As a little kid in the 1980s, I had assumed public libraries only existed on television — that they were part of a dream world that was totally unattainable in my own life as a child of Chinese immigrants. But when I was eight-years-old, a friend’s mother suggested we go get some books at the Library. In Calgary? Really? We had more than just school libraries here?Roaming among shelf after shelf of books, I was hooked. I memorized the location of the Thorncliffe Library (now called Judith Umbach Library) and asked my mother to bring me back for my own Library card the following week. For a shy bookish girl, it was a dream come true.I read almost everything, but my favourite books were by Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl, and Judy Blume. As I got older I enjoyed reading The Baby-Sitters Club, Sweet Valley High, and other series. It was a treat to find them at the Library, since $3.95 for a book was pretty much an impossible sum of money to me as a kid.Now as a mother of three, I have become a regular Library user again. At first, I signed up for a card so I could attend a baby class at Country Hills Library with my eldest, but then I got the Library app on my phone and everything changed.It’s so easy to put books on hold through the app, and it has revitalized my reading. Last year I read 64 books, and most of those books were from the Library. I bring my kids to Country Hills Library at least every other week — sometimes more! — and they love to pick out all sorts of reading material. We take out about 20 books at a time. My girls, ages eight and seven, are big readers, and my three-year-old also loves to be read to. The Library has always represented limitless possibility to me — so many books waiting to be read — and all that reading has inspired me to write my own book manuscript, a graphic memoir on postpartum depression. While working on the book, I borrowed a lot of graphic novels and memoirs from the Library so I could get a good sense of other books in the genre. And I just want to say that whoever is responsible for acquiring graphic novels for the Library is doing an excellent job. The Library has been an invaluable resource for me both personally and professionally.Follow Teresa and view her drawings on Instagram at @by_teresawong.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories "I Read Almost Everything" Discovering the Library was a dream come true in Teresa Wong's Library Story"Upgrade your skills, take up a new hobbies, or spend time learning with family and friends. Whatever you're into, we have a free program for every age and stage of life.
Read more about "Programs for everyone"Join healthcare professionals to learn about different conditions and how to better care for yourself.
Read more about "Healthy Living Series"Applications for performers open annually.
Read more about "Discover the joys of the Opera"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 our favourite sensory activities for busy toddlers who like active play — all you need are a few household objects to get them moving and exploring.Spider’s WebWeave string, ribbon, or scarves through a laundry basket and place stuffed animals or toys at the bottom of the basket. Place the basket on its side and let your little one explore. Can they get all the toys out? This activity helps babies and toddlers build motor control and spatial awareness as they navigate their hands through the “spider’s web” to reach the objects. Be sure to supervise them. StackingFor this activity, all you need are some blocks, plastic cups, or any toddler-friendly object that they can stack. Through stacking play, your child is discovering shapes, learning how blocks can be balanced, observing how they fall, and discovering what fits together. See if you can build a tower together — but knocking it over is the best part! Explore MusicMaking music is the perfect way to get active if you’re stuck inside. If you don’t have toddler-friendly instruments available, you can make your own drums or shakers from a variety of different household objects including coffee cans, rice or beans in a bottle, pots and pans, even cardboard boxes. This kind of musical play teaches rhythm, spontaneous movement, and promotes both fine and gross motor skills. Enjoy trying these active play ideas with your busy toddler! Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up online for your free Library card and start using it immediately with our Digital Library resources.
Read more about "Stories Three Indoor Sensory Play Ideas for Active Toddlers"Join us with our friends from Chinook Country Historical Society to learn about the cultural, social, and built history of our city in a week full of virtual and in-person programming.
Read more about "Historic Calgary Week is July 22 — August 1"Watch a celebrity chef cook live, listen to astronomers discuss the Christmas Star, learn wellness techniques for thriving during the holidays, and more with free virtual programs.
Read more about "Spend a cozy evening indoors with virtual programs "Join Indigenous drum groups and dancers to learn about powwow performances, and protocols for attending.
Read more about "Powwow Trail 101"Early Learning Centres are designed to be flexible, open-ended, and interactive. Features such as experiential and moveable activity centres, props, and games support play and active learning through talking, singing, reading, and writing.
Read more about "Vibrant and interactive spaces at 12 libraries that support early literacy practices."Attend programs with Shelly McElroy during her residency. Registration is available online.
Read more about "Programs with the Historian in Residence"Attend free programs with Mackenzie Brown during her residency.
Read more about "Programs with the Indigenous Artist in Residence"Attend a program led by Emma Harding. During her residency, she is hosting a variety of sessions on songwriting, vocal coaching, and making it in the music business. Registration is available online.
Read more about "Programs with the Musical Artist in Residence"Attend online programs with Claudia Chagoya during her residency. Join her as she discusses her artistic practice, teaches beading techniques, and more.
Read more about "Online programs with the Newcomer Artist in Residence"Teens can get inspired to make changes in their world and themselves with lessons from…
Read more about "The Heroes Program"