celebrate
Languages rotate throughout the storytelling program depending on location, schedule and storyteller availability.
A Library Shelf That Feels Like Home
Imagine a child walking into a Dutch city library and discovering a children's book written in the same language they hear from their parents or grandparents.
ICIN's Indian Language Books initiative helps make Indian languages visible and accessible within Dutch public libraries. It gives children another way to experience the languages that are part of their family and identity.
Books and collections differ between libraries and continue to change as collections grow.
Please search the catalogue of your local participating library for the latest titles and availability.
Why Home Language Matters
Every language a child experiences can contribute to their connection with family, culture and the wider community.
Family Connection
Share stories and conversations across parents, children and grandparents.
Identity & Belonging
Stay connected with family heritage while growing confidently in the Netherlands.
Reading & Curiosity
Experience familiar languages through books, stories and interaction.
Multilingual Confidence
Celebrate different languages as complementary parts of a child's world.
Become an ICIN Storyteller
The heart of ICIN Storytelling is our community. Volunteers who speak Indian languages help bring stories to life for children — sharing not only words, but expressions, humour, memories and culture.
Speak an Indian language and enjoy reading or interacting with children? We would love to hear from you.
Give one hour. Share one story. Keep a language connected to the next generation.
📅 2026 Storytelling Calendar
Find a Story. Find Your Language. Join Us at the Library.
📍 Eindhoven
Bibliotheek Eindhoven
📍 Veldhoven
Bibliotheek Veldhoven
📍 Utrecht
Bibliotheek Leidsche Rijn Centrum
Program dates and languages are planned in cooperation with the participating libraries. Please use the respective library link above for current registration information and any library-specific updates.
Coming in 2027
ICIN is working to bring the Indian Language Storytelling initiative to more cities. The complete 2027 storytelling calendar will be published here once planning is finalized.
How Storytelling Works
Choose Your Session
Find your city, date and Home Language in the calendar.
Register
Sessions are free, but advance registration through the library is required.
Visit the Library
Come to the participating library at the scheduled time.
Enjoy the Story
Listen, participate and experience the language together.
Continue at Home
Explore Indian-language children's books available through the library.
Bring Indian Language Storytelling to Your Library
Is your library interested in Indian-language storytelling, Home Language activities or expanding access to Indian-language children's books?
ICIN welcomes collaboration with public libraries across the Netherlands.
Our Storytelling & Books Journey
A glimpse of children, storytellers, families, books and libraries coming together through language.
Every Language Carries a Story.
Let's Make Sure the Next Generation Can Hear It.
ICIN Indian Language Storytelling & Home Language Initiative