Recognizing the Library’s 2026 Bright Futures Scholarship Winners

Calgary Public Library volunteers make a significant impact by helping community members build learning skills and find connection. From the volunteers who help build early literacy skills with young readers at Reading Buddies to those who encourage creativity at Make it Messy Art programs, every interaction and every minute of their time is helping someone.  

Many of the Library’s volunteers are teens. To acknowledge their 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 teen volunteers who are committed, enthusiastic, and take initiative in their volunteer role. The scholarships 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 2026 recipients of the Bright Futures Scholarship: Fabiha Hassan, Ayesha Zafar, and Arwen Au-Yeung. We are grateful for your contributions to our community and are proud to recognize your accomplishments. 

Fabiha Hassan — $3,500 Scholarship Recipient 

Fabiha describes the Library as a community hub. She has volunteered for numerous programs and events at the Library and has a passion for community service and youth advocacy. While she enjoys seeing young participants grow, Fabiha has also noticed her own growth through volunteering. She is currently a student at Mount Royal University withaspirations to attend law school. 

Ayesha Zafar — $2,000 Scholarship Recipient 

There are many moments that stand out to Ayesha when she thinks about her experiences as a Library volunteer. This includes helping ESL kids build confidence as they learn how to read in English and helping seniors understand how to use technology. With whatever Ayesha does, she aims to provide a safe space where people feel encouraged to try something new. She is currently a political science student at the University of Alberta. 

Arwen Au-Yeung — $1,000 Scholarship Recipient  

Arwen started volunteering at the Library’s Reading Buddies program when she was 13. She has been inspired by participants and other volunteers and has made many friends at the Library. She says that the Library will always be an important part of her life. Arwen is currently attending the University of Lethbridge and hopes to be a biology teacher in the future. 

Discover youth volunteer opportunities at the Library. 

Browse through adult volunteer opportunities at the Library.