Theres a new dedicated space on the North Shore where residents can share their skills and expertise.
The Community Pod officially opened June 15 at the Capilano branch of North Vancouver District Public Library. Located on the first floor, and featuring an eye-catching purple sofa and green and blue ottomans, the pod is a space for library users to connect and learn from one another.
If youre curious about the history of your neighbourhood, if youve always wanted to learn how to knit, or if you love gardening and want to teach others, you may want to take advantage of this new community resource.
So how does it work exactly? People seeking or offering help first fill out a form, in person or online, describing what they want to learn or teach. Librarians will display the post in the Community Pod after removing any personal information. Other library users who think they can help or be helped by the original poster may respond by filling out a similar form. Library staff then play matchmaker and arrange an initial meeting between the two parties in the Community Pod.
In addition to serving as a meet-up place, people may also use the pod for a one-time session to try something new as long as the activity doesnt require a lot of complicated equipment. The pod is not intended for people offering a fee-based service, but rather it is a place for library users to meet others in the community with similar interests and ideas.
NVDPL acting director Corinne McConchie says making the library an inclusive place that is welcoming to all is a key priority.
We hope the Community Pod will help strengthen bonds among community members, by providing them with an inclusive environment in which to share and learn from one another, she said.
The Community Pod is a pilot project made possible thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Vancouver Foundation.
