Determined to give new Canadians an easier transition, a Calgary man’s initiative to put a multicultural spin on free little libraries has reached Okotoks.
Syed Hassan, who moved to Canada from Pakistan in 2009, spearheaded Okotoks’ first Multicultural Little Free Library in partnership with the Town and public library.
The wooden structure - built in Hassan’s friend’s garage – is located at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Veterans Way in front of the municipal building, filled with books about other cultures in various languages with topics ranging from cooking to romance. A ceremony launching the initiative was held on Aug. 10.
“I was thinking about people coming everywhere to Canada, why not do something easily accessible so they have no difficulties,” Hassan said following the ceremony. “When you have books in French, different languages, people can enjoy. Newcomers find books to learn English.”
Last year, Hassan launched the Love with Humanity Association to spread love in humanity through community projects like seminars, coffee with seniors, Multicultural Free Public Outdoor Library and Outdoor Free Community Food Bank.
The Free Public Outdoor Library initiative originated in Hassan’s frontyard in northeast Calgary, complete with chairs and a coffee table, before he connected with municipalities and donated four of his little libraries to Calgary and one each to Chestermere, Cochrane and Airdrie.
“My mission is to do them everywhere in Alberta,” he said. “When I came here I faced difficulties. What I faced, I don’t want others to face.”
A strong supporter of the initiative is Lisa Degenstein, Foothills Community Immigrant Society (FCIS) team lead and settlement co-ordinator. The society provides settlement and integration support to immigrants and refugees across southern Alberta.
“Daily, I work with newcomers - immigrants coming from other countries to make Canada their home - and part of my role is to help them feel welcome and get connected to their community,” she said at the launch. “I believe this little library will play a part in both welcoming newcomers as well as making all residents of Okotoks feel included. This little library will provide an outlet for books representing other languages and cultures that can be shared with everyone.”
Degenstein said these types of resources reflect Okotoks’ growing diversity, while promoting literacy and adding to a walkable community.
“I look forward to the ability to refer newcomers to this community gem as a means to honour a community committed to diversity and inclusion,” she said.
With a love of reading, Mayor Bill Robertson, who recently picked up a book on financial analysis and Chicken Soup for the Soul at a free little library in Sundre, said Okotoks’ most recent mini library project is a wonderful example of multiculturalism and inclusivity in Okotoks.
“Having a free, multi-language book exchange available to our residents is a great way to recognize and embrace all cultures while building tolerance and acceptance of one another,” he said. “I support all community initiatives like this. It’s an effort to make people feel more welcome.”
Lorraine Cathro, Okotoks Public Library Board chairperson, said this recent addition to Okotoks’ other eight free little libraries in neighbourhoods throughout town offers easy access to reading material.
“It’s a wonderful day when we gather to celebrate literacy and the promotion of reading,” she said. “A core value of the Okotoks Library is inclusion and we strive to provide and encourage materials and programming for everyone so we’re honoured to have been asked to be stewards of this Multicultural Little Free Library.”
While the library itself boasts books and materials in various languages, Cathro said this newest addition offers an extension of that.
“We try to have programs and materials for everyone in the community,” she said. “It’s one of our mandates.”
As for the downtown location, Cathro considers it to be ideal.
“It’s really key that there is one in the heart of the community,” she said. “I think it will get more use here.”
Members of the public are invited to contribute books about other cultures and in other languages to the new free little library.
Okotoks Public Library volunteers are responsible for keeping the multicultural library stocked. Anyone wanting to assist with the free little libraries can contact the Okotoks Public Library at 403-938-2220.
