HSBC Bank Canada Generously Funds Multilingual Collection
One of the great things about opening a new Library branch is the brand spanking new stuff: New furniture, comfy chairs (for adults and little ones) and all those new books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. It’s a library lover’s paradise!
When Vancouver Public Library was planning our newest facility, the Terry Salman Branch located in the Olympic legacy Hillcrest Centre, the need for a vibrant multilingual collection of materials was high on the list for this culturally diverse neighbourhood between Cambie and Fraser streets near Queen Elizabeth Park.
“We spent considerable time in the community talking to residents to find out what they would like and need in their new Library branch and we heard loud and clear that multilingual collections of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs were essential,” said Cathy Wang, Manager of the Terry Salman Branch.
When the Vancouver Public Library Foundation presented the opportunity to fund collections in Mandarin, Cantonese and Tagalog, HSBC Bank Canada was quick to respond.
The HSBC Bank Canada Multilingual Collection was launched with a $25,000 donation that funded the purchase of some 1,000 items – books, DVDs and music CDs – that have been flying off the shelves since the branch opened in October. Some of the most-popular items include novels, biographies, magazines, cook books, and feature films and television series from Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
“At HSBC we believe in connecting to the communities where we live, work and do business,” says Jocelyn Hsiung, District Vice President, Metro Vancouver, HSBC Bank Canada. “We are proud to support community organizations like the Vancouver Public Library Foundation through the HSBC Bank Canada Multilingual Collection.”
Many branch users are thrilled to access entertainment in their home language, said Ms. Wang.
“These films and TV series allow people to maintain a connection with popular and traditional culture from their country of origin,” she added. “Purchasing material from overseas can be very expensive so the Library is delighted to be able to provide Vancouver residents with this service.”
Located in the stunning Hillcrest Centre (home of the Vancouver Olympic & Paralympic Centre during the 2010 Winter Games), the Terry Salman Branch overlooks an NHL-sized skating rink on one side and a tranquil garden on the other. The branch has been constantly busy since opening and many area residents (62% of whom were born outside Canada) enjoy finding multilingual materials for themselves and their children, she added.
Since opening, staff have received many requests for materials in French, partly to meet the recreational reading needs of local French Immersion students, and have started to purchase books, magazines, DVDs and CDs in Canada’s other official language.
“The HSBC Bank Canada Multilingual Collection allows Library users to borrow from a much larger and richer choice of materials,” said Chief Librarian Sandra Singh. “We look forward to adding many more books, magazines, DVDs and CDs in languages spoken by community members.”
