New library donation explained by the builder in 2014

When John McFarlane, president of Western Camera Buildings (camera means small room in latin) saw a program about the Write to Read Project profiled on CBC TV, he realized that his company might be in a position to help. Western Camera makes tiny portable units that can be used for a variety of purposes, like an office, studio, home or a library. His show unit was sitting in storage, so he decided to donate it to our literacy initiative. The unit has a value of $25,000, which is a most generous gift indeed.

A tour of the tiny building (8 by 12 feet) shows that it is portable, easy to transport, easy to install on a pad or concrete block, and comes fully wired for easy Internet connection. Solar power can also be added at an additional cost for those remote aboriginal communities that are dependent on diesel fuel for electricity.

The very high ceilings and multiple windows give the impression of roominess and lots of light. There is space for the installation of two computers at one end of the room. Bookshelves line both walls. Children will no doubt perceive it as something of a “hobbit house,” with room enough for perhaps half a dozen kids to read at the same time. There is sufficient shelving for thousands of books. In a word, the design is perfect for Write to Read.

The total cost of a library like this, including solar power and computers and books and Internet connection, delivered and installed to any destination in British Columbia, would be $50,000. Companies, groups and individuals interested in supporting the Write to Read Project and donating to the cost of a library are encouraged to contact project coordinator Bob Blacker at bobblackerri@gmail.com.

The Write to Read Project is administered by the Government House Foundation in Victoria. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt according to Canada Revenue Agency regulations. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.bcgovhousefoundation.ca. Alternatively, you can call the Foundation office at 250-356-1829.

April 25, 2017

UBC Dentistry supports Malahat project with free clinic in 2014

While the Write to Read Project’s main focus is on improving aboriginal literacy, the overall mission is to “build partnerships between urban professionals and aboriginal communities in rural areas.” Thanks to the strong connections that many members of Rotary have built in the business communities in which they work, the UBC School of Dentistry has been holding dental clinics annually in participating Write to Read First Nations locations. Click here to find out from Dean Chuck Schuler why the university supports Write to Read.

This week, the graduating students can be found in the community of Malahat on Vancouver Island, south of Duncan. The Malahat First Nation will soon be officially opening its Write to Read library, incorporating yet another modular building donated by Britco Structures. The overall project was designed by Write to Read volunteer architect Scott Kemp. Volunteers from many different professions are welcome to join the project.

April 25, 2017

Project Leader explains connections between dental work and literacy

Write to Read Project Coordinator Bob Blacker explains (click here) that every First Nations community with whom we have partnered is welcome to request free dental care from another W2R partner, the UBC School of Dentistry. At the new Malahat community centre where W2R has established a library (to be officially opened by her Honour Lt. Governor Judy Guichon soon) UBC Dentistry recently organized a 3-day clinic to offer dental care to the members of the community.

April 25, 2017

Dentist explains connection to Write to Read

Dentist and Rotarian Dr. Doug Neilson (click here) attending a dental clinic at the Malahat First Nation, explains the history between Rotary, Write to Read, UBC School of Dentistry and participating First Nations communities. For many years Rotarians have been hosting dental clinics in developing countries. For instance, recently Rotary sent 5 containers of mobile dental equipment to the Philippines, where 25 people travelled carrying 2 bags each, including folding dental chairs. Then they heard about the need for dental care at First Nations communities in BC. They held their first dental clinic at Penalikut, an island reserve near Chemainus, in 2009. The Malahat clinic represents the 5^th year they have visited with First Nations communities participating in the Write to Read Project.

April 25, 2017

Fort Rupert Library set to open this week in 2014

The Library Response Team strikes again! Once again the LRT has been in action, this time at Fort Rupert, a First Nation community just outside Port Hardy where they spent the week setting up for a new library. The word is they have nothing but HIGH PRAISE and respect for everyone they met in the community, especially the volunteers who assisted in setting up the library.

Of course, the Fort Rupert community was very gracious is handling all accommodations for the team. The Write to Read libraries would not be possible except for the cooperation between all parties involved. Special thanks to Barb, Carol and Bonnie and Margaret for creating the library system. Everyone is now looking forward to meeting Her Honour Lt Governor Judy Guichon when the library is officially opened this week.

