Celebrate Welcoming Week at FVRL

From September 12 through 21, 2025, FVRL will celebrate Welcoming Week — an annual campaign that brings together neighbours of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of inclusive, welcoming spaces. At the heart of this movement is a deep understanding of our diverse community. When communities are inclusive, everyone thrives.

As we mark this important week, Fraser Valley Regional Library proudly reaffirms our commitment to being more than just a place for books — we are a welcoming space for all.

Libraries: Where Belonging Begins

Whether you are new to town or have lived here for generations, the library is a place where you belong.

At the library, recent immigrants can practice their English. Job seekers can create a resume. Children can learn early literacy skills. Neighbours can meet, collaborate and celebrate their shared stories and diversity at cultural events.

In a world where access to information, connection and safety is not always equitable, libraries stand as essential community anchors — open to all, regardless of background, age, income or immigration status.
 

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Welcoming Week at Fraser Valley Regional Library

Throughout Welcoming Week 2025 and all year round, FVRL offers services and hosts many programs and events designed to foster dialogue and connection, celebrate cultural diversity and build bridges among people of different backgrounds. Welcoming Week is a great time to explore. Check out what we have to offer!

Welcoming Programs

Each program is a reminder that welcoming isn't just a gesture—it's a practice rooted in empathy, curiosity, and shared humanity.

• Storytimes for families and caregivers
• Conversation circles and other English practice opportunities for multilingual speakers
• Book displays and reading lists celebrating the diversity of FVRL’s communities
• Arts and crafts, and gaming programs for all ages
• Other programs for newcomers
• Search all our events — find what interests you! (Select location to show events near you.)
   

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Welcoming Services

The library is here to support you as you get settled in our communities. Here's how:

• Accessibility at FVRL, including website translation
• Book a Librarian service, we can help you do research, give you a library tour, and more!
• Library Champions a three-month volunteer program for newcomers to Canada
• LinkedIn Learning for skill building
• Mango Languages for English language learning (and other languages too)
• The Playground for fun ways to explore your new community and try new things
• World Languages collections at FVRL
• Information referral about community forums on immigration, equity and inclusion — just ask.

💡Visit How to Get a Free FVRL Library Card for details on how to join us.

Join Us at the Library

Inclusive communities are healthy communities, and libraries help by offering free, equitable access to information and services.

You can help by:

• Attending local events to celebrate together — see FVRL Events
• Being open to learning from others: everyone has something to offer
• Checking out the Welcoming Week website to support this initiative
• Noticing newcomers to your community and making them feel welcome
• Volunteering in your community
• Initiating conversation with newcomers and sharing information about your community
• Sharing helpful information about your community (parks, trails, restaurants, etc.)
• Inviting people into your professional networks
• Taking time to learn someone’s name, and the proper way to pronounce it

With everyday conversations, shared spaces and programs that invite us to see and celebrate one another, let’s make this Welcoming Week a celebration not just of where we come from, but of what we can create together.

Whether you're new to Canada or just moved to the Fraser Valley, we have resources and books to help you out. Check the list above to help you get settled in your new community.

FVRL's Serving Newcomers Working Group works to improve library service by making it easier for newcomers and existing customers to interact with the library.