For immediate releaseSeptember 10, 2019Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a transformational gift from Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson; one of the largest gifts in the Foundation’s history. This generous donation will support early childhood literacy by enhancing the Library’s Early Learning Strategy.“The first years of a child’s life are so crucial,” says Susan Anderson. “I believe in the value of childhood education and wanted to participate in making this available to Calgary’s children to give them a strong start toward a successful future.”In recognition of this generous gift, the Calgary Public Library will name the children’s area at the Central Library the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.“We see kids with very diverse backgrounds coming to the Library for specialized Early Learning programs and resources,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Mark Asberg. “Donations like this help us continue to open doors for all of Calgary’s children, regardless of their socio-economic background.”The Library’s Early Learning Strategy encompasses five areas of focus: research, spaces, people, collections, and programs. Anderson’s donation will uplift each of these focus areas.Specifically, this donation will enable the expansion of early literacy programming both in Libraries and in the community; enhance collections development for babies, toddlers, and, pre-school children; and update existing Early Learning Centres to reflect current research.There are more than 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary. Currently, 12 of Calgary’s 21 Library locations have a dedicated Early Learning Centre, with the goal to have an Early Learning Centre in every single location. Early Learning Centres provide children under the age of five a specialized space to learn through play – the best way for young minds to gain essential early learning skills.About the Calgary Public Library Foundation:The Calgary Public Library Foundation supports the Library through fundraising.We connect people and organizations who want to make a difference with the opportunity to improve our community. All donations received through the Library Foundation enhance Library collections, programming, and services.Since 2011, the Library Foundation has been working on Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. The goal of Add In is to raise $350 million dollars for the Library system. As of June 2019, we have reached 98.5% of our goal.- 30 -Media Contacts:Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403 774 2543maegan@addin.caNina RehillEdelman 403 630 6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Accepts Historic Donation for Early Childhood Learning"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love making some noise. 1. Egg Shaker Matching GameThis fun and simple activity turns listening into a game and helps preschoolers refine their sense of hearing while promoting problem-solving skills.What you’ll need:Six plastic eggs in two different colours for a total of twelve eggs (e.g. six purple, six orange) Small objects that make noise. Some good options include: Small jingle bells Buttons Pennies Dry beans Rice Cheerios Broken crayons Paper clips What to do:Fill pairs of eggs with different items so that there is one egg of each colour filled with the exact same noisy object. For example, there should be one purple egg with rice and one orange egg with rice, and so on. Tape the eggs shut to prevent peeking or spilling. Have your preschooler listen to an egg of one colour and try to find its match in the other set of eggs. For example, have them listen to one purple egg, then try to find its match in the orange eggs. This game can also be done with siblings to encourage social-emotional skills and negotiation. 2. Rain MakerThis craft is easy to make at home with a few household supplies and creates a beautiful rain maker that preschoolers love to tip back and forth.What you’ll need:Cardboard paper towel roll Paper bag Aluminum foil Tape 1 cup corn kernels, uncooked rice, or a mix of both Paper Markers What to do:Cut out a circle from a paper bag that's slightly larger than the circumference of your paper tower roll. Trace the paper towel roll in the middle of your circle. Then, cut out about 4 equally spaced slits from the edge of the paper bag circle to your traced circle. Fold up your paper bag circle over your cardboard roll. Use masking tape to attach your circle to your cardboard tube and seal off an end. Rip out a sheet of aluminum foil that's about three times as long your tube. Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long snake (your child can help with this fun task). Then, fold it back and forth, creating a bunch of kinks in a zigzag (this will slow down the fall of your rice or corn to make it sound more like a real rain stick). When you're done, slide the foil snake into your tube. Pour the rice or corn (or a mix of both) into your cardboard tube. Then seal the other end following the same directions found in steps one and two. Now it's time to decorate your rainmaker. Cut out a piece of paper that will cover your cardboard tube. Doodle a design, tape it around your tube, and you’ll have a lovely rainmaker that creates a soothing pitter-patter sound. 3. “Guess the Sound” JarsA simpler version of the plastic egg activity, you only need one container for this fun guessing game that will engage your child’s sense of hearing.What you’ll need:Opaque jar or container, like a yogurt tub Variety of small items (e.g. beans, salt, jewelry, rubber bands, coins, buttons, rice, bouncy balls) What to do:Fill your jar with a small object that makes noise when you shake it. If you have more than one container, you can set up multiple containers with different objects. Ask your child to guess which object is making noise. Then hide a different object in the container and repeat as many times as they’re willing to guess. This is also a great opportunity to expand vocabulary if you and your child try to describe each sound with words like rattling, ringing, loud, soft, etc. Enjoy this fun game together with your preschooler! Learning is fun with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out Your Library at Home for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:https://playtolearnpreschool.us/sound-matching-game/http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/09/how-to-make-cardboard-rainmakers-preschool-craft.htmlhttps://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-sound-sensory-jars-to-make-play/
