During a presentation about Indigenous BC libraries, attendees at 2026 BC Library Conference expressed interest and engaged with the panel of presenters. The conference is an annual event sponsored by BC Library Association.
Panel shared a recently completed impact study of Write to Read BC’s collaborative projects with isolated Indigenous communities. After the presentation, the audience shared their own experiences as librarians. They also asked questions about process, to learn how to better serve indigenous readers in public libraries.
Indigenous groups in public libraries
One librarian noted that, in the past decade, public libraries in Canada have taken “hugely positive steps” by adding Indigenous books and content to their collections. The librarian said, “There’s a lot more programming focused on Indigenous history in Canada, including the horrible impact of Indian Residential Schools.”
Others noted public libraries have actively recruited local Indigenous residents to be on their library boards.
Another librarian said: “In our library we reach out to two local First Nation communities,” but added that this work has no government funding. “The province doesn’t really provide enough funding to cover the costs,” said the librarian.
Members of the audience were not asked to identify themselves, so their comments aren’t attributed.
Processing books
One librarian asked about how Write to Read BC’s volunteers process books for Indigenous libraries.
Indigenous libraries installed with Write to Read BC have new books from Indigenous publishing houses in their collection. They may also have a selection of other books. The Write To Read volunteers classify all these books using the Dewey Decimal system.
A panel presenter noted that Indigenous youth in particular want to learn it. Knowing Dewey Decimal allows them to go into a public library knowing where to find the books they’re interested in.
After the conference presentation, several librarians asked about volunteering with Write to Read BC to process books.
Self-directed, Indigenous-led libraries
Rather than support public libraries in making space for Indigenous readers, Write to Read BC takes a different approach. Its volunteers partner with isolated Indigenous communities to design and and install the library they themselves want.
The focus has been on isolated communities that have no other library nearby. However, Write to Read BC has also partnered with Indigenous-led organizations and schools that want a library.
