It’s Never Too Late to Fulfill a Lifelong Dream
Being a librarian was my first dream profession when I was teenager. Later my career took a different path and this dream was, for a time, forgotten. I have worked all over the world, and then moved to Langley after my company sent me to Canada. While in Langley, I gravitated back towards what I longed for – being connected to libraries. In the Fall of 2020, I had the opportunity to participate in the Langley Library Champions Project. This helped me fulfill my lifelong dream, but also profoundly helped me grow in several ways.
I Learned What Libraries in BC Have to Offer for Newcomers
The Library Champions Project trained us to reach out to other new immigrants. The training sessions focused on building communication, presentation, and outreach skills to share information about the range of programs, services and resources that are available in libraries and in the community. We then had to develop a three-month outreach plan to share this information with friends, family, and the community.
I Trusted My Instincts
Outreach does not come naturally to me. Once I had this training, I found it easier to communicate with others and share the information that I had learned about the libraries. I learned to communicate in the face of fear and found that people were quite receptive to what I had to share. I learned to leverage what I had and to be consistent and continuous in my efforts. I learned to trust my instincts in the needs of my audience and tried to be at the right place at the right time.
I Let Go of My Assumptions
I let go of assumptions that I had as well. I thought, “Who would not know that a library card is free?” Later, I found people surprised to learn this and realized that I had to take away my assumptions and not rush to conclusions. I love sharing what libraries have to offer. I share that my family and I visit the library to borrow books, but that there are other resources that we like to use as well. My home library is a part of the Fraser Valley Regional Library system (FVRL). Like other library systems in the region, there are workshops, online courses, language learning, and so much more. Furthermore, it’s a place for people to meet and connect.
I Learned New Ways of Communicating
I used social media as another form of outreach. I would share information with my friends, and online groups. I found that being organic and having a personal touch is important. When I share information with others, I share my own dream of working with libraries, and find that my passion resonates with others.
I Opened Doors to Personal and Professional Opportunities
Throughout the Library Champions Project, I learned so much and am so grateful for this experience. It helped me see my blind spots and learn new skills. I got to familiarize myself with so many resources, I developed my network, and I even opened some doors for my professional development. I am now a member of Langley Local Immigration Partnership (Langley LIP) Immigrant Advisory Council (IAC). In this capacity together with other IAC members, we work with the project team to support the main table and their strategic plan development. What stands out for me is the opportunity to integrate in the community through active participation and contribution. I have also made a strategic career transition from the corporate world to the employment services sector.
I would strongly recommend the Library Champions Project to everyone, especially those who are new immigrants to Canada. I encourage newcomers to leverage the social and employment service resources available and actively volunteer in areas that are strategically aligned to their interests and careers.