The Library Champions Project Changed the Way I Feel about Canada, My New Home

A Sense of Belonging

Yesterday marked the final gathering of the “Library Champion Project”, a journey that has been part of my life for the past three months.

Looking back, I realized that what I gained was far more than learning about library services. I discovered how a country can create a true sense of belonging through its libraries. Many people think a library is simply a place to borrow and return books. In Canada, it’s so much more. It’s a community hub. It’s where people learn English, join book clubs, attend workshops, volunteer, bring their children to play LEGO, make new friends, and sometimes even rediscover hope.

A library isn’t just about books. It’s about connecting people. For newcomers arriving in a completely unfamiliar country, that connection can make all the difference.

A Unique Project and a Unique Country

During conversations with classmates from around the world, I had an important realization. This project is something unique and probably only Canada could make it happen because Canada is home to people from every corner of the world. Although we come from different cultures, speak different languages, and have different backgrounds, we all share one life experience: We left our homes to start over. That shared journey allows us to understand each other’s fears, uncertainties, dreams, and hopes in a way that’s difficult to explain. It’s something truly special.

An Opportunity to Redesign Your Life

We talked about today’s job market in Canada. Everyone agreed that finding a job is challenging—even for Canadians. When it was my turn to share, I talked about my own entrepreneurial journey. It doesn’t always have to be sending out hundreds of resumes.

If your financial situation allows, perhaps this is also an opportunity to pause and ask yourself:

What am I truly good at?

What kind of life do I really want to build?

Immigration isn’t just moving to another country. Sometimes, it’s an opportunity to redesign your life. Self-employment isn’t the answer for everyone. But giving yourself permission to explore your strengths and purpose might be one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Yura Shister, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Representing Taiwan

One of my proudest moments throughout this project was being the only participant from Taiwan. 

Whenever people introduced me, they would say, “Oh, you’re from Taiwan!” At that moment, I realized I wasn’t just representing myself. I was representing Taiwan. Through sharing my culture, my experiences, and my presentations, I had the opportunity to introduce Taiwan to people from all over the world. Several participants told me that my presentation inspired them. That meant a lot to me. Not because I wanted recognition, but because I knew I was helping more people discover Taiwan.

An Incredible Journey

One of the library staff shared that she has been running this program for 13 years. She said, “This is the one project I never want to give up.” After these three months, I completely understand why. Because this program isn’t simply about providing services. It creates connection. It creates belonging. It creates hope.

If you’ve recently moved to Canada and don’t know where to start…

If you don’t know who to ask…

Or if you’re simply feeling lonely…

Walk into your nearest public library. You may think you’re only borrowing a book. But you might leave with a new friendship, a new opportunity, a new perspective, or even a new beginning.

Thank you to everyone I met throughout this incredible journey. Thank you to the library staff who dedicate themselves to building stronger communities. And thank you, Canada, for reminding me that sometimes the most meaningful public spaces aren’t just buildings. They’re places where people find connection, purpose, and a true sense of belonging.