The New Brunswick Public Library Service provides services to newcomers as an opportunity for cultural exchange between local communities and various newcomer groups. Providing newcomers with helpful information, programs, services, and opportunities to connect with their new communities, occupies a vital place in the priorities of NBPLS and its Strategic Plan.
According to the NB-IRDT
1, NBPLs in the south of the province saw more growth than the north. Overall, the number of users grew by 8% between 2010-2018.
This growth could be explained by the fact that the component of the population of NB, in terms of aging and demographic change, is experiencing active evolution. It is also because the NBPLS is proactive rather than reactive in service development. As a result, NBPLs are today a gateway and a place where newcomers and their families can connect with resources, learn new skills, and meet new people.
This paper will be built on two axes:
- A detailed presentation not only about programs and services provided to newcomers’ communities in particular, but also other cultural programs that allow them to explore and know their new local communities.
- An analysis review based on an investigation about the role of the public library in the life of a newcomer.
1 Emery, J. C. H., Daigle, B., & Wang, L. (2019). The use of public libraries in New Brunswick, 2010 to 2018. Fredericton, NB: New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training.