Read more about "Stories Three Preschool Sensory Activities that Explore Sound"For immediate releaseSeptember 10, 2019Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a transformational gift from Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson; one of the largest gifts in the Foundation’s history. This generous donation will support early childhood literacy by enhancing the Library’s Early Learning Strategy.“The first years of a child’s life are so crucial,” says Susan Anderson. “I believe in the value of childhood education and wanted to participate in making this available to Calgary’s children to give them a strong start toward a successful future.”In recognition of this generous gift, the Calgary Public Library will name the children’s area at the Central Library the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.“We see kids with very diverse backgrounds coming to the Library for specialized Early Learning programs and resources,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Mark Asberg. “Donations like this help us continue to open doors for all of Calgary’s children, regardless of their socio-economic background.”The Library’s Early Learning Strategy encompasses five areas of focus: research, spaces, people, collections, and programs. Anderson’s donation will uplift each of these focus areas.Specifically, this donation will enable the expansion of early literacy programming both in Libraries and in the community; enhance collections development for babies, toddlers, and, pre-school children; and update existing Early Learning Centres to reflect current research.There are more than 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary. Currently, 12 of Calgary’s 21 Library locations have a dedicated Early Learning Centre, with the goal to have an Early Learning Centre in every single location. Early Learning Centres provide children under the age of five a specialized space to learn through play – the best way for young minds to gain essential early learning skills.About the Calgary Public Library Foundation:The Calgary Public Library Foundation supports the Library through fundraising.We connect people and organizations who want to make a difference with the opportunity to improve our community. All donations received through the Library Foundation enhance Library collections, programming, and services.Since 2011, the Library Foundation has been working on Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. The goal of Add In is to raise $350 million dollars for the Library system. As of June 2019, we have reached 98.5% of our goal.- 30 -Media Contacts:Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403 774 2543maegan@addin.caNina RehillEdelman 403 630 6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Accepts Historic Donation for Early Childhood Learning"Whether it’s physical books, online resources, or just a change of scenery, Megan Powell has found what she needs at the Library.As a small business owner, Megan uses various free Library resources to help build and grow Little Dot Creative, a branding and website studio.“I know that if there’s a problem, I can find something at the Library to gain knowledge and solve it,” she says.Megan has been turning to the Library for many years. Her childhood was filled with storytimes at Southwood Library, followed by checking out picture books with her family and hauling them home.She remembers a giant bin for Library books in the hallway of her house, and the joy that came from picking a new book each night before bedtime.“The Library has always been a part of my life, and it has just continued on into adulthood,” Megan says.Gaining New KnowledgeDuring an internship in university, Megan needed to use InDesign, a software program she had little experience with. She used her Library card to access Lynda.com, a free Digital Resource full of short online expert-led video courses, covering software and topics like web design and business skills.“I learned how to use InDesign and all the Adobe programs, including Photoshop and Illustrator, which are now used daily in my business,” she says.When Megan needed a solution for organizing her company’s financials, she put the book Profit First on hold, read it, and adopted new strategies. “There are so many amazing free resources that have helped me in my business and career,” she says. Megan occasionally brings her work to libraries, including Quarry Park and Central Library. She enjoys how the atmosphere is different from a co-work space or a coffee shop.‘So Many Resources’As an organizer with the Rising Tide Society’s Calgary chapter — a free group for creative entrepreneurs — Megan uses larger bookable meeting rooms to host events and co-work days.“Knowing that we have a free resource to be able to do that is amazing,” Megan says. Plus, she adds, the beauty of Central Library makes it an ideal place for a group of creatives to congregate.At those gatherings, Megan is quick to gush about the benefits of a free Library card, from more than 100 online resources to weekly Small Business Tuesdays programs to easily accessible eBooks and eAudiobooks.