“Give a Book” to grow our Library
Every book and resource at the Decoda Literacy Library is more than just pages on a shelf. Tutors borrow books to help newcomers learn English. Literacy practitioners borrow family literacy kits so families can read and learn together. Adult learners borrow numeracy books to build their skills and confidence.
Best of all, every book is free to borrow for anyone in British Columbia.
You can help make this possible by donating through Give a Book. Give Literacy.
Library supports educators and learners
This unique library supports newcomers to Canada, adult educators, early childhood educators, tutors, families and literacy practitioners in communities throughout the province.
“What I like and appreciate about the Decoda Library is the wide variety of books available that are of both personal and professional interest,” said Jill Marsden, Learner Support Team, Colebrook Elementary School. “The first book I borrowed from Decoda garnered such keen interest amongst staff that the school bought three copies. The library is a wonderful resource for inquiring minds and lifelong learners.”
As a hub for literacy and learning, the library has more than 6,000 physical and online resources covering a wide range of subjects such as reading, writing, early childhood learning, workplace literacy, non-profit management, Canadian History and Indigenous education. The collection also includes hands-on items like family literacy kits, STEM activities, Outdoor Learning Guides, board games and more.
“Once you register for a library account, we will mail you requested physical resources with a return slip free of charge,” said Alex Jang, Library Technician at Decoda. “Even, if you don’t have an account, our library offers digital resources that can downloaded from the comfort of your home.”
In 2024, patrons borrowed 241 physical resources from the library and over 1321 digital resources were downloaded.
“Decoda offers great resources and opportunities for teachers to learn and to explore more ways to help their students,” said Kendra Jesske, Inclusion Support/Learning Assistance Teacher, Ruth King Elementary School.
“Decoda is an excellent resource for Victoria Literacy Connection’s staff and tutors,” said Katerina Weller, Adult Literacy Coordinator at VLC.
Help grow the library
By donating, you’re not just adding to a library—you’re creating opportunities for brighter futures.
“I love working on literacy projects to help make our library more resourceful to everyone in British Columbia,” said Alex, “I’ve been updating our book inventory, forming partnerships with publishers and I’m currently working on creating a digital library. We want to keep the collection fresh and relevant, and there are several ways you can give books to the Decoda Library.”
“Give a Book. Give Literacy.” Campaign
This September, the Decoda Library is grateful to receive books through “Give a Book. Give Literacy.”
The library is accepting recently published books (2024-2025) in these areas:
- Building English language skills for newcomers to Canada
- Canadian history
- Early Childhood learning
- Learning in mathematics
- Teaching strategies
- Mental health
- Financial literacy
- Non-profit management
- Indigenous educational resources
- Workplace literacy
Please contact Alex at library@decoda.ca before donating a book. This helps make sure the books fit the collection and are not duplicates.
You can also support the Decoda Library by donating the cost of a book. An average book costs $25–$50.
Decoda’s Wish Lists on Publisher Sites
Decoda has partnered with three book publishers to expand and update the library’s collection with new resources and educational materials. Each publisher hosts Decoda’s curated wish list of books, which you can purchase directly for the Decoda Library.
Give Indigenous Books: Strong Nations Publishing Wish List
To enhance Decoda’s library resources with more Indigenous books and educational materials, we’ve collaborated with Strong Nations Publishing. Strong Nations is a leader in sharing Indigenous stories, growing into one of Canada’s largest Indigenous bookstores and publishers. Their diverse selection of stories uplifts Indigenous voices and helps educators, learners and communities engage with Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.
Give Easy-read Books: Prace PageTurners Wish List
To support beginner and intermediate adult learners (Reading Level 1–3), we’ve partnered with Prace PageTurners, an Australian charity with over 30 years of experience in adult literacy. Their short, easy-to-read books (no more than 700 words) use humour, engaging exercises and word lists to help newcomers and adults with low literacy gain confidence in reading.
Give Educational Books: Saunders Book Company Wish List
To add more resources on Canadian history, mental health, and digital literacy, we’ve partnered with Saunders Book Company, a trusted Canadian educational book distributor representing more than 30 publishers, that brings high-quality resources to schools and libraries nationwide.
Other Ways to Give
You can also purchase books for the Decoda Library through our wish lists on Amazon and Indigo-Chapters:
How to borrow library materials
Adults in British Columbia can borrow from Decoda Literacy Library by registering for free at decoda.ca/library. Loans are mailed directly to users with a prepaid return mailing label.
For assistance, contact Alex at library@decoda.ca.
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