New to Canada

Welcome to Canada and the Library

Your free Calgary Public Library card is an important step in finding support in Calgary. At the Library, you can borrow books, movies, and music, use computers and Wi-Fi, print documents, attend programs to practise your English skills, and get connected to newcomer services agencies who can help you. It’s all free! 

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Get a card 

Check out 99 items or access countless eBooks and audiobooks, including languages other than English and access hundreds of free services and resources, online and in person. Sign up today.

Visit a location 

Anyone can visit any of our 21 locations to pick up or return books and use services like computers, laptops, room booking, and more.  

Access valuable services 

Get $5 free printing per month, book meeting rooms, use desktop computers or borrow a laptop, attend programs to practice English with other newcomers, or get help with job searches — all totally free.

Get settled at the Newcomers Desk

Drop in to the Library to get support from newcomer-serving organizations. Meet with staff for needs assessment and referrals, document translation, language training, child support, education and skills training, employment, community connections and more.

Newcomers Desk is presented in partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and Calgary Immigrant Women's Association who connect recent immigrants to government agencies, organizations, and community members to help them build new lives in Canada.

Newcomers Desk is generously supported by the RBC Foundation.

Central Library Hours 

Mondays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Tuesdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (ISC)
Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Thursdays: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm (ISC)

Central Library Newcomers Desk is located in room 3-19B. 

Country Hills Library Hours 

Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)

Crowfoot Library Hours 

Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)

Forest Lawn Library Hours 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS)

Saddletowne Library Hours 

Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Thursdays: 1:00 - 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Alternate Wednesdays starting June 14, 2023: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (CIWA)

Shawnessy Library Hours 

Tuesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS)

Village Square Library Hours 

Mondays and Wednesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS)
Alternate Thursdays starting June 22, 2023: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (CIWA)