“I just don’t think people know that there are so many resources and so many things attached to the Library,” she says.Amid the isolation and stress that can come with running a small business, Megan says she has found support at the Library.“It’s reassuring and comforting to know that these resources are available at your fingertips, completely free to you,” she says.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘Amazing Free Resources’ Megan Powell’s Library Story began when she started her business"Staying indoors and enjoying some time at home? These free Library resources are your new best friends. There’s so much you can do with your Library card without ever having to leave your couch. Let’s get you set up! Books Libby by OverDrive can turn any mobile device (not just eReaders) into a virtual Library. To satisfy your book cravings immediately, we recommend filtering your search to only see eBooks and audiobooks that are currently available for checkout. You should also check out the “Skip the Line” feature, which lets you immediately take out popular and in-demand titles for a week at a time. Get help downloading Libby. Film and Movies With Kanopy, you'll never run out of binge-worthy TV again. Once you sign up online with your Library account information, you can download the free app on Apple TV, Roku, or other television devices and log in to start streaming popular films, award-winning documentaries, and kids shows like Franklin, Little Bear, and Max & Ruby. Get help downloading Kanopy. Music Build your ultimate playlist on Freegal Music, or listen to tunes recommended by staff. You can stream music for three hours each day on this app, and download up to five free songs per week. Popular Top 40 artists like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran can be found here, but so can relaxing instrumental tracks, and storytimes and songs for little learners. Get help using Freegal. News Stay in-the-know at home with domestic and international newspapers on PressReader. Newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries are available in multiple languages. You can even save and print articles at home with this app. Is New York Times your preferred paper? Access it for free using your Library card. Get help using PressReader. Learning Take some time for you and learn something new from home. You can access tons of online learning courses for free through the Library, including some that offer certificates of completion. Check out Lynda.com and Gale Courses for free instruction from experts in everything from Photoshop and Microsoft, to project management, design, and culture. Want to learn a new language? You have free access to Rosetta Stone and Pronunciator with your Library card. Want to explore more of our free Digital Library offerings? Check out everything that’s available with your free Library card.
Read more about "Stories Free Library Resources You Can Enjoy from Home"Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is launching an ambitious new fundraising campaign to bring the joy and pride of book ownership to children across Calgary. My First Bookshelf, a one-year pilot program at Calgary Public Library in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will provide one age-appropriate, high-quality book every month to children from birth to age five — for free. The pilot is made possible thanks to The Dollywood Foundation of Canada, Canada Life, Rotary Club of Calgary East, Rotary Partners of Calgary at Stampede Park, and donors of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.“My First Bookshelf is an exciting way for the Library to extend its mission of providing accessible early learning support to children in Calgary,” says Heather Robertson, Director of Service Design for Calgary Public Library. “While children can access a world of information through the Library, having books of their own at home is a powerful way to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”The Calgary Public Library is piloting the program in select communities identified by postal code. The goal is to register 1,000 children for the Calgary program in the first year.Jeanne Smitiuch, Regional Director for The Dollywood Foundation of Canada remarked, “We are delighted this partnership will join 290 other communities across Canada inspiring a lifelong love of books to more than 26,000 children each month.”The Library will review the pilot throughout the year and hopes that additional funding will help to expand My First Bookshelf to more communities in Calgary and surrounding areas. The Calgary Public Library Foundation has a goal of expanding the program to bring a love of reading into the homes of children across Calgary. There are nearly 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary.“Research shows that having even 20 books at home fosters a love of learning and sets children up for success when they start school,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “COVID-19 has illustrated how critically important this is, and how children are affected when schools and libraries are temporarily closed. We know this program will resonate with Calgarians and we want to invite them to help support this life-changing program for as little as $5.50 a month.”To donate or for more information, visit libraryfoundation.ca/myfirstbookshelf. —Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. Last year, Calgarians borrowed more than 15 million physical and digital items and visited the Library seven million times.About Dolly Parton’s Imagination LibrarySince launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted well over 140 million free books in Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and the United States. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.7 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring them to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House Canada is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library all across Canada. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.Media Contact:Rachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.680.0626rachael@libraryfoundation.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caJeanne SmitiuchRegional Director, CanadaThe Dollywood Foundation of Canadajsmitiuch@imaginationlibrary.caTracy LongDirector of Marketing & DevelopmentThe Dollywood Foundationtlong@dollyfoundation.com
