You can read all about and register for our programs online here. Calgary Public Library programming is currently happening online, with plans to begin some in-person programs at select locations April 4.
Get involved with your local Library. Both adults and youth can become Library volunteers. The Volunteer Lounge is located on this level. Come find the right fit for you and discover nearly 30 programs where you can share your talents. View volunteer opportunities
Read more about "Get involved with your local Library."Four years ago, Henry Bastidas left his home in Venezuela and moved to Canada. Henry sought a safer place; he lived near the capital city Caracas, one of the most dangerous cities in the world.An engineer in Venezuela, Henry arrived in Calgary speaking only Spanish. He soon started an ESL program at the University of Calgary, where a friend recommended he also attend drop-in ESL classes at the Calgary Public Library. Eager to improve his English, he decided to check out the free newcomer programs.That little tip from a friend spurred Henry to get a Library card, instantly connecting him to his new city. “Back home, we don’t have libraries like this. There, a library is just storage for books,” Henry says. “Here, I love how dynamic the libraries are, all the activities they do. People are engaged and involved and I think that’s a very good thing.”The ESL classes at the Library helped Henry gain confidence in speaking English. Next, he tried out other free Library programs, including small business programs to work on his resumé and LinkedIn profile and technology programs to learn Excel and PowerPoint.Giving BackIn early 2015, less than a year after arriving in Canada, Henry applied to volunteer at Calgary Public Library. “The Library helped me a lot,” Henry says. “After I finished my courses, I decided to try to give back to this community that now I call home.”Henry began volunteering for kids’ math and coding programs, first at Central Library. “I just wanted to try and help kids a little bit with the things I know, like math,” he says. The experience helped him land his first job in Canada; with no work history here, he says the volunteer gig on his resumé was crucial.As Henry has moved throughout Calgary, he’s continued to volunteer at the Library closest to him, including Forest Lawn, Village Square, Fish Creek, and Sage Hill libraries.Today, Henry studies energy asset management at SAIT and works part-time. He continues to volunteer with Math Quest, helping students in Grades 1 to 6 use math to complete challenges throughout the Library. The after-school program makes numeracy fun — for the students, and for Henry.Energizing Experience“The kids get so excited every time they read a card and accomplish any of the quests,” he says. “I like how energetic they are. Every time I leave the Library, I feel like I did something good here. Instead of draining your energy, this gives you more energy.”“Henry’s strong commitment to helping students learn is a real gift to our youth volunteers that he mentors and to the children participating in our programs,” says Muneerah Vasanji, Volunteer Resources Coordinator at Calgary Public Library. “Henry stands out for his solid work ethic, patience, dedication, and leadership. Henry genuinely cares about making a tangible difference in our community and we are so fortunate to have him as an integral part of our volunteer team.”Henry had never volunteered before; it’s not really part of the norm in Venezuela, he says. “But here, I feel like it’s very important to do. Even though sometimes I have a very busy schedule, going to school and working, I always find when I make time to come volunteer I have fun.,” Henry says.Henry continues to be a dedicated Library member, recommending free programs to others and taking time to look around and pick up a new book. “The Library is my happy place,” he says. “There is always something going on, and you can find everything you are into.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘The Library is My Happy Place’ Henry Bastidas helps others learn as part of his Library Story"Each year, our 3,500 dedicated volunteers contribute 90,000+ volunteer hours. These hours have a value of over $2.8 million that directly benefits over 700,000 patrons by allowing us to offer more programs, in more locations, more often, to more Calgarians.
Read more about "Meet our volunteers"Special Services includes programs for those who are unable to travel to a Library location, tools at the Library such as accessible computers and other electronic aids, and an extensive collection of large print books, talking books, digital books, and Digital Readers.
Read more about "Making the Library experience available to everyone."Are you looking for a job? Join this program to learn the basics of resumé development, interview skills, career transitions and networking from a professional career coach.
Read more about "Career Basics 101 - Virtual"There are so many reasons to become a member Your Library card gives you free access to device borrowing, printing, creative spaces, and programs — not to mention our entire collection of books, movies and music. See what your free membership can do for you! Sign up online or at your closest Library location .
