The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library is being recognized for their efforts to support refugees in their community.

The 'You Libraries People's Choice Award' from the Library Association of Alberta is designed to recognize Albertans favourite public library program or service, with Sylvan Lakes 'Discover Syria and Iraq at Your Library' event being the reason they received the nomination.

Marketing Coordinator with Sylvan Library Cathy Lichtenwald says their discovery night, held on September 30th, 2017, was in preparation of three Syrian families who will be relocated to their community, with help from the Sylvan Lake Fefugee Project.

“Some of the learning that was provided during this event prepared the community, prepared agencies within the community to welcome this new family. So the event was all about Syria, we talked about food, culture, geography, their art, and their languages. We were able to just give folks in the community some exposure to what Syrian culture is all about to break down those stereotypes and any sort of misconceptions folks would have.”

The first few members of the first family have already arrived, with a total of nineteen Syrians being in the process of being relocated to Sylvan.

Also nominated was the Red Deer Public Library for their adult literacy program.

You have until Friday, March 22nd, at 4:30pm to vote, you can do so by clicking here to go to their website, laa.ca/youaward.

(Photo from the 'Discover Syria and Iraq at Your Library' event held at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library on September 30th, 2017. Photos courtesy of Cathy Lichtenwald)