Read more about "Stories"Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is launching an ambitious new fundraising campaign to bring the joy and pride of book ownership to children across Calgary. My First Bookshelf, a one-year pilot program at Calgary Public Library in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will provide one age-appropriate, high-quality book every month to children from birth to age five — for free. The pilot is made possible thanks to The Dollywood Foundation of Canada, Canada Life, Rotary Club of Calgary East, Rotary Partners of Calgary at Stampede Park, and donors of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.“My First Bookshelf is an exciting way for the Library to extend its mission of providing accessible early learning support to children in Calgary,” says Heather Robertson, Director of Service Design for Calgary Public Library. “While children can access a world of information through the Library, having books of their own at home is a powerful way to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”The Calgary Public Library is piloting the program in select communities identified by postal code. The goal is to register 1,000 children for the Calgary program in the first year.Jeanne Smitiuch, Regional Director for The Dollywood Foundation of Canada remarked, “We are delighted this partnership will join 290 other communities across Canada inspiring a lifelong love of books to more than 26,000 children each month.”The Library will review the pilot throughout the year and hopes that additional funding will help to expand My First Bookshelf to more communities in Calgary and surrounding areas. The Calgary Public Library Foundation has a goal of expanding the program to bring a love of reading into the homes of children across Calgary. There are nearly 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary.“Research shows that having even 20 books at home fosters a love of learning and sets children up for success when they start school,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “COVID-19 has illustrated how critically important this is, and how children are affected when schools and libraries are temporarily closed. We know this program will resonate with Calgarians and we want to invite them to help support this life-changing program for as little as $5.50 a month.”To donate or for more information, visit libraryfoundation.ca/myfirstbookshelf. —Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. Last year, Calgarians borrowed more than 15 million physical and digital items and visited the Library seven million times.About Dolly Parton’s Imagination LibrarySince launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted well over 140 million free books in Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and the United States. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.7 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring them to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House Canada is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library all across Canada. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.Media Contact:Rachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.680.0626rachael@libraryfoundation.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caJeanne SmitiuchRegional Director, CanadaThe Dollywood Foundation of Canadajsmitiuch@imaginationlibrary.caTracy LongDirector of Marketing & DevelopmentThe Dollywood Foundationtlong@dollyfoundation.com
Read more about "Stories"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love making some noise. 1. Egg Shaker Matching GameThis fun and simple activity turns listening into a game and helps preschoolers refine their sense of hearing while promoting problem-solving skills.What you’ll need: Six plastic eggs in two different colours for a total of twelve eggs (e.g. six purple, six orange) Small objects that make noise. Some good options include: Small jingle bells Buttons Pennies Broken crayons Paper clips What to do: Fill pairs of eggs with different items so that there is one egg of each colour filled with the exact same noisy object. For example, there should be one purple egg with rice and one orange egg with rice, and so on. Tape the eggs shut to prevent peeking or spilling. Have your preschooler listen to an egg of one colour and try to find its match in the other set of eggs. For example, have them listen to one purple egg, then try to find its match in the orange eggs. This game can also be done with siblings to encourage social-emotional skills and negotiation. 