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We Won! BCLA Award for Programs and Services

Posted on: May 25, 2016

The Library Champions Project recently won the British Columbia Library Association(BCLA) Award for Programs and Services!

The Library Champions Project was created as a new approach to help newcomers learn about the services available at local libraries. Immigrant volunteers are trained to connect with other newcomers in their community to share their passion for public libraries and raise awareness of the wealth of resources that libraries offer, such as:

  • Books in languages other than English
  • English language practice groups
  • Resume and cover letter writing workshops
  • Programs for children
  • Games nights, and
  • Many other activities and events that create welcoming communities and connections

In the past three years, this project has trained 600 new immigrants who have connected with 50,000+ newcomers!

The training program focuses on how newcomers can draw on their language skills, cultural knowledge, and understanding of the immigrant experience to personally and individually connect with newcomers. In short, newcomers ‘get it.’ Who better to articulate what services are best suited to each individual or cultural group?

LibraryChampionsThe ripple effect of this training program is vast. Newcomers who participate become more confident in giving public presentations, they build strong community networks, they have opportunity to practice spoken and written English, and they offer meaningful contribution to the settlement of newcomers. This is truly apparent at each year’s Library Champion Celebration. Participants of the project share their successes and celebrate their friendships. The room fills with warmth, camaraderie and laughter.

This project has touched on each of the BCLA Values Statements. It is the effort of newcomers, staff and administration at NewToBC libraries, staff and administration at settlement service provider organizations across Metro Vancouver, and our federal government funder (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada).

What a feeling to be recognized for this collaborative effort of helping newcomers transition to their new life. Cheers to the continuation of this project and the deepening of connections we make along the way.