How Libraries and Immigrant-Serving Organizations Can Help You During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Learn all about the accessible online resources for you in 2021

Libraries and immigrant-serving organizations in BC should be the first point of contact for any newcomer to the province. Often, these organizations offer newcomers exactly what they need, free of charge. You may be surprised to learn of the many diverse resources available to you during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are new to Canada, or you know of someone who is trying to navigate their way during these tough times, please review and pass along this information.

Build Your Resilience

The North Vancouver City Library will host the Canadian Mental Health Association of North and West Vancouver in an informative program on building up your resiliency. This session will provide tips for building personal resiliency by cultivating a positive attitude, practicing healthy habits, and using self-care to stay grounded and mindful. This session will happen on February 3rd, 2021.

Learn About the Canadian Labour Market

DIVERSEcity offers several employment programs for immigrants and youth. Learn about the Canadian labour market, find educational and training opportunities, and prepare to enter the Canadian workforce. You will have support from the employment team! For more information, you can call (604) 597-0205 or email employmentprograms@dcrs.ca.

Further Your Education and Training

The North Vancouver District Public Library (NVDPL) will help you learn the ins and outs of Lynda.com – a website offering video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills. You will learn how to log in, overview the courses available, use tutorials and supplementary tools, and earn Lynda.com certifications. You can access Lynda.com with your NVDPL library card. This workshop will happen on February 25^th, 2021.

The Coquitlam Public Library, in partnership with ISSofBC, will help you in Understanding Your Education and Training Options. Before spending time and money on education or training, it is important to know what qualifications are desired by employers, and what options exist outside of traditional post secondary institutions. You will learn about free or low-cost training options as well as government-funded programs. This workshop will occur on February 9^th, 2021.

Plan a Small Business

Discover how to access statistical information sources to plan for your small business using Statistics Canada data. The workshop includes a tour and live demonstration on how to access information on the Statistics Canada website. This Finding Business Data on the Statistics Canada Website workshop is being offered through the Vancouver Public Library’s Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre on February 4^th, 2021.

ISSofBC is offering a COVID-19 Business Relief and Recovery program for specialized support during the current pandemic for entrepreneurs or individuals thinking of starting a business. They offer webinars on funding and financial relief, tax clinics, adapting and pivoting your business, and reopening your business safely. For newcomer entrepreneurs, they are offering risk mitigation plans, resource team support, one-on-one case management, and navigating COVID-19 challenges for women.

Build Financial Literacy

The West Vancouver Memorial Library, in partnership with Vancity are providing Financial Literacy for Newcomers. The first workshop covers choosing the right bank account, different methods of banking, and ways to reduce account and transaction fees. In the second session, you will learn about loans, credit cards, lines of credit, and how to build a good credit rating. The two Build Financial Literacy sessions will happen on January 28^th and February 4^th, 2021.

As always, this is just a snapshot of the options available to newcomers. If you’re looking for a specific program, please contact your local library or immigrant-service organization. If they do not have what you need, they will know who can assist you.