At the Library we pride ourselves in creating spaces that provide access to new ideas, connections, and supports. The recognition the Library has received is a testament to our dedication to serving the community and helping build a strong future.
From being known as an international tourist destination to the well-thought-out designs that provide our community with essential services — everyone has the potential to discover something new and be inspired at Calgary Public Library.
Workplace Culture Recognition
The Library was selected for the Culture Leader Award in recognition of its culture-building efforts that have delivered outstanding results.
Video Production Recognition
The Library's short, stop-motion animated video about a character named Page, who discovers Central Library after dark, was recognized with an AMPIA Rosie Award for best Corporate Production under $30K.
Marketing Campaign Recognition
Calgary Public Library has been awarded Library Journal’s Marketer of the Year for Our Comeback Story — the public campaign that was developed in response to last year's cybersecurity incident.
Community Builder Recognition
Kelli has been recognized as a 2025 Mover & Shaker in Library Journal’s annual issue as a Community Builder. The Movers & Shakers Award winners include people across North America who are shaping the future of libraries through their innovative work.
Community Recognition
Calgary Public Library CEO, Sarah Meilleur, has been recognized as an Exceptional Woman of East Village. Through Sarah’s leadership and her commitment to creating thoughtfully designed spaces, Central Library has become the heart of East Village.
Partner Recognition
Wood’s Homes has been recognized with the I Partner With My Public Library Award for collaborating with Calgary Public Library on the Wellness Desk. Out of 61 entries, Wood's Homes was one of 11 winners in North America.
Fish Creek Library
Fish Creek Library has been included in American Libraries Magazine’s 2024 Library Design Showcase. This annual feature celebrates new and newly renovated libraries of all types, highlighting examples of innovative library architecture to support patrons
Marketing Campaign Recognition
Calgary Public Library has received the 2023 John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award. The John Cotton Dana Award is the most prestigious award of the American Library Association (ALA), honouring outstanding library public relations.
2026 PR Xchange Award: External Communications Recognition for the intellectual freedom campaign built around a dynamic, stop motion video called Page.
2025 Kudos Best Culture Awards: Culture Leader Award
Library Journal Marketer of the Year 2025
Exceptional Women of East Village
Minister's Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence: Plan My Vote App (Shortlisted)
Minister's Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence: City of Calgary: “Level Up, Calgary Minecraft Challenge”
Time Magazine: 100 Greatest Places of 2019
New York Times: 52 Places to Go in 2019
New York Times: In a Year of Abrupt Transitions, a trip to Tahiti. And Calgary.
New York Times: Two Canadian Stops on our 52 Places to Go List
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards — Winner: Award of Excellence
Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards — Winner: Engineering a Better Canada
Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum for wayfinding and signage design for the Central Library
Photos by Michael Grimm.
2019 Calgary Awards: The Award for Accessibility
Mayor's Urban Design Awards: The Mawson Urban Design Award
Azure Magazine: Best Canadian Architecture of the Decade
Popular Mechanics: 20 of the World's Most Stunning Libraries
American Institute of Architects: Architecture Honour Award
Consulting Engineers of Alberta 2020 Showcase Awards: Award of Excellence in Building Engineering – Institutional
Fast Company: Most Innovative Company (Winner in part due to Central Library project)
Fast Company: Why Snøhetta's amazing new library might remind you of an Apple Store
Fast Company: This is the Apple Store of libraries
American Institute of Architects: Snøhetta and Dialog, 2020 recipient of the Architecture Award
American Institute of Architects: 2019 AIA/ALA Library Building Award - The Central Library
2019 SEGD Global Design Awards, Merit Award for Wayfinding - The Central Library
Mayor's Urban Design Awards, Great City Great Design - New Central Library
Azure Magazine: Best Canadian Architecture of the Decade
Popular Mechanics: 20 of the World's Most Stunning Libraries
Time Magazine: 100 Greatest Places of 2019
New York Times: 52 Places to Go in 2019
New York Times: In a Year of Abrupt Transitions, a trip to Tahiti. And Calgary.
New York Times: Two Canadian Stops on our 52 Places to Go List
Fast Company: Why Snøhetta's amazing new library might remind you of an Apple Store
Architect Magazine: 2020 AIA Architecture Awards
American Libraries Magazine: 2024 Library Design Showcase (Fish Creek Library)
LiveWire: Volunteers celebrated for decades long commitment to Calgary Public Library
CityNews: New all-digital library opens in NE Calgary
CTV Calgary: 'That just really fills my heart': Calgary Public Library hosting Powwow Trail 101
Calgary Herald: More than a good book: Calgary Public Library is a hub for the entire community
AFAR: These Are the Most Beautiful Libraries Around the World
CBC Calgary: A big red fire truck is inside a Calgary library, and it's open for visitors
National Observer: Libraries open the door to Indigenous arts and culture
