A Hong Kong storyteller who has proudly called Warrington home for over three years is organising two special community workshops at Westbrook Library this February.
The events are designed to celebrate cultural connection, creativity, and the remarkable community-led revival of the much-loved local library.
On Saturday, 14 February, Ywing Yeung will be delivering Chinese New Year storytelling workshops for children and families, with sessions in both English and Cantonese (15 children per session). These workshops introduce families to Chinese New Year myths, traditions, and intergenerational customs, ending with a hand-crafted keepsake for children to take home.
In addition, on 20 February, she is collaborating with respected local writer and poet David Horner to host a Creative Writing Workshop for ages 8–80 (maximum 20 places). David is a highly regarded professional writer and tutor who regularly teaches creative writing in local schools and has published multiple books. Together, they will guide participants to build confidence, explore imagination, and enjoy creating their own original writing in a fun and supportive environment.
All proceeds from both workshops, after basic costs, will be donated directly back to Westbrook Library, helping to support its day-to-day running. These events are more than cultural and educational activities, they are a practical example of how community-led programming can contribute to the library’s long-term sustainability.
Ywing said: “This timing is especially meaningful. After facing potential closure due to council cost-cutting — and following strong public opposition including schoolchildren’s protests — Westbrook Library has now reopened under community management, led by volunteer group Westbrook Library Friends CIC. Operated by volunteers with reduced council support, the library is now working hard to become self-sufficient with help from donation. Thoough I am not one of the committee members, but help organising these workshops represent an important milestone in its next chapter, repositioning the library as a vibrant centre for culture, creativity, and connection.
“We are keen to spread the word and invite wider public participation, not only for these workshops, but to encourage more residents to see Westbrook Library as a place where ideas, cultures, and community-led events can thrive.
“I believe this reflects powerful local themes of resilience, cultural diversity, and grassroots action, which will strongly resonate with Warrington audiences.”
Ywing is a professional storyteller from Hong Kong with a passion for engaging young audiences through storytelling. Since 2020, she has been delivering bilingual storytelling workshops in
libraries, schools, shopping malls and bookstores, both inperson
and online.
She also offers workshops and seminars for parents and educators, playgroups for younger children exploring how storytelling can support children’s development and learning, Ywing’s bilingual story-induced playgroups provide a fun and interactive way for children to connect with language and imagination.
Alongside her work, she volunteers her storytelling services, sharing the joy and benefits of storytelling with communities of all backgrounds. Her approach combines creativity, education, and a love for storytelling, sharing the lasting influence of good stories, helping children develop both language skills and a lifelong appreciation for stories.
Workshop bookings can be made by CLICKING HERE
