14/11/2025
Syed Najam Hassan, a proud Pakistani Canadian from Calgary, Alberta, has devoted many years to volunteerism and community service. As the creator of 16 food banks, 45 multicultural outdoor libraries, and 3 pet food banks, along with several other community programs, Syed Najam has worked tirelessly to make Canada a more compassionate and inclusive place for everyone.
The idea for the Multicultural Outdoor Library, inspired by the concept “Take a Book, Read a Book, Share a Book, Leave a Book,” came to him when he noticed that many new immigrant families in Canada—seniors, youth, adults, and children from diverse cultural backgrounds—struggled to find books in their native languages.
To bridge this gap, Syed Najam built his first outdoor multicultural library right on his front lawn. He added chairs and a coffee table beside it, creating a welcoming space where people could read, relax, and connect. To fill the shelves, he collected books in multiple languages and encouraged community members to donate their own, ensuring that the library reflected the cultural richness of Canada’s communities.
What began as a small neighborhood project soon evolved into a nationwide movement. Motivated by his passion for literacy and cultural unity, Syed Najam personally donated 45 Multicultural Outdoor Libraries to various cities and towns across Canada.
His unique concept gained widespread attention, inspiring communities not only across Canada but also in other multicultural nations around the world.
Syed Najam Hassan’s lifelong mission is to foster a culture of reading, unity, and knowledge-sharing, leaving a lasting legacy of education and harmony across communities worldwide.
In recognition of his remarkable dedication, he has received numerous honors and medals from Canada. Most recently, he was named Citizen of the Year by the City of Calgary, celebrating his outstanding service and contributions to the Canada .
