The Library Collaborations Project

Our research shows that building social connections is a core foundation in strengthening democracy. When individuals don’t feel connected to one another, democracy simply can’t survive. Harnessing the strength of public libraries as a core element of democratic culture, SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue’s Strengthening Canadian Democracy initiative, in partnership with the BC Libraries Cooperative, launched the Democracy Spark Grant for public libraries.
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In the Fall off 2019, public libraries in British Columbia were invited to submit applications for micro-grants of $1,000 each to help fund programming centered around one of the following three themes:
  • climate change
  • social isolation
  • local solutions
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The opportunities for learning created by these grants does not end in their communities. Recipient libraries will each have an opportunity to share their programming ideas, best practices, and key learnings for future democratic convening programs at the BC Association Conference in the Spring of 2020.
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Take a look at the map, below, to see a list of some of our 18 participating libraries.
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Sample Projects

Scroll through for samples of some of the current library projects.

Creating a "queer space" to catalyze social connections, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity for members of the queer community.

The space will be used to create a Teen Pride Community Advisory Network which will develop a teen-led Pride event in the community in the spring.