NewToBC

NewToBC supports the planning, development, promotion, and delivery of library-based and other settlement services for newcomer immigrants and refugees in British Columbia. NewToBC does this in three unique ways.

• The Library Champions Project is a volunteer program for immigrants. Through a series of training sessions, Library Champions learn about library and settlement services, programs, and resources. They also build communication and presentation skills, learn about different cultures, gain volunteer experience and local references, increase their confidence, develop a deeper understanding of their new community, and make friends and connections. Trained Library Champions share this knowledge and help other newcomers access library and settlement programs and services.
• The recently redesigned NewToBC website ensures that immigrants and the people who help immigrants have access to accurate and up-to-date settlement information. The team works with its library and community partners to regularly review and update these resources. Regularly updated resources include:
• an inventory of Immigrant and Refugee Programs and Services in communities across the Mainland / Southwest region;
• a Settling in BC: Questions and Answers resource that provides links to credible information on a range of settlement-related topics;
• information about public libraries in communities across the region including library hours and locations and news and events;
• Collections in Different Languages is an inventory of materials in different languages held at different libraries;
• a database of English Language Learning Materials organized by language skill, by level, and by type of material; and
• Community Immigrant Demographic Profiles for cities in and around Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
• NewToBC uses social media to support newcomers to actively participate in their communities. New immigrants and others follow our channels to learn about and register for workshops, language and employment training, festivals, concerts, job fairs, and more! The NewToBC social media channels have thousands of followers. The team posts daily to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn. Start following us today!

NewToBC was established by the Government of British Columbia in 2012. NewToBC is currently funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. NewtoBC is managed by Public Library InterLINK. 

For more information on NewToBC, please contact Ben Hart, NewToBC Project Coordinator, at ben.hart@newtobc.ca and / or visit the NewToBC website.