Finding the right resource can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Librarians and library technicians (or techs) are there to help you access books, electronic materials and more.

Please welcome Decoda Literacy Solutions’ new library technician, Phoenix Lam! Phoenix will manage the library while our librarian, Lea Edgar, is covering a leave for database administrator, Christie Case. Phoenix will be the library contact for ordering resources and answering questions.

“I am so pleased we have Phoenix to care for the library,” said Lea. “She brings her excellent education from Langara College’s Library Technician program and a wealth of both personal and professional experience. I rest easy knowing the library is in good hands.”

Committed to learning and personal growth

Raised in Vietnam, Phoenix is a self-described wanderer and go-getter, and is committed to learning and personal growth for herself and others. She ventured to Australia for an education in journalism (acquiring a hint of an Aussie accent in the process!), did some freelance writing, then started a business venture back home in Vietnam. She ran a coffee shop that also had an English teaching club, where she taught patrons communication and reading skills.

She came to Canada three years ago to pursue new goals in the library field, and is a recent graduate of Langara College’s Library and Information Technology program in Vancouver. She spent some time volunteering at libraries, including NNELS (National Network for Equitable Library Service – the Canadian Accessible Library System). Meanwhile, she was searching for the right part-time position that would use her skills and keep her learning, while allowing time for her own business.

Decoda was a perfect fit.

“I always wanted to work with a special library,” said Phoenix. “Decoda is a nonprofit that focuses on literacy, ESL, how to help newcomers to Canada and how to help people succeed. The same goals that I have. I feel motivated to go to work every day.”

Today she also runs a digital business as a life coach helping Vietnamese people develop themselves.

“I want to support my people in Vietnam. How to develop themselves, come out of their shell and try new things. I try to do as many things that interest me as possible and develop a better version of myself. We only live one life.”

Along with helping others, she loves writing and is passionate about cooking. “I love to explore diverse cuisine – mostly Italian, Mexican, Indian and sometimes Vietnamese.”

In her role with Decoda, Phoenix will help people find and order library materials, and assist with collection development.

How to borrow library materials

You can register to become a library borrower on this page. Loans will be sent to you by mail, with a prepaid return mailing label, so returning materials is free!

But even with a user-friendly search system, online catalogue and materials listed by topic, you may have questions or need some assistance.

We invite you to contact Phoenix with your library requests or questions at library@decoda.ca or 604-681-4199 x 406.

You can also watch instructional videos about using the Decoda library.

About the library

The Decoda Literacy Library has over 6000 free resources available for any adult in BC to borrow by mail – for free!

Topics relate to the many aspects of literacy, literacy programs and literacy coordination, including but not limited to:

• adult literacy
• community literacy
• digital literacy
• English language learning
• family literacy
• financial literacy
• health literacy
• program management
• workplace literacy

This specialized collection includes practical resources to use with students, resources with instructional activities and strategies, and resources and research for professional development.

About us

Decoda Literacy Solutions is BC’s provincial literacy organization. We support community-based literacy programs and initiatives in over 400 communities across BC by providing resources, training and funds.

Our work supports children and families, youth, adults, Indigenous and immigrant communities to help build strong individuals, strong families and strong communities.