Surrey Libraries is a long-time partner of the Library Champions Project (LCP), a three-month volunteer program that teaches newcomers about library and settlement services. The partnership between Surrey Libraries and NewToBCshowcases a shared commitment to supporting newcomers to BC in their settlement journey. This initiative creates opportunities for learning, connection, and community building, and reinforces the role libraries play in fostering inclusivity and growth in BC.
Why Libraries Should Participate in the LCP
Participating in the LCP allows libraries to truly understand the experiences of newcomers. As Surrey Libraries librarian Ravi shared, “Being involved with the LCP gives me and library staff the opportunity to learn first-hand about the needs, successes, and challenges of newcomers, so that we can address these and provide relevant support.” This insight allows libraries to offer more tailored programs and resources, ensuring that newcomers receive the guidance they need.
The collaboration between NewToBC and library staff strengthens the program by leveraging collective knowledge, skills, and resources. Ravi notes, “the NewToBC team and library staff working together creates capacity, and their collective skills and resources create a stronger program.”Beyond the practical benefits, the LCP is a cultural learning experience for everyone involved. “I have learned more about other countries and cultures in this one program than from any other source, including the diversity and similarities that connect us all as human beings,” says Ravi. By participating, libraries become dynamic spaces of intercultural exchange, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect.
How the LCP Benefits Surrey’s Newcomers
The Library Champions Project is a truly unique initiative—“There’s no other program like it in the world,” says Ravi. It provides newcomers with both tangible and intangible skills that help them integrate into Canadian society. Participants develop practical skills in conversational English, Canadian culture, employment readiness, and community engagement. These skills create clear pathways for newcomers to participate in and contribute to their new home.
However, the benefits extend beyond skill-building. The program also nurtures a sense of belonging. Ravi notes, “understanding different cultures creates a welcoming and inclusive society where everyone feels valued and respected.” This cultural awareness is vital in a multicultural city like Surrey, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to build a shared future.
The transformational nature of the LCP cannot be overstated. The confidence and personal growth participants gain enable them to become active citizens. Ravi highlights this beautifully: “Fostering a sense of belonging and making their settlement journey easier to navigate empowers newcomers to become successful citizens in their community.” Many participants are eager to give back, using their talents and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.
Surrey Libraries: A Welcoming Space for Newcomers
Surrey Libraries offer a wide range of free resources designed to support newcomers and lifelong learners in the community. Their settlement services provide guidance on housing, healthcare, education, and other essential aspects of adjusting to life in Canada. Language learning programs, including English conversation circles and multilingual resources, help individuals improve their communication skills and connect with others. Job and business assistanceservices include resume workshops, career counseling, and access to business databases to help job seekers and entrepreneurs succeed. The library also hosts engaging events, such as cultural celebrations, author talks, and skill-building workshops, all fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement. Additionally, members have free access to an extensive collection of digital resources, including language learning apps, online courses, e-books, and research databases, ensuring that learning and self-improvement can continue at any time, from anywhere.
Building a Strong Canada
The Library Champions Project is more than just a program. “For me, the LCP confirms that newcomers are crucial to building a strong Canada that needs to affirm its role on the global stage,” says Ravi. It is a movement that transforms lives. Libraries that participate in the LCP not only support newcomers but also enrich their own staff and communities by fostering inclusivity, learning, and shared growth. As Ravi aptly put it, “It’s a transformational program that cultivates confidence and personal growth!” By continuing to support initiatives like the LCP, Surrey Libraries reaffirms its commitment to building a stronger, more welcoming Canada.