2. Rain MakerThis craft is easy to make at home with a few household supplies and creates a beautiful rain maker that preschoolers love to tip back and forth.What you’ll need: Cardboard paper towel roll Paper bag Aluminum foil Tape 1 cup small rocks, beads, or a mix of both Paper Markers What to do: Cut out a circle from a paper bag that's slightly larger than the circumference of your paper tower roll. Trace the paper towel roll in the middle of your circle. Then, cut out about 4 equally spaced slits from the edge of the paper bag circle to your traced circle. Fold up your paper bag circle over your cardboard roll. Use masking tape to attach your circle to your cardboard tube and seal off an end. Rip out a sheet of aluminum foil that's about three times as long your tube. Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long snake (your child can help with this fun task). Then, fold it back and forth, creating a bunch of kinks in a zigzag (this will slow down the fall of your rice or corn to make it sound more like a real rain stick). When you're done, slide the foil snake into your tube. Pour the rice or corn (or a mix of both) into your cardboard tube. Then seal the other end following the same directions found in steps one and two. Now it's time to decorate your rainmaker. Cut out a piece of paper that will cover your cardboard tube. Doodle a design, tape it around your tube, and you’ll have a lovely rainmaker that creates a soothing pitter-patter sound. 3. “Guess the Sound” JarsA simpler version of the plastic egg activity, you only need one container for this fun guessing game that will engage your child’s sense of hearing.What you’ll need: Opaque jar or container, like a yogurt tub Variety of small items (e.g. salt, jewelry, rubber bands, coins, buttons, bouncy balls) What to do: Fill your jar with a small object that makes noise when you shake it. If you have more than one container, you can set up multiple containers with different objects. Ask your child to guess which object is making noise. Then hide a different object in the container and repeat as many times as they’re willing to guess. This is also a great opportunity to expand vocabulary if you and your child try to describe each sound with words like rattling, ringing, loud, soft, etc. Enjoy this fun game together with your preschooler! Learning is fun with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out Your Library at Home for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:https://playtolearnpreschool.us/sound-matching-game/http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/09/how-to-make-cardboard-rainmakers-preschool-craft.htmlhttps://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-sound-sensory-jars-to-make-play/
Read more about "Stories Three Preschool Sensory Activities that Explore Sound"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love making some noise. 1. Egg Shaker Matching GameThis fun and simple activity turns listening into a game and helps preschoolers refine their sense of hearing while promoting problem-solving skills.What you’ll need: Six plastic eggs in two different colours for a total of twelve eggs (e.g. six purple, six orange) Small objects that make noise. Some good options include: Small jingle bells Buttons Pennies Broken crayons Paper clips What to do: Fill pairs of eggs with different items so that there is one egg of each colour filled with the exact same noisy object. For example, there should be one purple egg with rice and one orange egg with rice, and so on. Tape the eggs shut to prevent peeking or spilling. Have your preschooler listen to an egg of one colour and try to find its match in the other set of eggs. For example, have them listen to one purple egg, then try to find its match in the orange eggs. This game can also be done with siblings to encourage social-emotional skills and negotiation. 2. Rain MakerThis craft is easy to make at home with a few household supplies and creates a beautiful rain maker that preschoolers love to tip back and forth.What you’ll need: Cardboard paper towel roll Paper bag Aluminum foil Tape 1 cup small rocks, beads, or a mix of both Paper Markers What to do: Cut out a circle from a paper bag that's slightly larger than the circumference of your paper tower roll. Trace the paper towel roll in the middle of your circle. Then, cut out about 4 equally spaced slits from the edge of the paper bag circle to your traced circle. Fold up your paper bag circle over your cardboard roll. Use masking tape to attach your circle to your cardboard tube and seal off an end. Rip out a sheet of aluminum foil that's about three times as long your tube. Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long snake (your child can help with this fun task). Then, fold it back and forth, creating a bunch of kinks in a zigzag (this will slow down the fall of your rice or corn to make it sound more like a real rain stick). When you're done, slide the foil snake into your tube. Pour the rice or corn (or a mix of both) into your cardboard tube. Then seal the other end following the same directions found in steps one and two. Now it's time to decorate your rainmaker. Cut out a piece of paper that will cover your cardboard tube. Doodle a design, tape it around your tube, and you’ll have a lovely rainmaker that creates a soothing pitter-patter sound. 3. “Guess the Sound” JarsA simpler version of the plastic egg activity, you only need one container for this fun guessing game that will engage your child’s sense of hearing.What you’ll need: Opaque jar or container, like a yogurt tub Variety of small items (e.g. salt, jewelry, rubber bands, coins, buttons, bouncy balls) What to do: Fill your jar with a small object that makes noise when you shake it. If you have more than one container, you can set up multiple containers with different objects. Ask your child to guess which object is making noise. Then hide a different object in the container and repeat as many times as they’re willing to guess. This is also a great opportunity to expand vocabulary if you and your child try to describe each sound with words like rattling, ringing, loud, soft, etc. Enjoy this fun game together with your preschooler! Learning is fun with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out Your Library at Home for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:https://playtolearnpreschool.us/sound-matching-game/http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/09/how-to-make-cardboard-rainmakers-preschool-craft.htmlhttps://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-sound-sensory-jars-to-make-play/
