Tanara Oliveira/News Staff
As Canadian Library Month unfolds throughout October, the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) extends a warm invitation to the community to discover its array of enriching programs and services.
Library month is an annual celebration that highlights the vital role libraries play in the lives of Canadians. The focus of this year’s theme, “Libraries for Life,” is on how libraries engage people at every stage of life by providing a lifelong source of information, inspiration, and community.
GVPL public services librarian Fatima Ferreira highlights the library’s dedication to offering something for everyone, from special collections and thought-provoking exhibits to engaging contests, early literacy programs and easily accessible publications.
“For Canadian Library Month, we’re highlighting ways our community can engage with the library,” said Ferreira. “Whether you’re an avid library user or someone who has never visited us, Canadian Library Month is a great time to discover something new at the library.”
Three things Ferreira recommends learning more about are the Blackspace Library, the Indigenous Reads displays, and the Indigenous Stories Book Club. The virtual book club, hosted by Carmen Rodriguez de France, Assistant Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria, focuses on the works of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as a pathway to explore Indigenous history, culture, and ways of being.
The Indigenous Reads exhibit, which features works by Indigenous authors and producers, is a noteworthy feature found in all GVPL branches. The Blackspace Library, a joint initiative between the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and multidisciplinary artist Kemi Craig, is also housed in the library with pride.
“Promoting a sense of belonging by ensuring library collections and services mirror the diverse interests, perspectives, and experiences of our communities while also providing access to information that can help our communities learn about the identities of others is a priority,” said Ferreira.
According to Stephanie Marston, public services librarian, two noteworthy offerings to explore during Canadian Library Month are the Tiny Stories Contest and GVPL’s Emerging Local Authors Collection.
“GVPL developed the Emerging Local Authors Collection to celebrate Greater Victoria’s rich writing culture. To date, 1,300 unique titles and over 900 authors have been showcased in this annual collection, with featured authors ranging in age from six to 90-plus. Print books from the 2023 Emerging Local Authors Collection are displayed at our Central Branch. They can be placed on hold for pickup at any GVPL branch. And for all our local authors, we’re currently accepting applications for the 2024 Collection. Our Tiny Stories Contest, taking place until October 21, is also an amazing program for budding authors. If you’re 13 or older and can tell a captivating story in just 450 characters, this contest is for you. Entrants are eligible to win a gift card to a local bookstore,” said Marston.
GVPL highlights its early literacy programs throughout Canadian Library Month in order to encourage a love of reading and learning in young children. These run through December and feature Baby Time with Stay and Play and Indoor Family Storytimes. In addition, a number of outdoor Story Walks are planned for October and November, providing families with an engaging opportunity to explore engrossing stories in the great outdoors.
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