Aside from cataloguing and shelving, it appears somebody made a precise account of all the books donated. Apparently the exact number of books available for loan is 3,458! So another thanks must go to old those fine folks who helped out by donating the books in the first place. Happy reading!
– Easy Fiction 706
– Easy Non Fiction 47
– Board Books 120
– Adult Fiction 548
– Youth Fiction 1,309
– Non-Fiction 703
– Reference 24
– First Nation 202

April 25, 2017

First Nations inmates start to build furniture for W2R libraries

Project Leader Bob Blacker reports that the BC CORRECTIONAL SERVICE, through two of their facilities on Vancouver Island, have agreed to build furniture for Write to Read llibraries. This furniture to be built will include bookshelves, computer stations, coffee tables and any other custom work that may be required. The photo in this article (Bob and donor John McFarlane) reveals that shelving does need custom fitting.

Bob will be forwarding plans and designs for the shelves along with the material that we would need and in return the Correctional Facilities will build the furniture. Another positive aspect of the agreement is First Nation inmates will be able to help with the building of the furniture, certainly a win/win for all involved. The first library to be outfitted will be Lax Kw’alaams (Prince Rupert) for their new school that will be delivered and opened May 2015. Hats off to all concerned.

April 25, 2017

Top W2R volunteer off to university

Shirley-Pat Chamberlain from the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club has been a top volunteer for Write to Read in the Cariboo region, assisting with the development of libraries in several First Nations communities. While it is bad news that W2R will be losing her services, the great news is that she has been accepted at prestigious Edinburgh University for a PHD in Interdisciplinary Studies. The interesting thing is that Shirley-Pat’s thesis will be focussed on the Write to Read Project and what effect it has made to communities, relationships with aboriginal peoples in British Columbia.

Many people have remarked that the Write to Read Project is a “blueprint” that can be copied in other Canadian provinces, and also in other aboriginal communities around the world. Literacy is always the first step towards self-determination. Here is hoping that Shirley-Pat’s thesis will go a long way towards creating a written version of that blueprint, to be copied everywhere!

April 24, 2017

Canadian Aboriginal Literacy Levels Need to Improve

Kids at the new Toosey band library at Riske Creek (near Williams Lake in central BC). The portable structure for the library was donated by Britco Structures of Langley, BC. The books and funding for the library were donated by the Langley Central Rotary Club and the Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club. Williams Lake Daybreak Rotary Club president Shirley-Pat Gale (centre) is the coordinator of the project.

Articles in recent newspapers, such as the Vancouver Sun, have unearthed a worrisome trend. While computer and general literacy levels are high in Canada (92.5 percent in British Columbia) in aboriginal communities they remain very low.

Nobody knows for sure the literacy levels of B.C.’s aboriginal population. Across the country, rates have only been measured in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The results of that 2003 survey were alarming. About 72 per cent of urban Manitoban adult first nations scored below the benchmark level three literacy level, as did 70 per cent of first nations in urban Saskatchewan.

Those working on the ground say levels in B.C. are likely just as troubling, especially in the northern and central parts of the province. Estimates that up to 75 per cent of this region’s adult aboriginal population would need literacy upgrading before they could apply to a university. Read more

April 24, 2017

New W2R video for TV broadcast produced

The Write to Read Project has been largely a secret until recently, but it may soon be time to spread the word. A 60-second PSA (click here) for TV has been produced and will soon be distributed to BC television stations. The message is simple. Our project is an aboriginal literacy initiative that seeks to assist remote communities gain access to reading. To get involved, simply call your local Rotary club. W2R is looking for books, computers, donations and volunteers.

The main expense of the project is transportation. Britco Structures has kindly donated 10 modular buildings, but shipping them to remote reserves is not always easy or inexpensive. While BC Ferries has assisted by waiving fees, sometimes its necessary to rent barges and trucks. Donations to offset costs are welcome, and Government House can issue a tax receipt for larger gifts.

Viewers are encouraged to forward the link to the PSA to friends and colleagues. It only takes a minute, and the 60 seconds it takes to watch the video may be the best expenditure of time any of us can make in our day. Spread the word!

April 24, 2017

Countess helps cut ribbon at Ditidaht library opening

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, and her husband Edward, the Earl of Wessex, were among those dignitaries who cut the ribbon at the opening of the Ditidaht library on September 15. Click here for video. The Countess donated an entire bag full of collected books (“stories about English children”) to the library, and talked about the importance of reading to the many Ditidaht children that attended the opening.

The moment the ribbon was cut, all of the children in attendance made a rush for the library door. As well as functioning as a full library with over 4,000 books, the Ditidaht library will also act as a community centre, sporting several tabletop games like a pool table. A side room contains new computers donated by London Drugs. The computers are connected to the Internet. The library is a project of the North Delta Rotary Club, who raised all the necessary funds and assisted with the renovation of the former Ditidaht school