Read more about "Stories Three Preschool Sensory Activities that Explore Sound"Whether it’s physical books, online resources, or just a change of scenery, Megan Powell has found what she needs at the Library.As a small business owner, Megan uses various free Library resources to help build and grow Little Dot Creative, a branding and website studio.“I know that if there’s a problem, I can find something at the Library to gain knowledge and solve it,” she says.Megan has been turning to the Library for many years. Her childhood was filled with storytimes at Southwood Library, followed by checking out picture books with her family and hauling them home.She remembers a giant bin for Library books in the hallway of her house, and the joy that came from picking a new book each night before bedtime.“The Library has always been a part of my life, and it has just continued on into adulthood,” Megan says.Gaining New KnowledgeDuring an internship in university, Megan needed to use InDesign, a software program she had little experience with. She used her Library card to access Lynda.com, a free Digital Resource full of short online expert-led video courses, covering software and topics like web design and business skills.“I learned how to use InDesign and all the Adobe programs, including Photoshop and Illustrator, which are now used daily in my business,” she says.When Megan needed a solution for organizing her company’s financials, she put the book Profit First on hold, read it, and adopted new strategies. “There are so many amazing free resources that have helped me in my business and career,” she says. Megan occasionally brings her work to libraries, including Quarry Park and Central Library. She enjoys how the atmosphere is different from a co-work space or a coffee shop.‘So Many Resources’As an organizer with the Rising Tide Society’s Calgary chapter — a free group for creative entrepreneurs — Megan uses larger bookable meeting rooms to host events and co-work days.“Knowing that we have a free resource to be able to do that is amazing,” Megan says. Plus, she adds, the beauty of Central Library makes it an ideal place for a group of creatives to congregate.At those gatherings, Megan is quick to gush about the benefits of a free Library card, from more than 100 online resources to weekly Small Business Tuesdays programs to easily accessible eBooks and eAudiobooks.“I just don’t think people know that there are so many resources and so many things attached to the Library,” she says.Amid the isolation and stress that can come with running a small business, Megan says she has found support at the Library.“It’s reassuring and comforting to know that these resources are available at your fingertips, completely free to you,” she says.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘Amazing Free Resources’ Megan Powell’s Library Story began when she started her business"Staying indoors and enjoying some time at home? These free Library resources are your new best friends. There’s so much you can do with your Library card without ever having to leave your couch. Let’s get you set up! Books Libby by OverDrive can turn any mobile device (not just eReaders) into a virtual Library. To satisfy your book cravings immediately, we recommend filtering your search to only see eBooks and audiobooks that are currently available for checkout. You should also check out the “Skip the Line” feature, which lets you immediately take out popular and in-demand titles for a week at a time. Get help downloading Libby. Film and Movies With Kanopy, you'll never run out of binge-worthy TV again. Once you sign up online with your Library account information, you can download the free app on Apple TV, Roku, or other television devices and log in to start streaming popular films, award-winning documentaries, and kids shows like Franklin, Little Bear, and Max & Ruby. Get help downloading Kanopy. Music Build your ultimate playlist on Freegal Music, or listen to tunes recommended by staff. You can stream music for three hours each day on this app, and download up to five free songs per week. Popular Top 40 artists like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran can be found here, but so can relaxing instrumental tracks, and storytimes and songs for little learners. Get help using Freegal. News Stay in-the-know at home with domestic and international newspapers on PressReader. Newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries are available in multiple languages. You can even save and print articles at home with this app. Is New York Times your preferred paper? Access it for free using your Library card. Get help using PressReader. Learning Take some time for you and learn something new from home. You can access tons of online learning courses for free through the Library, including some that offer certificates of completion. Check out Lynda.com and Gale Courses for free instruction from experts in everything from Photoshop and Microsoft, to project management, design, and culture. Want to learn a new language? You have free access to Rosetta Stone and Pronunciator with your Library card. Want to explore more of our free Digital Library offerings? Check out everything that’s available with your free Library card.
