On Friday October 23rd the Richmond Hill Public Library launched its LSP Celebration event. Our program directed at Newcomers to Canada has been very successful with over 548 people benefitting by the end of September. With balloons and an information display our Foyer was transformed into a festive atmosphere for several hours as we shared appetizers from several countries from which many recent residents of Richmond Hill originated.

The Library Settlement Program funded by a partnership of the settlement sector, public libraries and Citizenship and Immigration Canada began when it was discovered that within a few days of arrival in Canada a majority of newcomers visit their local library to discover their community and to seek help in adjusting to their new country.

This special celebration allowed us to further leverage relationships with the wider community encouraging library patrons and participants to promote the service and provide information to anyone they knew who would benefit from the service. Our Browsery was home to a continuous running video on the library experience for newcomers and our Foyer sparkled with children and adults who participated. We would like to thank our partners and all who volunteered to make this event special.