“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” – George Bernard Shaw
Merih Ekici moved to Canada in December 2015 with her family. She found the Library Champions Project through a Google search after volunteering in her son’s school library. She had enjoyed this library experience so much she was considering a career change and she wanted to ensure this was the right career path for her. After volunteering as a Library Champion with the Burnaby Public Library, she decided it, indeed, was.
What made you decide to change your career from computer programmer to library technician?
At the age of 17, I wasn’t very sure about what to study. My parents had an effect on my decision to study computer engineering. After working in the tech industry for 9 years, I came to a realization that I wanted to do something in which I can use both my social and technical skills. When we moved to Canada, I wasn’t sure about what career I wanted to pursue, so I volunteered at a number of places: a preschool, a recycling organization, my son’s school library, and a stroke recovery centre. I felt happiest in my son’s school library. To make the final decision, I searched for volunteer opportunities in BC libraries and found the Library Champions Project. The program taught me so much about libraries in BC and I knew I had found my next career. I then decided to take the Library & Information Technology program offered through Langara College. I just started this program this September and I really feel like I’m on the right path.
Tell me about what you did as a Library Champion?
I presented information about public libraries to my English class at Langara College, I created Facebook posts in my Turkish Community Groups, I shared information about library services that I thought might be useful for my friends, and I handed out some flyers.
What was your most memorable moment during your time as a volunteer?
Langara Library is closed on weekends during summer and I had a lot of group projects. During my presentation at Langara, I told my classmates about the Vancouver Public Library’s study rooms. After that, some of my classmates started using these study rooms and I got great feedback from them. I felt very happy for being able to help.
What surprised you most about libraries in BC?
I think it is the concept of libraries. I mean, libraries in BC, unlike the ones in my country, are not buildings where people just borrow books or study. It is a place that serves community from all ages and all interest groups. Yes, you can borrow books, but you can also learn how to repair your bicycle from an expert, or you can join English practice circles to improve your English, or you can take your kids to watch a movie together. It is not hard to see that a team of wonderful people are working very hard in the background to help people engage in their community.
What is your favourite thing about libraries in BC?
As a mother of a 6-year-old I love the services for kids. In my opinion, education is the most important thing in a county’s development, and libraries in BC are carrying out a big responsibility by instilling the love of reading into the young generation.
What do you love most about living in Canada?
I love that the people here are respectful, helpful and welcoming. The majority of Canadians are what makes Canada a great country and volunteering is my way of saying thanks to them.
What do you wish you had known about prior to moving to Canada?
Actually we read a lot about Canada before moving so nothing made us have second thoughts about our decision. We are very happy here.