NewToBC is celebrating our 10th year. These years have humbled us. The contributions our newcomers have made to our libraries, communities, and country is uplifting. Immigrants have a strong desire to connect to their new homes, and public libraries are the easiest, most accessible starting point. It costs nothing to enter, there are no costs to borrow, and everything in the library is available to the public without prejudice to everyone. Our journey ten years ago started with a question: How can we help newcomers connect to the information they need to settle in BC?
How did NewToBC begin?
PEERS Employment & Education Resources Inc. researched to inform the ULSP (Urban Library Settlement Project) activities they might take on. One element of the research was to host focus groups with newcomers. In one, two women shared how they wanted every new immigrant to understand what libraries offer. They said they would tell every newcomer about libraries if they could. They wouldn’t know it at the time, but their words shaped the beginnings of a core component of NewToBC: the Library Champions Project.
“I have shared with several people who are yet to be moved to Canada about how helpful the Surrey Libraries has been to me. I got to know that beyond the good environment to sit and read and relax; there are other services that are helpful to newcomers. Now I refer every newcomer to Surrey / BC / Canada to go to the library as early as they can.”
Following the approval of the Steering Committee (comprised of Chief Librarians from local Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley library systems), a website and its resources were created, the social media engagement began, and the Library Champions program was piloted through the Surrey Library. It was a success. In 10 years, the program grew to reach immigrants through libraries across Metro Vancouver and now BC.
“As a newcomer, sometimes I feel so lonely in this country because everything is strange for me. Being a Library Champion, it allows me to connect with my community and make some friends; meanwhile, I have gained meaningful Canadian volunteer experience, which will help me while I am looking for a job. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience for me.”
What is NewToBC?
NewToBC connects immigrants to the information they need to settle in BC. We do this in 3 ways:
- The Library Champions Project (LCP) teaches immigrants about library and settlement services, programs, and resources. Training sessions help immigrants build communication and presentation skills, develop a deeper understanding of their new community, and make friends and connections. In addition, library Champions share their knowledge to help other newcomers access library and settlement programs and services.
“Becoming a library champion gives me the opportunity to help more people like me. New immigrants are helpless when faced with a new environment. I remember being frustrated when I first came to Canada because I didn’t know where to start, and I didn’t have access to resources. But through the Library Champion Project, I learned a lot of new knowledge and methods of finding resources. Although some of the services I’m not familiar with, I appreciate having so much information that we can share.”
- We maintain the website and its online resources to help immigrants and the people who help immigrants have access to accurate and up-to-date settlement information. Library, settlement and immigration news and events are sourced and posted weekly.
“I got to know all kinds of local resources; I found a key to open a new life; I can study here, find a job, make friends, and take part in meaningful activities.”
- We use social media to support newcomers to actively participate in their communities. Workshops, language and employment training, festivals, concerts, job fairs, and more are shared through our channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
In 2022 – 2023, Library Champions shared more than 650 posts on various social media platforms, including ethnic social media platforms, to promote the project and its mission. The Library Champions project has made nearly 2.5 million impressions on social media platforms.
What have we accomplished in 10 years?
We are proud to highlight these achievements of the last 10 years.
- 2,100 Library Champions have trained to learn and share with others about library programs, services, and resources. As a result, they have connected 108,000 other newcomers to their local library.
- We have created a comprehensive website to provide settlement information for newcomers connecting them to the right resources in their communities.
- We deliver Community Dialogues to provide insight into immigrant settlement and integration issues in communities across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley – check our website to learn about our 2023 Dialogue Series.
- We developed information sheets in 29 languages to help newcomers understand libraries in BC.
- We are updating our English Language Learning materials.
Other Surprising Facts
- Library Champions are highly educated professionals contributing to our program and our economy.
- Library Champions come from over 58 countries across the world.
- Library Champions have connected newcomers to libraries across BC.
Here’s to another 10 years
NewToBC, like our libraries, is a point of connection for newcomers. NewToBC offers a one-stop access point for newcomers to start their settlement journey in BC. We have watched immigrants flounder, then gain their footing with the resources we provide. We have witnessed their growth as they stretch into their new role of becoming contributing Canadians. And we have been touched deeply by their contributions to helping others find their way to their library and community. With grateful hearts, we look forward to growing and stretching to meet the needs of our newcomers.