Richmond’s French immersion students as well as its small Francophone community should be pleased to learn the Richmond Public Library recently received its first significant collection of French e-books.
In June the library purchased its first 350 French e-books to add to its overall digital collection.
“Our goal was to focus on Canadian and French authors as much as possible rather than translations of English titles. We also wanted a core classic collection and titles for children that will help them practice their French reading skills,” said deputy chief librarian Susan Walters, who said the library plans to promote the e-books with local schools in September.
London-Steveston secondary school French teacher Marina Carter was quick to recognize the e-books before the school year ended.
“My kids love them. We’re real happy the library got them,” said Carter, after she voiced concern over the lack of French e-books earlier in the year.
Richmond’s library now has 9,379 e-books, including 1,108 in Chinese. Of the 350 French e-books, 100 are for children or early French learners.
Walters said residents can make French e-book suggestions via the library’s Ask Us service online.
