In December 2025, participants gathered at Terry Fox Library (Fraser Valley Regional Library) to celebrate the completion of a cycle of the Library Champions Project for newcomers in Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam. What began as a learning opportunity for participants became something much deeper; participants shared their experiences of the program and the connection, confidence, and sense of belonging that resulted.
The Library Champions Project, delivered in partnership with public libraries in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley including Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL), supports newcomers in discovering library and community resources and sharing that knowledge within their communities. For many participants, the experience transforms not only how they see the library and their communities but how they see themselves.
“The Library Is Not Just a Place — It’s a Community”
Several participants in the Maple Ridge / Port Coquitlam cycle of the Library Champions Project shared that when they first arrived in Canada, even getting a library card felt intimidating.
“When I first came to Canada, I was very afraid to get my first library card. But now I understand that the library is not just a place – it’s a community, like a family.”
Others described how the library supported them during challenging times – when they felt isolated or were adjusting to life in a new country.
“The library helped me during a very difficult time in my life… The library is the heart of this country. It helped me belong, grow, and find purpose.”
For many of the Library Champions, the library was a first point of access to reliable information, programs, and community connections.
Discovering a World of Resources
Many participants said they thought they already knew the library well before they joined the program.
“I realized I only knew the tip of the iceberg. There are so many layers and resources I hadn’t discovered.”
From résumé support and public computers to digital apps, English learning programs, story times, workshops, and outreach opportunities, participants deepened their understanding of what libraries have to offer.
One participant shared: “I thought the library was only a place to borrow books. This program completely changed my understanding. I learned about services, digital resources, and how libraries truly support newcomers.”
Building Confidence and New Skills
A powerful theme expressed by Library Champions in the Maple Ridge / Port Coquitlam cycle was confidence.
Participants spoke about arriving in Canada feeling shy, nervous, or unsure about speaking English. Through the Library Champions Project, many stepped into leadership roles giving presentations, writing articles, and helping others navigate library services.
“I lacked confidence and was nervous speaking to anyone… Most importantly, I gained confidence.”
“Through this program, I gained confidence in public speaking and gave presentations in my English class. I feel happy and proud that I can now help others.”
Another participant shared how their outreach efforts reached nearly 2,000 readers through Chinese-language media, helped community members sign up for library cards, and even inspired someone to join the next Library Champions cohort.
From Learning to Leadership
Library Champions didn’t just learn, they shared.
Participants helped other newcomers get library cards, wrote community articles, spoke one-on-one with classmates, and supported English learners in accessing digital tools and library apps. Many described feeling a renewed sense of purpose through outreach.
“It feels meaningful to help people through outreach.”
“Now I feel confident helping newcomers access information.”
For some Library Champions, the impact was so strong that it reshaped future goals.
“I even hope to change my career path and become a librarian one day.”
Reconnecting in a Digital World
In a time when so much interaction happens online, the Maple Ridge / Port Coquitlam cycle of the Library Champions Project created meaningful in-person connections.
“This program helped reconnect us physically and socially in a world where so much is virtual.”
Participants formed friendships, built networks, and found spaces where they could share experiences openly.
“Joining this program helped me make new friends and feel more connected in Canada.”
A Heartfelt Thank You
Throughout the celebration, participants expressed deep gratitude to library staff, the Library Champions Project Facilitator, and one another.
They spoke of lifelong learning, appreciation for communication, and the importance of welcoming spaces where people from different backgrounds can grow together.
“This program showed me the importance of communication and of spaces like the library, where we can learn, meet different people, and grow together.”
Libraries as Gateways to Belonging
The Library Champions Project demonstrates what many newcomers discover: libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are gateways to information, confidence, opportunity, and community.
For these Library Champions in Maple Ridge and Port Coquitlam, the journey from uncertainty to belonging was shaped by shared learning, leadership, and connection.
As one participant beautifully said:
“Through this program, I strengthened my sense of belonging to Vancouver and to Canada.”
We congratulate the Library Champions for completing the cycle and thank Fraser Valley Regional Library for continuing to create welcoming spaces where newcomers can thrive.
If you’re new to British Columbia and haven’t explored your local library yet, your journey might begin with something as simple as a library card and grow into something much bigger.
Join the Library Champions Project!
NewToBC, in partnership with Fraser Valley Regional Library, will run a cycle of the Library Champions Project for newcomers living in Langley (City and Township) in Fall 2026.
To learn more and to register for the information session for the Fall 2026 cycle in Langley, please visit the Library Champions Project registration page on the NewToBC website, follow this link, or scan the QR code in the poster below.
