The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is introducing a new Ukrainian children’s book collection, made possible through the generous support of Horodynsky Farms. This donation to the Library has helped expand resources for Innisfil’s growing community, encouraging cultural connections for young readers and supporting literacy and inclusion in Innisfil.
“We are deeply grateful to Horodynsky Farms for their generous support,” said Anne Smith, Chair of the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library Board. “This donation demonstrates the power of community partnerships in enhancing our collections and ensuring that the Library remains a place where all families feel welcomed and connected.”
“Supporting early literacy is at the heart of what we do,” says Library CEO, Erin Scuccimarri. “Research shows that building strong literacy skills in a child’s first language creates a foundation for learning additional languages. By fostering a love of reading from an early age – especially in a language that feels familiar – we help set children up for lifelong learning and success.”
“As the son of Ukrainian immigrants and someone who has been part of this community for over 40 years, I know how important it is to stay connected to your roots,” says Boris Horodynsky. “Supporting the Library in bringing books to children in their first language means helping families keep their traditions alive while fostering a love of reading. I’m proud to be part of this initiative.”
This collection offers a wide range of Ukrainian language titles for children, supporting early literacy, cultural connections, and heritage celebration. Expanding the multilingual children’s collection aligns with the Library’s commitment to inclusion and these resources reflect and recognize the diversity of the community. For more information about the Ukrainian children’s book collection at the Lakeshore Branch, visit bit.ly/Ukrainiancollection.
As part of its commitment to inclusion, the Library recently conducted a survey to better understand the community’s language needs and guide the growth of its multilingual collections. Residents shared the languages they speak, the types of materials they’d like to see, and whether an expanded collection would encourage greater library use. With the survey now complete, the Library is reviewing the results to ensure its offerings continue to reflect Innisfil’s diverse population. Currently, the Library offers children’s materials in French, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Russian, along with multilingual digital resources such as PressReader, Cantook, and Lote4Kids.
Community support plays a vital role in expanding these collections and ensuring the Library remains a welcoming space for all. Donations can be made at innisfilidealab.ca/give, ensuring the Library remains a vital and inclusive resource for everyone in Innisfil.
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