Book A Speaker

The Living Library features newcomers with unique and compelling stories of transition, settlement, and belonging. Organizations and individuals can book a featured newcomer to share their story at a gathering, staff event, or classroom to learn more about the newcomer experience and different cultures.

Booking a speaker is free, however, donations to support the work of the New Canadians Centre is welcome.

This program is offered within the counties of Peterborough and Northumberland. Depending on location, organisations may be asked to cover the cost of transportation.

Ready to book a speaker?

Please contact Mauricio Interiano, Community Engagement Officer: [email protected]

We are available for virtual speaking engagements and in-person engagements on a case-by-case basis, dependent on public health guidelines.

Current Stories & Speakers

Ajil Almousa

"You Can Choose Your Road in Canada"

Read Ajil's Bio

When the opportunity to move to Canada came up for Ajil and his family, he was sceptical. Knowing that the language and culture would be different, he wanted to continue living in Lebanon, where the family had settled since leaving Syria in 2012. Arriving in Canada in 2016 as a 17-year old, Ajil remembers struggling with the language. But, he also remembers the warm welcome his family received in Peterborough. It made him realise that people care and want to see him succeed. Ajil reflects on these challenges and triumphs four years later, recognising that in Canada You Can Choose Your Road. Ajil is choosing the road towards his future and proudly feels Canadian and at home in Peterborough.

Themes: Language; Youth; Education; Community

Story Available in: English; Arabic

Esther Izarnotegui

"Peterborough Is A Drop of Heaven"

Read Esther's Bio

Esther and her family of 5 relocated to Peterborough in February 2014 from Peru. A move meant to be temporary quickly became more permanent as the family fell in love with Peterborough. The New Canadians Centre’s English Groups were where Esther not only learnt English, but also built the confidence to speak, connect with the community, be herself, and be supported in improving her mental health. For Esther’s family, Peterborough Is A Drop Of Heaven where they feel welcome and supported. Five years later, while Esther’s family feels more settled in Peterborough, the challenge now emerges in how to retain their Peruvian heritage in a new country.

Themes: Latin America; Motherhood; Community; Language; Mental Health

Story Available in: English; Spanish

Fidan Cakir

“From Istanbul to Peterborough: Building a new life in Canada”

Read Fidan's Bio

Fidan was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She had a happy and fulfilling childhood and youth surrounded by a large loving family and strong friendships built over the years. With an engineering educational background, Fidan had over eight years of corporate sales experience in two different industries.
Her concerns about economic & social instabilities and problems with the education system in Turkey became a priority after her son’s birth, leading to an urge to pursue alternatives to provide a more promising future for her family. Leaving her loved ones and her secure job behind, she embarked on an adventure with her nuclear family to build a new life in Canada. They faced many challenges and had to go the extra mile to navigate the uncertainties of being newcomers to a different country.
Her story, in a nutshell, is about pursuing dreams of a better future, creating opportunities and building resilience to realize them, and collecting unforgettable memories along the way.

Themes: Family, Motherhood, Professional Development

Story Available in: English; Turkish

Mauricio Interiano

"Looking for change"

Read Mauricio's Bio

Mauricio was only 16 when he chose to leave Honduras Looking for Change, more opportunities, and a better education. He arrived in Canada in 2010 to finish his schooling in Victoria, British Columbia, and then moved two years later to Peterborough to attend Trent University. As a young student settling into a new country and then in a new province, Mauricio faced many challenges adapting to a new way of life away from family and home. In 2019, having established his life in Canada, Mauricio left to study a Master’s degree in Migration.
While he would learn much during his few years away, perhaps the most valuable lesson he would learn is that Peterborough and Canada were now also his home, too. In Looking for Change, Mauricio takes you on a journey of discovery, belonging, community, and ultimately endurance. Today, Mauricio proudly calls Peterborough home.

Themes: Language; Youth; Education; Community

Story Available in: English; Spanish

Patricia Orantes

"A Leap of Faith..." - A Journey of Love, Hardship, and Resilience

Available for speaking engagements in Northumberland

Read Patricia's Bio

The best gift Patricia ever recieved was a love of travelling, exploring new cultures and languages, inspired by the teachings and support of her parents. That love took Patricia across the globe as an explorer, student, and eventually a lawyer. In 2011, Patricia took A Leap of Faith, moving to Canada to build a life with her Canadian partner. Settling in the Northumberland region, she quickly found life in Canada was not what she initially expected. Despite a long career in the legal field, Patricia was not able to practise law in Canada. She struggled to find work, battled feelings of loneliness, and soon, her marriage became strained. Her leap of faith takes us on a journey of love, hardship, and ultimately resilience. Today, she proudly says "Northumberland is a place I can call home."

Themes: Latin America; Community; Mental Health; Abuse; Employment

Story Available in: English; Spanish

Sarai Arroyo

“The Mexican Crew in Canada”

Read Sarai's Bio

Unexpectedly, the offer of "the Canadian dream" arrives as a Christmas present. Saraí and her family decided to risk their stability in Mexico and not miss the opportunity to live in Canada.
Since Saraí became a full-time mother, she believes that there is no better place than Peterborough to see her children grow up. She and her family have managed to overcome the intrinsic adversities of migration. Saraí considers it is important to help new immigrants and that is why she shares her experiences with us. Saraí is a woman who seeks to merge her Mexican
culture with the Canadian culture and teach her children to get the best of each one of them.

Themes: Family, Motherhood, Language, Community

Story Available in: English; Spanish