Serving immigrant youth in Canadian public libraries

Abstract

As libraries increasingly become access points of information, both print and digital, and locales for community engagement, the importance of ensuring services meet the needs of all patrons is heightened. While much has been done to address the needs of adult immigrants, there is a dearth in offerings available to youth immigrants. This article explores the challenges faced by youth immigrants in the community and in accessing public libraries, the importance of their engagement for healthy personal development and identity, and the need for Canadian public libraries to provide programs and resources that address their information and social engagement needs.