International Collection
Books in Many Languages - Brought to You by Alberta's Public Libraries
The International Collection is a cooperative effort of Alberta's Public Libraries. Books in more than 29 different languages are available in circulating blocks to public libraries across the province. These books are available at Red Deer Public Library, on level 2 of our Downtown Branch and in the Children's Department downtown.
The International Collection is made possible by Alberta's Public Libraries and the Alberta Multicultural Commission. Money from the Commission allows the International Collection Consortium to purchase new books, and to circulate blocks of books around the province. This circulation allows us to offer a much wider selection of languages and books in each language. Books are purchased and circulated by Parkland Regional Library, under contract to the Alberta Public Library Administrators' Council.
Providing basic book collections in languages other than English must be an important component of public library service in our increasingly multicultural society. This is especially important considering the various non-English immersion programs in Alberta's schools and new patterns in immigration. Studies have proven that improving literacy in one's mother tongue is an important factor in developing English literacy, making this an economic issue as well as one relating to the quality of life.
Books from the International Collection at Red Deer Public Library include books in Chinese and German as well as many other languages. Come down and check them out!
Spanish Children's Books at the Dawe Branch
A recent grant from the ABC Canada Literacy Foundation and Coca-Cola has made possible the new collection of children's books in Spanish. Check them out at the Dawe Branch.
Materials Available in Foreign Languages