Impact stories tell of the success for Write to Read BC projects. To measure the impact of a project, we generally look at its contribution to educational outcomes, community learning and the local economy. For libraries, this means:
- use of the library — development of learning and reading programs, how access to computers and spaces have changed over time, and the sharing of individual and community knowledge.
- collaboration within and between isolated communities in BC.
- support for Indigenous language and culture.
- access to online courses and conferences.
Since the goal is improving literacy, the Write to Read BC libraries offer books, computers and furniture in support of learning programs. As well, libraries serve as gathering places that can be used to reinforce Indigenous cultural activities including language revitalization. Of course, they may also offer remote attendance to courses and conferences by Internet.
Impact stories about Write to Read BC partnerships
- Assessing the impact of Write to Read BC — August 6, 2025
An independent researcher is evaluating the long-term impacts and community perspectives of the Write to Read BC Project, at our request. Working closely with Indigenous leaders, educators, and community members, this research “will culminate in an assessment report that will guide the re-framing and Indigenization of the Write to Read BC Project.”
The assessment is provided by a program at Simon Fraser University that helps SFU graduate students collaborate with …
- Saving education in Gitsegukla: video — April 19, 2024
When Gitsegukla elementary school principal Louise Ormerod talks about her school’s journey from failure to success—not just for the Kindergarten to Grade 7 students, but also for adult learners in the community—Write to Read BC gets part of the credit.
School risked getting shut down
In 2018 …
- Write to Read BC expands Indigenous networking — October 21, 2021
Several members of isolated BC communities attended a virtual conference about Indigenous communities. The conference, sponsored by Libraries, Archives and Museums Nova Scotia, included breakout sessions.
During the breakout sessions, members discussed their experience with Write to Read BC, and made new connections with people from Indigenous communities in other provinces.
Virtual conferences don’t just give remote attendees access to people in other communities. They expose attendees …
Working in partnership
Write to Read BC partners with remote BC communities, donors, and volunteers to design and install Indigenous-led libraries across BC.
Here’s the whole process.
- Envision. When you invite us to your community, we’ll begin a discussion to explore your needs and goals. We’ll send a design response team to meet and listen to your team. What challenges, opportunities, and priorities do you have? We’ll gather input and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Together we’ll capture your vision.
- Design. Using insights from our discussion, we’ll ask the design response team’s architect to develop a library design that reflects your goals, community values, and cultural priorities. The design can use an existing structure or build a new space. Of course we’ll adjust the design and build consensus with you until the design captures what you want.
- Create. Once you’ve agreed on the design, our construction response team figures out the costs. Then we arrange partners, such as Rotary Clubs across BC, to supply the materials and construction equipment. We also find volunteers. In either case, we engage your community to make sure you’re ready for visitors to work with you on the building.
- Install. When the space is ready, our library response team installs the shelving, library furniture, books, and computer equipment. We work with the community members who will run the library to provide training, and support them in bringing your library to life. Then we leave the library in your capable hands.
Write to Read BC’s partners at Rotary Club are experienced fundraisers that understand the impact on literacy of their work. Please consider contributing. You can volunteer or donate cash and charitable gifts in kind.