Did you know that Calgary Public Library has more than 2,500 volunteers? These community members graciously dedicate their time, allowing the Library to offer more programs to more Calgarians. 

Many of these volunteers are teens or young adults who are passionate about giving back to their community. From teaching others new skills to simply creating connections, our young volunteers are making an impact. 

To acknowledge their dedication and commitment to lifelong learning, the Library offers three scholarships annually to help support volunteers in the next chapters of their learning journey.     

The Bright Futures Scholarship is awarded to three young volunteers who are committed, enthusiastic, and take initiative in their volunteer role. The scholarships — valued at $3,500, $2,000, and $1,000 — are made possible by a gift from Barbara Killick, a former senior staff member at Calgary Public Library who witnessed the positive impact made by young volunteers on the lives of those in their community.    

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of the Bright Futures Scholarship: Nikita Saha, Srihitha Yerram, and Gayatri Pathak. We are proud to recognize your commitment to making our community a better place and know you have bright futures ahead. 

Nikita Saha — $3,500 Scholarship Recipient 

Nikita Saha has spent a lot of time volunteering at special events and programs at the Library including Coding Buddies, Reading Buddies, and Lego Club. Nikita finds volunteering to be extremely rewarding, especially when she sees children gain confidence as they learn new skills. She plans to keep volunteering at the Library as she pursues a career in engineering. 

Srihitha Yerram — $2,000 Scholarship Recipient 

Srihitha says that volunteering at the Library has taught her the magic of simply showing up. She has made quality connections that have left an impact and inspired her to live a life built on public service. This fall, Srihitha will be starting a Biomedical Sciences program with a goal to one day become a doctor. 

Gayatri Pathak — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient 

Gayatri has volunteered with the Library since she was in grade 8. Through programs like Reading Buddies, Math Quest, and special events, Gayatri aims to motivate and bring compassion to everything that she does. Inspired by her experiences working with children at the Library, she plans to pursue a career in medicine. 

Discover youth volunteer opportunities at the Library. 

Browse through adult volunteer opportunities at the Library.