Chinese Community Library - History of the Chinese Library

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	Library's History Thirty Years of Dedication and Service


	*Allan Cheng*

	The Chinese Community Library Services Association came into being in February 1972 in response to the need to assist residents of the Strathcona community stretch their rehabilitation grants further. These rehabilitation grants were given for the purpose of preserving and beautifying the Strathcona neighbourhood after many years of local government neglect.




	Founding President Allan Cheng ( left first) stands with other members of the community at Open House 1975.

In response to this urgent housing and recreational/cultural need of the Strathcona community, the following basic objectives were endorsed:

To provide manpower free of charge to help community residents repair their homes.

To provide designing and drafting services for community residents.

To assist community residents in filling out the necessary application forms in order to obtain the necessary approvals from the building departments.

To provide Chinese Reading Room where the community can come to enjoy reading Chinese newspapers, magazines, short stories and Chinese literature.

To provide a community "drop-in" centre where the housing, design, renovation, recreational, cultural, educational and social needs of the neighbourhood can be accommodated.




		First Open House in1972 at 717 East Pender Street

These basic objectives were first put into practice in the summer of 1972 . During that short period, we served many homeowners and users at our Hawks Avenue "office". After the summer we were fortunate to find our services funded under the Local Initiative Program. Our "office" was relocated to 717 East Pender Street where we were to remain for another seven years, before moving to our present location at 591 East Pender Street.

As our years of service progressed, our emphasis shifted from home renovation to cultural and recreational/educational programs. The Chinese Reading Room room collection grew and expanded with community support until it was formally declared as "Chinese Community Library". Our service programs also expanded to include:

The Outreach Library Service

Children's programs - such as children's story hours and various recreational/educational activities.

Various programs for youths and families.

Educational language classes (Cantonese and Mandarin).

Auto-mechanics, sewing and formal dancing classes taught in Chinese.

Chinese chess and soccer tournaments and writing contests.

Income tax return workshops, variety shows for seniors and a host of other activities.

It is through the dedication, hard work and commitment of the hundreds of volunteers, staff, members and supporters that we have succeeded in providing twenty-eight years of service - and it is the same qualities that will ensure the future success of this organization. We are confident that the Chinese Community Library Services Association will carry on its tradition of excellence in the community well into the 21st century.

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