Central Library Celebrates First Birthday

Calgary, AB – To thank its members, supporters and community, the Calgary Public Library is throwing a birthday bash for the Central Library on Saturday, November 2. Since the doors opened on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed more than 1.74 million visitors, checked out nearly 754,000 items and delivered an astounding 5,100 programs.

“This past year has been an incredible year in the history of the Calgary Public Library,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to our community for helping to create this dynamic hub in the heart of the city while continuing to connect our members to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insights.”

Celebrations will run from 9 am – 4 pm and feature pop-up performances and activities, free tours, a special storytime with Mayor Nenshi, a Friendship Round Dance and much more! 

Below are a few highlights of the celebrations:

• First 500 people to arrive at 9:00 am will receive a free gift
• Special Storytime with Mayor Nenshi at 10:30 am
• Friendship Round Dance takes over the building from 12 – 12:30 pm
• Buskers, performers, art installations throughout the building from 10 am – 4 pm
• Family activities and craft stations all day
• A surprise treat from Lukes
• Sneak peek of the new Indigenous Languages Resource Centre and Elder’s Storytime
• Visit with our Artist in Residence and Author in Residence
• Food trucks, outdoor street hockey (weather permitting), and giveaways courtesy of East Village 

For full details visit calgarylibrary.ca.

The Central Library has become a go-to destination signing up 61,300 new Library members, offering 860 free tours and providing over 5,100 programs to 107,600 attendees since opening one year ago. The 240,000 square foot architectural icon has also been recognized for its inspiring design, designated as a ‘library of the future’ by the prestigious Architectural Digest and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.

For those wishing to celebrate the one-year birthday party and give the Library a gift, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is accepting donations through its website. 

By the numbers since opening on November 1, 2018:

• 1.74 million visitors
• 61,300 new members
• 754,000 items checked out
• 860 tours given
• 203,000 print jobs
• 21,000 room bookings
• 5,100 programs delivered to 107,600 attendees

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Calgary Public Library 

Calgary Public Library, with 738,000+ members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.

Media Contact:

Mary Kapusta
Director, Communications
Calgary Public Library 
403.774.7256
mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca