Libraries are community hubs where people can connect with neighbours and make use of free learning opportunities. They are education centres where learning is plentiful and free, employment training centres where people can get help with their job needs, online databases with newspapers and magazines from all over the world, and so much more than the book-lending institutions of the past.
Made to Fit Your Community
Each library throughout Metro Vancouver has grown directly from the needs of their neighbourhood. Programs and other resources are specifically tailored to each community.
For example, Surrey is the province’s second-largest city by population in BC. This Metro Vancouver community attracts a large number of immigrants every year. According to Census 2016, Surrey’s total population was 517,887 and 43% immigrant residents.
In order to assist their diverse demographics, the Surrey Libraries offers many services and resources for their newcomer populations. These resources are free of charge with your Library Card – an easy to access membership.
Free Resources For You
The Surrey Libraries website offers around 50 different languages to choose from. So borrowers can find books in their native languages with collections in Chinese, French, Hindi, Punjuabi and Spanish.
Specific workshops for newcomers include, but are not limited to:
English Conversation – practice speaking English in a fun and friendly group setting. All English language learners welcome.
English Conversation Program (Advanced) – practice speaking English and improve your conversation skills if you want to continue past your basic-intermediate English language skills.
ESL Book Club – Practice your English and make friends while you practice reading, speaking, and listening in English. Readers are welcome at any level from beginners to advanced.
Settlement Services for Newcomers – get help finding a place to live, getting a job in your field, learning about the services for newcomers, and more.
Technology Help – one to one technology help in a friendly atmosphere to help with questions about: computer basics, tablet basics, and cyber safety basics.
Additionally, the Surrey Libraries offer tax clinics, yoga workshops, storytime programs, movies, tutoring programs, and more. No matter how young or old you are, what language you speak, your income, nationality, or religion, there really is something for everyone. It’s no wonder why libraries are the first point of contact for newcomers to Canada.