Read more about "There are so many reasons to become a member"This program
Read more about "Roll out the rainbow carpet with us!"Health and safety guidelines Mask guidelines As of March 1, masks are optional for Library visitors in public Library spaces, in accordance with provincial recommendations. Staff and patrons are asked to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and are not to enter any Library location if they meet criteria for self-isolation. In-person programs In-person programming will be available at select locations starting April 4. Browse virtual and in-person options for all ages in our program guide . Sanitization stations Hand sanitizer is available when you enter the Library and throughout each location. We ask that you please maintain hand sanitizing practices during your Library visit. Physical distancing Physical distancing in public and staff areas is encouraged, but not required as of March 1. Capacity limits have been removed at all locations, and we encourage everyone to practice physical distancing when possible.
Read more about "Health and safety guidelines"Join Mel Kirby, Manager of Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artist Development Program, and hear about its history and a special appearance by some of Calgary Opera’s current McPhee...
Read more about "CCHS: 50 Seasons of Calgary Opera"Using other Alberta libraries in person A TAL card or ME card gives you access to hundreds of libraries across the province. Request a TAL card from your local Library, or register for a ME card online. Both programs provide different borrowing privileges at Alberta libraries, including post-secondary, public, and special libraries.
Read more about "Using other Alberta libraries in person"Realize your potential with help from the Library. Whether you’re a job seeker, or trying to start a business of your own, the Library can help . Find career support with skill-building programs and resources. Connect with other entrepreneurs and business owners, and even see if a career at the Library might be right for you.
Read more about "Realize your potential with help from the Library."Learn amazing fact, such as which bird of prey is like a stealth bomber! This program acquaints participants with the different birds of prey found in Alberta, including hawks...
Read more about "STEM Explorers: Birds of Prey"1. Love podcasts? You’re going to love our new speaker series. Podcast Live! features leading podcasters and innovators behind popular shows like “Radiolab” and “Invisible City.” Learn about and register for upcoming free events on our programs page.2. Can you imagine climbing Mount Everest or scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands? A new virtual reality program lets you do just that. VR Explorers is a program that takes kids ages six to 12 on an immersive virtual reality journey with Google Expeditions. It’s offered at Central Library; find out when on our programs page.3. You already know you can use Library resources in-person or online … but did you know the Library can also come to you? We have five mobile libraries rolling into communities around Calgary. Our Book Trucks and Story Trucks bring the Library to schools, community events, and day homes.4. Indigenous Language Revitalization camps are now part of Library programming! In partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, free beginner camps were offered in the fall of 2018, to learn Blackfoot, Cree, and Michif. The Library plans to offer more Indigenous Language programs in 2019.5. There’s fun new places just for Calgary kids! Our Early Learning Centres are designed to encourage young children to learn through play, and now there are now 12 of these Early Learning Centres at libraries around Calgary! Our newest spaces include a real helicopter inside Seton Library, plus a chance to discover dinosaurs at Country Hills Library.6. You can now use your Library card to take online music lessons — the same card that also allows you to borrow musical instruments for free. ArtistWorks for Libraries is an Digital Resource full of step-by-step video music lessons with experts. Watch videos on many instruments, including guitar, banjo, ukulele, trumpet, piano and drums.7. There’s a new way to get your news with Calgary Public Library. Our E-Library, already home to Digital Resources like Newspaper Source Plus and PressReader, now grants access to the New York Times Online. Find all our newsy online resources on this list.8. With exciting new residency programs at the Central Library, you can now learn from an artist and historian. Attend talks, events, and workshops, or schedule office hours with our historian in residence and view art by our artist in residence.PLUS your Library card gives you access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, free meeting rooms, $5 of free printing each month, hundreds of in-person programs, popular magazines, free music, language learning resources, free films, online courses … the list goes on and on! Check out our original list of 15 Library Card Perks to learn more.Not yet a Library card member? Sign up online now or visit any Library location to get your free card.
Read more about "Stories Eight New Library Perks You Need to Know About Now"Learn all about one of Alberta’s most misunderstood creatures. During this program, skunk life histories and behaviour are discussed, and participants may discover that skunks...
Read more about "Wildlife Wonders: Supremely Skunks"