T04: Social Isolation – Can public libraries be the cure?
Session Description
Generously sponsored by: Vancouver Island Regional Library
A recent Statistics Canada report found that Vancouver was the unhappiest city of the 33 Canadian municipalities it surveyed and suggested that a lack of social connectedness was a major reason why. Vancouver Foundation’s Connections and Engagement report discovered similar findings that young adults between 25 and 35 are hit hardest by social isolation in Metro Vancouver. With the lack of time and the lack of financial resources to meet new people, residents of Metro Vancouver are finding themselves more isolated than connected to their communities, leading to weaker relationship ties and greater loneliness. The effects of loneliness and social isolation are dire and lead to a wide range of damaging health impacts if left unchecked. Socially isolated people face an increased risk for mental health and well-being, including depression, anxiety, social stigma, low self-esteem, and avoidance of community engagement. One study found that social disconnection was on par with smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, more harmful than no exercising, and twice as harmful as obesity.
Can public libraries be the cure? From retired seniors looking for technology help to young adults looking for a comfortable study space to gather with other students, public libraries offer access to great opportunities to build social connections. As public libraries expand and build their community outreach, community librarians across Metro Vancouver are reaching out to underserved communities and vulnerable populations to help unite groups and communities. Libraries are actively engaging with Mosques, Islamic Schools and Islamic Groups, Sikh and Buddhist Temples, Multicultural Churches as well as Cultural Centres. Members of these organizations have welcomed the library warmly into their spaces and programs are resulting from new partnerships. Join public libraries across Metro Vancouver as we showcase examples of ways libraries help break social isolation and bring communities closer together.
Speakers
Danielle LaFrance, Vancouver Public Library
Biography
Since 1983, Danielle LaFrance has mostly resided on the stolen and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ nations. She works full-time as a Community Librarian at nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch of the Vancouver Public Library. She is the author of Species Branding (CUE 2010), Friendly + Fire (Talonbooks 2016), and the chapbook Pink Slip (SIC 2013). A forthcoming book JUST LIKE I LIKE IT will be available Autumn 2019 also with Talonbooks.
Millicent Mabi, Richmond Public Library
Biography
Millicent Mabi is a Community Services Librarian at the Richmond Public Library and is completing her doctoral studies at UBC. Her current research is focused on improving access to information for populations at risk of marginalization. With experience in public, academic and special libraries, Millicent approaches her work with a community-led approach to promote social and information inclusion for a more cohesive society. In Richmond, Millicent is working with multicultural communities, immigrant settlement organizations, faith-based organizations and people experiencing homelessness.
Nicole Sousa, Burnaby Public Library
Biography
Nicole Sousa has worked in various library positions since 2014 and is currently a Community Librarian at Burnaby Public Library. She graduated with her MLIS from the University of Western Ontario in 2017.
Janeen Parent, Fraser Valley Regional Library
Biography
Janeen Parent is the Community Development Specialist and Librarian at the Fraser Valley Regional Library. She has experience working in public libraries, from page to librarian positions. After completing her MLIS at University of Alberta, Janeen enjoyed working in several public libraries in the lower mainland. She now enjoys traveling across the lower mainland with LiLi, the Library Live vehicle, visiting the communities and connecting with customers of all ages and backgrounds to all aspects of library services.
Shideh Taleban, North Vancouver City Library
Biography
Shideh Taleban is the Community Librarian at the North Vancouver City Library. As a non-ALA accredited librarian who moved to Canada in 2009, Shideh started as a Page at Surrey Public library in 2011. Going forward, she gained a wide range of experiences in academic, special and public libraries. As an immigrant who struggled with social isolation herself, she is aiming to use her current position to help those in need.