February marks “I Love to Read” Month, a celebration that encourages readers of all ages to discover new stories and build a lifelong love of reading. In that spirit, RRC Polytech’s Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) welcomed students to a book exchange on Feb. 9-10, 2026, in the Round House Auditorium.  

The two-day event invited CNI students to select books donated by the community, helping many newcomers begin or expand their home libraries. 

This year’s event was made possible through generous donations from community partners, including McNally Robinson Booksellers at Grant Park, Westwood Collegiate, Winnipeg Public Libraries and staff from Chapters – Polo Festival and Coles Kildonan Place, along with contributions from CNI staff and the broader College community. Their support helped to provide a wide range of books across genres and reading levels.

Books were sorted and displayed on tables throughout the auditorium, making it easy for participants to explore different sections. Scheduled class visits throughout the day gave students time to browse and choose books that matched their interests and language levels. 

For many newcomers, books play an important role in building language skills and creating a sense of comfort and familiarity. Reading provides opportunities to learn new vocabulary, discover Canadian culture and enjoy stories that reflect their own experiences. 

The book exchange also created opportunities for connection. Students, staff and volunteers shared recommendations and discussed favourite authors and genres, reinforcing the sense of community that is central to CNI. 

The continued success of the book exchange reflects the generosity of community partners and the shared belief that access to books can support learning, confidence and belonging for newcomers.