Surrey libraries will soon feature a greater collection of French books. With funding provided by the British Columbian government and the City of Surrey, Surrey libraries will be able to utilize a $30,000 grant to purchase French books for all ages. The Surrey Public Library has nine branches, eight of which currently offer French materials for children, and seven of which feature French literature for adults.
“It’s very important for the Francophone community, as well as French immersion students and those interested in French language and culture, to have access to books and other materials at their public library,” says Melanie Houlden, chief librarian of the Surrey Public Library. “This funding helps make that possible and provides a wonderful addition to the collections at Surrey libraries.”
A developing demand for French materials
Chief librarian, Melanie Houlden, with French books at the Surrey Public Library. | Photo by Deanna Choi
With a growing French-speaking population, and a keen interest in French immersion, there was an increasing need for French language materials, particularly for children. Once the grant was made available, the Surrey Public Library was eager to expand the collection.
“We wanted to have better collections all around because we know that the materials we have already are getting pretty heavily used,” says Houlden. “We just wanted to improve our service for French speakers too.”
Prior to the provision of the new grant, there was public interest in expanding the collection of French-language books.
“A group called Parents for French are really interested in making sure there are enough materials for their children who are in French immersion schools,” says Houlden, “because the schools [and] their libraries aren’t substantial enough to support all their research needs.”
In addition to the growing compilation of French books, the Surrey Public Library has also started a pilot French storytime program at the Newton Library where children can hear stories, and learn rhymes and songs in French. There has been some interest in extending the program to other Surrey libraries.
“It depends on whether or not we have the staff to support the program,” says Surinder Bhogal, Deputy Chief Librarian of the Surrey Public Library. “There are no concrete plans at the moment, but, yes, we do want to expand it for sure.”
A greater outreach of French culture
Presently, there are over 290,000 French-speaking citizens in British Columbia. The French language and culture in the province are represented by more than 40 Francophone associations and organizations.
One French-English interpreter and translator, Florence Etienne, whose first language is French, has shown great enthusiasm for the new addition of French books in the Surrey libraries.
“I thank all parties involved in the project, for this addition will mean an enriched catalogue of publications and enhanced cooperation with schools offering French immersion programs,” says Etienne. “With more books at hand, there will be a greater outreach.”
Although word of the new addition of French books has not yet become widespread, there are hopes to change that.
“We’re certainly going to advertise the fact that they’re here so that people know the resources are available to them,” says Houlden. “It’s one of our battles, making sure that people know about the resources that are already here because we have so many and many different kinds. The more that we can let people know that the materials are here, I think the better it is.”
As of now, the new books are in the process of being ordered. It may be several months before they are delivered, but their arrival is well anticipated.
“I have noted that since its opening, the Surrey Central branch has been enriching its collection, as I see new titles displayed regularly,” says Etienne. “To see more books in French would be great.”
