Diversity at NVDPL

The North Vancouver District Public Library welcomes newcomers of all ages. Employees of the Library can help people with basic things such as where to vote, how to apply for various government programs, introduce their children to Canadian culture through rhymes, songs and stories at storytimes, assistance in learning English, how to apply for citizenship, and how to look for jobs. In addition to the everyday activities librarians help out with, there is an extensive collection for newcomers of all ages which accommodates diversity.

> Citizenship guide and corresponding citizenship practice test

Collections in multiple languages

> Bilingual children’s collections (Books in English and a home language) of over 1,000 titles in 30 different languages

> In the adult collection there are substantial Farsi (200 plus) and Chinese language materials

> DVDs and Video in foreign languages

Community outreach

> Children’s Librarians visit Strong Start Centres, preschools and daycare, health clinics, kindergartens and classrooms to tell parents and children about the services available to them at their public library.

> The Library provides a mobile library service to Seniors residences and individual homes who cannot get out

> Immigrant PALS - NVDPL is a founding community partner in the North Shore Persian immigrant PALS (Parents as Literacy Support) program .

> We support international and ELL students through extensive book and language collections and English language learning resources from CDs to DVDs.

> We apply for grants and host "Book Buddies" – a language and literacy mentoring program for new immigrants and language learners from Kindergarten to Grade 7.

First Nations Programs at Parkgate and Capilano Libraries

> Parkgate Library delivers a programme twice a month at the Child and Family Centre, for both native and non-native children from birth to five years old.

> Capilano’s Children’s Librarian does monthly storytimes for Xwenelch'stn First Nations

> Children’s Librarians sit on several community boards and committees to promote literacy initiatives to First Nations and immigrant populations with such partners as Multicultural North Shore, North Vancouver School Board, Early Childhood Network, District Literacy providers, and health care workers.