Library Champions, a three-month online volunteer project that connects new immigrants to the library and the community, is recruiting for a new cycle in February, in collaboration with the local Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast libraries (Bowen Island, Gibsons and District, Lillooet, Pemberton and District, Powell River, Sechelt, Squamish and Whistler). The Library Champions Project (LCP), which has trained 1,800 new immigrants who have reached out to over 100,000 people throughout the Lower Mainland over the past 10 years, is now expanding throughout B.C.
The Library Champions Project is a part of a NewToBC initiative which aims to connect new immigrants with the information they need to settle in B.C. This project, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and managed by Public Library InterLINK, is open to permanent residents of Canada who are interested in developing their English, communication and networking skills and want to give back to the community. Library Champions will learn about the range of programs, services, and resources available through libraries and community agencies within the region and share that information with other new immigrants.
Library Champions also make new friends and gain confidence. As a previous participant commented: “…I learned so much and am so grateful for this experience. It helped me see my blind spots and learn new skills. I got to familiarize myself with so many resources. I developed my network, and I even opened some doors for my professional development.”
An information session for interested participants will be held on Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/3trx6v2d
To learn more about the Library Champions Project and to access numerous other settlement resources, visit the NewToBC website: https://newtobc.ca.