Read more about "Stories Free Library Resources You Can Enjoy from Home"For immediate releaseSeptember 10, 2019Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a transformational gift from Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson; one of the largest gifts in the Foundation’s history. This generous donation will support early childhood literacy by enhancing the Library’s Early Learning Strategy.“The first years of a child’s life are so crucial,” says Susan Anderson. “I believe in the value of childhood education and wanted to participate in making this available to Calgary’s children to give them a strong start toward a successful future.”In recognition of this generous gift, the Calgary Public Library will name the children’s area at the Central Library the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.“We see kids with very diverse backgrounds coming to the Library for specialized Early Learning programs and resources,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Mark Asberg. “Donations like this help us continue to open doors for all of Calgary’s children, regardless of their socio-economic background.”The Library’s Early Learning Strategy encompasses five areas of focus: research, spaces, people, collections, and programs. Anderson’s donation will uplift each of these focus areas.Specifically, this donation will enable the expansion of early literacy programming both in Libraries and in the community; enhance collections development for babies, toddlers, and, pre-school children; and update existing Early Learning Centres to reflect current research.There are more than 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary. Currently, 12 of Calgary’s 21 Library locations have a dedicated Early Learning Centre, with the goal to have an Early Learning Centre in every single location. Early Learning Centres provide children under the age of five a specialized space to learn through play – the best way for young minds to gain essential early learning skills.About the Calgary Public Library Foundation:The Calgary Public Library Foundation supports the Library through fundraising.We connect people and organizations who want to make a difference with the opportunity to improve our community. All donations received through the Library Foundation enhance Library collections, programming, and services.Since 2011, the Library Foundation has been working on Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. The goal of Add In is to raise $350 million dollars for the Library system. As of June 2019, we have reached 98.5% of our goal.- 30 -Media Contacts:Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403 774 2543maegan@addin.caNina RehillEdelman 403 630 6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Accepts Historic Donation for Early Childhood Learning"For immediate releaseSeptember 10, 2019Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a transformational gift from Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson; one of the largest gifts in the Foundation’s history. This generous donation will support early childhood literacy by enhancing the Library’s Early Learning Strategy.“The first years of a child’s life are so crucial,” says Susan Anderson. “I believe in the value of childhood education and wanted to participate in making this available to Calgary’s children to give them a strong start toward a successful future.”In recognition of this generous gift, the Calgary Public Library will name the children’s area at the Central Library the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.“We see kids with very diverse backgrounds coming to the Library for specialized Early Learning programs and resources,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Mark Asberg. “Donations like this help us continue to open doors for all of Calgary’s children, regardless of their socio-economic background.”The Library’s Early Learning Strategy encompasses five areas of focus: research, spaces, people, collections, and programs. Anderson’s donation will uplift each of these focus areas.Specifically, this donation will enable the expansion of early literacy programming both in Libraries and in the community; enhance collections development for babies, toddlers, and, pre-school children; and update existing Early Learning Centres to reflect current research.There are more than 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary. Currently, 12 of Calgary’s 21 Library locations have a dedicated Early Learning Centre, with the goal to have an Early Learning Centre in every single location. Early Learning Centres provide children under the age of five a specialized space to learn through play – the best way for young minds to gain essential early learning skills.About the Calgary Public Library Foundation:The Calgary Public Library Foundation supports the Library through fundraising.We connect people and organizations who want to make a difference with the opportunity to improve our community. All donations received through the Library Foundation enhance Library collections, programming, and services.Since 2011, the Library Foundation has been working on Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. The goal of Add In is to raise $350 million dollars for the Library system. As of June 2019, we have reached 98.5% of our goal.