Write to Read BC installs libraries
In isolated Indigenous communities, we help promote reading and writing skills. This nurtures the potential of children and supports broader community development. We do this by helping small Indigenous communities across BC to design and install the library or reading room they want.
In order to succeed, Write to Read BC’s volunteers partner with Elders and educators in these communities, as well as with Rotary Clubs, and many others. These collaborations have been successful. This website documents these projects back to 2011 as well as recent and upcoming Indigenous-led libraries.
Local Indigenous leaders frequently want a library to be a community hub where residents can learn, share stories and hold gatherings that support traditional community knowledge, culture and language. These libraries are also called learning centres when they have flexible spaces, computers, and reliable Internet access.
How you can get involved
Everyone can contribute to supporting Indigenous libraries, to promote reading and writing skills.
Financial donations are a direct way to make a difference. Since even a modest contribution significantly improves a library’s ability to buy new books, develop educational programs for students, and offer remote access to online resources, we encourage you to donate.
Read more:
In addition to help with funding, consider volunteering on a Write to Read BC team. Not only does volunteering expand the project’s collaboration with Indigenous libraries, it also fosters a sense of achievement and dignity.
Volunteer now:
Another way to support Indigenous libraries is to advocate for them. Share stories about the important work of these libraries. Highlight their role in supporting Indigenous education and preserving Indigenous culture. This will help raise awareness about the importance of ongoing support.
Our sponsors
Sponsors provide funding, services, and goods to help Write to Read BC keep its costs very low.
Sponsorship packages
Donating from $10 to $500,000 could provide a week of Internet access or ten libraries.
Tax credits
As an individual or corporation, you’re likely eligible for tax credits for your donations and charitable gifts.
Updates, news, events
Read the latest information about the communities and projects our partners are working on.
Need a library?
If your isolated BC community is interested in a partnership to install or build your own indigenous-led library, let’s talk.
Governance
Write to Read BC is a project, not an organisation. For transparency, we publish any studies that assess our work. We also list our volunteer leaders.
What others say about Write to Read BC projects
Recently, Simon Fraser University’s CERi program assessed the impact of Indigenous-led libraries in isolated communities for Write to Read BC. In 2024, community news reported Rotary Club funding for 30 libraries with Write to Read BC. Before that, BC Library Association wrote about Write to Read BC and exploring the decolonization of libraries. Further back, CBC covered a Write to Read BC project on The National television news, and also reported the installation of the first six libraries.