A volunteer initiative that aims to help new immigrants connect to their newfound communities through libraries is coming to the Sea to Sky.
Dubbed "Library Champions," the three-month online project is recruiting for a new cycle in February, in collaboration with local libraries in Pemberton, Squamish and Whistler, as well as a handful of Sunshine Coast communities.
The program 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," according to a release. "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."
The Library Champions Project is working to expand throughout B.C., after spending the last decade training 1,800 new immigrants who have reached out to over 100,000 people across the Lower Mainland region.
The project is federally funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and managed by Public Library InterLINKworks, operating under the NewToBC umbrella.
Ultimately, Library Champions says it strives to help its participants make new friends and gain confidence. The experience "helped me see my blind spots and learn new skills," noted one former participant in the release. "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 Thursday, Feb 3 at 6:30 p.m. For more details about the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast Library Champions cycle, register for the session HERE.
