Whether you need help settling in, improving your English, or finding a sense of community, the North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) is for you! With a variety of services designed to support newcomers, the library is a welcoming space for learning, connection, and fun.
North Vancouver: A Diverse and Growing Community
North Vancouver is home to a vibrant mix of cultures. NewToBC, using census 2021 data, found that over 30% of North Vancouver’s population consists of immigrants, with the largest newcomer communities coming from Iran, the Philippines, and China. This diversity brings richness to the city, and the library plays an essential role in supporting and celebrating this multicultural community.
A Library That Feels Like Home
“Libraries are more than just books—they are places where people can learn, grow, and connect,” says Alison, a librarian from NVDPL. “We are always here to help, whether it’s finding the right resources or just offering a friendly conversation.”
At NVDPL, newcomers can access English language learning materials, multilingual collections, computer and internet access, and settlement resources. The library also hosts programs such as conversation circles, book clubs, and cultural events where people can meet others and practice their English in a relaxed setting.
Library Champions Project: A Program That Makes a Difference
One of the most exciting initiatives for newcomers is the Library Champions Project (LCP). This program trains immigrants to become volunteers who help other newcomers discover the benefits of the public library. Champions learn about library services and share this knowledge with their communities. It’s a great way to build confidence, make new friends, and develop leadership skills.
Alison is a library staff member who has participated in LCP for many years. “Along with colleagues from the North Vancouver City Library (NVCL) and the West Vancouver Memorial Library (WVML), I attend some of the training sessions to introduce Library Champions to our services and resources, and to answer questions. Sometimes, we offer a tour of one of our branches for this purpose.”
Alison writes: “The LCP is important for the community of North Vancouver because it allows the library to reach out to newcomers who may not be aware of library resources:
- It reaches people we might not otherwise have access to
- It gives newcomers a personal introduction to the library, and
- It helps newcomers integrate into the community.”
For newcomers, navigating a new system can be difficult. The LCP helps bridge this gap, ensuring that more people are aware of the free resources available to them. For libraries, the project strengthens connections with diverse communities and ensures that services are reaching those who need them most.
“The benefits of the LCP for newcomers living in North Vancouver are numerous:
- It gives Library Champions an opportunity to volunteer in their community
- It provides Library Champions new skills & can help lead to employment opportunities
- It introduces newcomers to services and resources that can help them on their settlement journey
- It helps newcomers find out about, and attend library programs and builds a sense of community”
“I love attending the celebrations at the end of the sessions, and the larger InterLINK wide celebration each year. I am always impressed with the accomplishments of the Library Champions! I very much enjoy getting to know some new faces, and hearing about their experience with and passion for the public library,” Alison says.
Visit Your Library Today!
If you’re new to North Vancouver, visiting the library is a great first step in your journey. Whether you’re looking for books in your native language, free programs, or simply a quiet place to read, NVDPL welcomes you. To learn more about services for newcomers, visit NVDPL’s website or drop by your local branch.
