My wife and I landed in Vancouver in 2010, after my son studied at a secondary school in Surrey. At the time, he lived with a very kind host family, but sometimes felt alone, so we made the decision to move to Burnaby to be together as a family. Shortly after, I discovered the Burnaby Public Library and all the community programs in place to help newcomers like me.
Connection and Confidence in Your New Home
This was where I got my first non-government-issued card: a library card. I feel at home in the library; in China, I was an academic researcher and journalist. The books connected me to my new home, and the programs gave me confidence to venture out into my new community. In 2014, I applied to become a Library Champion and invited other newcomers to the library to help them gain the confidence I was able to find there.
While I was a Library Champion, I learned of an opportunity to volunteer for the Burnaby Public Library Board. I applied, failed, applied again the following year, and was lucky enough to be selected. Ever since, I have served the Burnaby Public Library Board and Planning and Advocacy Committee.
Our team is great, and the board members are very professional, accountable and friendly. We work together to ensure our library connects with the increasingly diverse community of Burnaby by creating a new strategic plan for the next few years, initiating an operating budget and planning many projects. Our hope is to create a welcoming space for newcomers and ethnic communities.
Resources for Everyone
There are a lot of resources in libraries to suit the many personal and community needs. For newcomers like me, I feel that the library is the best place to practice ESL. Also, libraries are effective hubs to network or attend job fairs. You can grow your confidence in BC libraries through the variety of workshops and resources available.
This year I was honoured to become an InterLINK representative in the role of governance and planning. The InterLINK system in BC is quite amazing. This library service supports public libraries through resource sharing and collaborative programs. For example, patrons can borrow books from one library, and return them to any other library in the Lower Mainland. It is quite convenient. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of our libraries.
Dreams and the Future
In addition to my roles with BC public libraries, I am revisiting my first career as a freelance writer focusing on oral history – my first degree was in Art and History. I am a columnist of Chinese magazines in Hongkong, Beijing and Shanghai, and I have published many reports and a few books. My dream is to write articles and books in English in the near future. I am taking advantage of library resources, especially the many Chinese books available in the public libraries, to finish my first oral history book. I plan to publish in Shanghai and Hongkong this year.
Before my move to Canada, I looked forward to making a different life for myself. I think the biggest challenge for me was balancing how much I should hold onto my past with how well I connect to this bright future in my new home. My roots include ties with my families, old friends, past careers and traditional cultures. After living in Canada for years, I think I have found this balance.
I love the diversity in Burnaby. It is a great community with different ethnic groups who are able to celebrate their food, traditions and culture while enjoying their daily lives together. I believe freedom of humanity is the core value for Canadians and newcomers.
Recently, I realized that life is short, and the clock is ticking. It is better to follow our hearts, and act on it. Do what you really want and enjoy what you truly love. Don’t hesitate. Whatever it is that your heart desires, just do it right now.