- 30 -Media Contacts:Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403 774 2543maegan@addin.caNina RehillEdelman 403 630 6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Accepts Historic Donation for Early Childhood Learning"Staying indoors and enjoying some time at home? These free Library resources are your new best friends. There’s so much you can do with your Library card without ever having to leave your couch. Let’s get you set up! Books Libby by OverDrive can turn any mobile device (not just eReaders) into a virtual Library. To satisfy your book cravings immediately, we recommend filtering your search to only see eBooks and audiobooks that are currently available for checkout. You should also check out the “Skip the Line” feature, which lets you immediately take out popular and in-demand titles for a week at a time. Get help downloading Libby. Film and Movies With Kanopy, you'll never run out of binge-worthy TV again. Once you sign up online with your Library account information, you can download the free app on Apple TV, Roku, or other television devices and log in to start streaming popular films, award-winning documentaries, and kids shows like Franklin, Little Bear, and Max & Ruby. Get help downloading Kanopy. Music Build your ultimate playlist on Freegal Music, or listen to tunes recommended by staff. You can stream music for three hours each day on this app, and download up to five free songs per week. Popular Top 40 artists like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran can be found here, but so can relaxing instrumental tracks, and storytimes and songs for little learners. Get help using Freegal. News Stay in-the-know at home with domestic and international newspapers on PressReader. Newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries are available in multiple languages. You can even save and print articles at home with this app. Is New York Times your preferred paper? Access it for free using your Library card. Get help using PressReader. Learning Take some time for you and learn something new from home. You can access tons of online learning courses for free through the Library, including some that offer certificates of completion. Check out Lynda.com and Gale Courses for free instruction from experts in everything from Photoshop and Microsoft, to project management, design, and culture. Want to learn a new language? You have free access to Rosetta Stone and Pronunciator with your Library card. Want to explore more of our free Digital Library offerings? Check out everything that’s available with your free Library card.
Read more about "Stories Free Library Resources You Can Enjoy from Home"Whether it’s physical books, online resources, or just a change of scenery, Megan Powell has found what she needs at the Library.As a small business owner, Megan uses various free Library resources to help build and grow Little Dot Creative, a branding and website studio.“I know that if there’s a problem, I can find something at the Library to gain knowledge and solve it,” she says.Megan has been turning to the Library for many years. Her childhood was filled with storytimes at Southwood Library, followed by checking out picture books with her family and hauling them home.She remembers a giant bin for Library books in the hallway of her house, and the joy that came from picking a new book each night before bedtime.“The Library has always been a part of my life, and it has just continued on into adulthood,” Megan says.Gaining New KnowledgeDuring an internship in university, Megan needed to use InDesign, a software program she had little experience with. She used her Library card to access Lynda.com, a free Digital Resource full of short online expert-led video courses, covering software and topics like web design and business skills.“I learned how to use InDesign and all the Adobe programs, including Photoshop and Illustrator, which are now used daily in my business,” she says.When Megan needed a solution for organizing her company’s financials, she put the book Profit First on hold, read it, and adopted new strategies. “There are so many amazing free resources that have helped me in my business and career,” she says. Megan occasionally brings her work to libraries, including Quarry Park and Central Library. She enjoys how the atmosphere is different from a co-work space or a coffee shop.‘So Many Resources’As an organizer with the Rising Tide Society’s Calgary chapter — a free group for creative entrepreneurs — Megan uses larger bookable meeting rooms to host events and co-work days.“Knowing that we have a free resource to be able to do that is amazing,” Megan says. Plus, she adds, the beauty of Central Library makes it an ideal place for a group of creatives to congregate.At those gatherings, Megan is quick to gush about the benefits of a free Library card, from more than 100 online resources to weekly Small Business Tuesdays programs to easily accessible eBooks and eAudiobooks.“I just don’t think people know that there are so many resources and so many things attached to the Library,” she says.Amid the isolation and stress that can come with running a small business, Megan says she has found support at the Library.“It’s reassuring and comforting to know that these resources are available at your fingertips, completely free to you,” she says.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘Amazing Free Resources’ Megan Powell’s Library Story began when she started her business"