Twelve years ago, the Library Champions Project (LCP) began as a new initiative to connect newcomers to their community with the resources available through public libraries and settlement organizations. Since its inception, the program has flourished, reaching thousands of people and creating lasting connections between newcomers, libraries, and communities. Branka has been an integral part of the Library Champions Project as a Facilitator since inception. “It has been a journey of learning, growth and connection. Twelve years of fun, learning, meeting and working with extraordinary people. I am not only talking about unbelievably intelligent, educated and committed newcomers who volunteer as Library Champions; but also about compassionate, wise and friendly members of Library Champion team, Public Library Interlink and our amazing librarians. Truly, 12 years of teamwork that a person can only desire for. It’s like winning a work lottery.”
The Growth of the Library Champions Project
Over the past 12 years, the Library Champions Project has reached and empowered thousands of newcomers, thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and the support of BC’s public libraries. Since 2012:
- 2,559 newcomers have volunteered as Library Champions.
- Library Champions have reached an astounding 127,045 people in their communities.
- 2,656,607 individuals have been reached through social media outreach and online engagement.
These numbers represent more than just statistics; they reflect the ripple effect of the program, where each Library Champion shares their knowledge, helping others integrate and feel at home in Canada.
“The initial enthusiasm and belief in this project never wavered, on the contrary, it grew with time, and not only amongst the NewToBC team members, but librarians, settlement workers and newcomers themselves,” Branka shared.
What Makes Libraries in BC Special?
“Libraries in BC are welcoming spaces, free for all to enjoy, spaces of exploring, learning, gathering, connecting. Libraries in BC are what makes our cities and neighbourhoods feeling like home for so many of us.
Many Library Champions are in awe once they learn about the depth of services that libraries offer. Many enroll as Library Champions because they love books and reading, but after taking LCP training, the usual comments are: ‘Wow, this is so much more than I ever dreamed about. This is so different from the libraries in my country of origin.’”
One Champion commented on being so surprised to hear children playing and laughing in the library. In many countries libraries are serious places for academics, while in BC the programs, events, data bases, learning resources, and study rooms are almost unreal to newcomers. So many things in the libraries are free of charge and accessible to all.”
Helping Newcomers Adapt to Life in Canada
“There are many libraries in BC offering many ways to help newcomers adapt to Canada. Most offer updated and accurate information about community settlement resources, some even have settlement workers serving newcomers in the library. Most libraries offer English learning resources, English practice groups, even English Language Learner (ELL) book clubs. There are databases and other resources related to career planning and finding work, including free use of computers, workshops, and more. And it’s all free and, in the case of digital resources, available 24/7.”
The Role of Librarians: Compassion and Support
“From the start, librarians have been an integral part of the Library Champions Project. Chief Librarians gathered 12 years ago to support and develop the idea of NewToBC and the Library Champions Project and have since dedicated one to three librarians to assist with the project. After 12 years of working together, I can’t imagine sessions without librarians connecting with Champions—sharing knowledge, information, and support. Some even provide personal mentorship to project participants. Throughout these years, I’ve been supported by many friendly, approachable, and people-oriented librarians. Yes, they love books, but more importantly, they genuinely care about people. I’ve never met a librarian who wasn’t empathetic and compassionate. I owe them great experiences and a wealth of learning.”
A Lasting Impact
“There is a lasting impact on newcomers, when the opportunity arises in which they can help someone else. They can utilize their skills or newly acquired knowledge to help someone else. That transition from being welcomed and supported, from feeling like a guest in someone else’s country, to becoming a host, welcoming, and helping others. Being a Library Champion is more than volunteering; it is about empowerment, connection, and community building. It truly is a journey of learning, growth, and connection.”
Challenges and Barriers for Newcomers in BC
“I do hear many more newcomers expressing their frustrations about finding meaningful work in BC. It seems that finding a job in their profession became much harder in the recent couple years than before. Unfortunately, many of the highly skilled and highly educated professionals still work in low paid jobs.
From conversations with Library Champions, common challenges newcomers face include:
- Loneliness and lack of extended family or social support
- Expensive housing
- Cultural differences and adapting to new norms
- Language barriers and learning English
- Finding professional jobs and lack of Canadian work experience
- Passing a road test and navigating transportation systems
However, newcomers also highlight the joys of living in BC, such as:
- Clean air and stunning nature
- Government-funded settlement services
- Friendly, respectful, and welcoming Canadians,
- And, the multicultural diversity of BC, allowing them to meet people from all over the world, seems to be the top of the list of joys for all newcomers”
Advice for Newcomers Moving to BC
“Being a newcomer can be challenging at times, intimidating and very lonely. In these hard moments, take same time to walk into a nearby park, find a trail in the forest, look at the ocean while sitting at the beach or take a picture of a wildflower. Here in BC, we are surrounded by nature that heals with its powerful beauty.”
Personal Impact of the Library Champions Project
“I learned a lot from the librarians, Library Champions, and our team members over the years. Everyone who touched my life in this project taught me something new. I grew as a person with this project. I got excited each time I started a new cycle. I was lucky to meet a new group of extraordinary people every time we started a new group. Working in this project never actually felt like work. It gave me so much joy, love, and connection with people from all over the world. It really has been a journey of learning, growth, and connection.
I would like to extend my gratitude, respect and love to every single Library Champion, librarian, chief librarian, community worker, my colleagues and team members, and my family for supporting me and taking part in my happy LCP years.”