A new family space at Vancouver Island University will be well-stocked after Vancouver Island Regional Library loaned a collection of children’s books.
According to a press release, the regional library said it was pleased to promote literacy while assisting VIU. Renovation work at the new space has occurred throughout 2021 and focuses on the university’s “commitment to student success, and the culmination of strategic, co-ordinated efforts to steward library services, including technologies, spaces, and collections that enhance learning and well-being,” the press release said.
“Connecting children to their libraries, instilling a love of reading, and promoting literacy across Vancouver Island communities have always been important mandates for VIRL,” said Ben Hyman, VIRL executive director, in the press release. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to support easier access to life-long learning through this partnership with VIU and this collection for their newly renovated library space.”
The new family space will also have LGBTQ-plus and breastfeeding-friendly areas, computer work stations, as well as a mural by Eliot White-Hill, Snuneymuxw and Hupacasath artist and VIU alumnus.
Lara Wright, interim university librarian, said VIU sought to create an area that was inclusive and welcoming for all walks of life, most notably students with young children.
“This demographic is largely invisible and may experience significant barriers to learning, whether in terms of financial constraints or child care challenges,” Wright said in the press release. “We want to do what we can to make education more accessible for everyone. We are delighted to partner with VIRL to provide access to children’s reading material in our space.”
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