A pilot program is set to make reading and access to books a lot easier in Gitaus.
Jess Dafoe, children’s librarian at the Terrace Public Library, is working with Laura Bloomhagen, education coordinator at the education centre at the Kitselas First Nation. Bloomhagen can also sign people up for a library card so they don’t have to come into the library in Terrace.
She has shelves of two types of books: the “no rules” borrowing shelves of donated books from the library that are not in circulation anymore; and regular books from the library that are signed out.
“We’re trying to break down some barriers, not everyone is comfortable coming into the library,” said Dafoe. “I think once you start making connections with people it gets easier. Even if you can take out library and books and request things and they show up on your shelves, it creates the atmosphere come into the library as well.”
The program just kicked off and Dafoe took the books to Gitaus.
She and Bloomhagen are sorting out details so Bloomhagen will be coming to the library to pick up more books soon.
“Our goal is trying to do something up the Nass Valley as well,” says Dafoe.
There was a program run out of the school in the Nass but didn’t operate when school closed for the summer so a place is being sought as a year-round book provider.
“It would be really great if we could have a champion in the Nass to help me figure out things,” said Dafoe.