Friday, April 17, 2026
- Your Library
- Connect
- Events & Programs
- Read, Learn & Explore
Finding connection or simply learning something new can be extremely fulfilling. At Calgary Public Library, over 2,600 volunteers help facilitate programs that bring different groups together to learn, connect, and grow.
Volunteers give back, build relationships, and help community members reach their full potential. Meet a few of our volunteers and learn more about their experiences below.
As newcomers adjust to their new life in Canada, knowing English is crucial.
Drop-in English Practice is a program offered at the Library where volunteers like Shirley help facilitate informal conversations between groups of newcomers. It’s an opportunity to practise English in a welcoming environment while making connections with new people.
Shirley started volunteering at the Library in 2018 after retiring. Today, she volunteers in person for Drop-in English Practice at Nose Hill Library and for the virtual offering of the program.
“I love this program. I meet so many interesting people. I learn so much about their countries and their culture and at the same time, we're trying to teach them about living in Canada, Alberta, and Calgary, explaining things that they really need to know,” says Shirley.
There are many things that are discussed at Drop-in English Practice, including Calgary’s inconsistent weather. On a particularly snowy March day, Shirley made a joke that one of the participants who just came back from a snowy destination had brought the weather back to Calgary. Most of the room was silent with confused expressions before Shirley clarified what she meant.
“That’s a joke Canadians like to make. It feels better when we can blame someone for the weather that we have,” Shirley explains.
The room of more than twenty people burst into laughter with smiles on their faces. This moment wasn’t just something that sparked connection and joy but was also a learning opportunity to understand how jokes can be made in Canada. It’s these kinds of moments with volunteers like Shirley that can help someone feel a deeper connection to their new community.
Shirley appreciates getting to know participants and seeing their growth.
“You feel really good when someone comes in and says, ‘I got a job!’ You’re happy for them because they are having success and creating a life in Canada.”
Rita is well aware of the special moments that happen within Library walls — she worked at Calgary Public Library for 26 years. Now retired, she’s back at the Library as a volunteer.
“I like the atmosphere of the Library and the people you get to meet,” says Rita.
Like Shirley, Rita has also volunteered at some of the Library’s programs for newcomers. She is now a volunteer at one of the Library’s newest programs — Seniors Drop-in Social Club.
Each week is different at Shawnessy Library. During the first hour, a special guest comes in to teach participants something new. This has included a writing workshop, painting session, and drumming lesson. The second hour is a social hour with time to meet other seniors while sipping coffee or tea.
As a volunteer, Rita helps get things set up. She helps participants feel comfortable and gets to enjoy the program herself.
“It's just enjoying each other's company, talking, and laughing. And it's a great social outlet,” says Rita.
Rita has enjoyed being a Library volunteer and encourages others to start volunteering.
“As you get older, don't sit around. Even if you're younger, volunteering helps you get out and socialize with people. You don't have to be a college graduate or be a really outgoing person, but I think it's a great way to meet people and serve the community."
Jinkoh has been a volunteer since grade school and has always enjoyed giving back to her community. Now a recent university graduate, it felt right to start volunteering at Seton Library.
“I've been going to the Library since I was super young. Volunteering at the Library is really about giving back to all those resources that I took advantage of as a kid," says Jinkoh.
With her background in science and being a creative person, Teen Tech Lab was a great fit for Jinkoh. She assists teens with everything from 3D printing, coding, sewing, and painting.
“I think it's a really great opportunity to sort of be a mentor to a lot of these teens, or at the very least, be a non-judgmental, available, easygoing person to assist them.”
There’s a wide range of participants that attend Teen Tech Lab including teens who come alone after being dropped off by a parent or groups of friends who come together right after school.
Jinkoh says that the atmosphere is welcoming and collaborative. She enjoys seeing how teens at the program are self-motivated and aren't afraid to try new things.
"There's a group here who really love painting together. They sit down chatting, making portraits of each other and their friends at school, sometimes making gifts for their teachers. It's really cute and awesome to see them have this dedicated time and space to do something that they love,” says Jinkoh.
Drop-in English Practice, Seniors Drop-in English Club, and Teen Tech Lab are just a few of the programs that Library volunteers help deliver to make an impact in our community.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Monday, March 30, 2026
Thursday, March 26, 2026
