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.
Three beginner camps in Blackfoot, Cree, and Michif, the language of the Métis people, are being offered this fall in partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary.Language is a crucial part of a culture, and these sessions are intended to help revitalize language within city limits. Teneya Gwin, Indigenous Service Design Lead at the Calgary Public Library, says she hopes people will see it as an opportunity to build community.“The Library is a place where all people are welcome,” Gwin says. “Indigenous people have the chance to reconnect to their language, and non-Indigenous people are introduced to the language.”The camps were full within a few weeks of registration opening, and having a wait list speaks volumes, Gwin says. They had heard from the community that opportunities like this were wanted, and the Library was fortunate to partner with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre on this initiative.“Language is so connected to culture,” Gwin says. “Language is a huge component of who you are as an Indigenous person, and a lot of Indigenous people are at risk of losing their language.”There’s plans to offer intermediate-level gatherings starting in January for Blackfoot, Cree, and Michif, and Gwin says she hopes to be able to offer more Treaty 7 languages in the future.Register for camps like these or view more Library programming at calgarylibrary.ca/programs, accessible with your free Library card.
Read more about "Stories"Fast Facts The City of Calgary has been planning for a new Central Library since 2004, when it first devoted funds to study future library needs. Throughout 2012, more than 16,000 Calgarians participated in an extensive public engagement program to provide input into the function of Central Library and the role of the Library within the community. The building’s architects are Snøhetta, an international firm, and Calgary’s DIALOG, while CMLC leads the construction. The 240,000 square foot building has five levels that will contain about 600,000 items. Construction began in 2014 with a real feat of engineering: encapsulating the LRT. It was the first time in Calgary’s history an active LRT line was encapsulated and used as a foundation for a building above. The final steel beam of Central Library’s skeletal structure serves a dual-purpose; it’s a time capsule of steel. In March 2017, nearly 700 library lovers of all ages inscribed the massive beam with messages of congratulations and inspiration for future generations. Central Library is a fully-funded $245 million project, paid for by the City ($175 million) and CMLC ($70 million). The Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Add-In Campaign allowed donors to enhance collections, programs, and services across the entire Library system.
Read more about "Fast Facts"Sign up for the Ultimate Summer Challenge before August 31 and you could take home these amazing prizes.
Read more about "Register and win!"Shelly McElroy has a background in education, agriculture, counselling, and museums and is the curator of Pioneer Acres Museum in Irricana, Alberta. Her work considers how agriculture shaped life in Calgary and area in the early twentieth century — and how it still does.
Read more about "Meet Shelly McElroy"Tess
Read more about "Meet Tess McNaughton"Improve your English, brush up on your computer skills, prepare for college, and more.
Read more about "Gale Courses"Help kids, ages six to 12, with hands-on STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. The program's activities use supplies that children find at home (i.e. baking soda, vinegar, etc.) so that children can re-create the experiments and activities outside the program and reinforce learning. This program is for volunteers ages 15 and up.
Read more about "What will you do?"On Friday, November 9, Calgary Public Library proudly celebrated its 4,300 volunteers at the 44th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony, held at Central Library.Library volunteers allow the Library to offer more programs to Calgarians, in more locations, more often. Every year, our volunteers contribute more than 80,000 hours of their time to the Library. During the recent four-day opening celebrations for Central Library, 400 roles were filled by volunteers, who contributed over 1,500 hours. For the tours alone, volunteers engaged with over 1,800 patrons.Volunteers help the Library enhance services and strengthen connections to the community. They help ensure that there is universal access to resources that lead Calgary Public Library members to learn, be inspired, and connect to their community. Library volunteers give their time, energy, and talent — and our members are the direct beneficiaries every year.The following outstanding volunteers received awards at the event:Milestone Service Award – Margaret Manko Rising Star Award – Kim Dolny Emerging Leaders Award – Abby Goldstein Bright Futures Scholarship – Alisha Elbrahim Teamwork Award – Dr. Susan Bennett and Dr. Stefania Forlini Legacy Award – William Musani Library Builder Award – Janet Hutchinson Library Builder Award – Patricia Moore Youth volunteers are integral to the work of the Library. Over 55% of our volunteers are between the ages of 12 – 17. The celebration featured a youth speaker, Asha Nenshi Nathoo, who volunteers for several programs including ELL school success, Action Squad, Conoco Phillips Reading Buddies, and special events.Thank you to each one of our volunteers for another year of incredible volunteering. Your work is an integral part of a strong and vibrant Calgary. You ensure our city and our country is Library strong!
Read more about "Stories Library Volunteers Recognized at Awards Event"Move over Spiderman, Ant-Man and Black Widow. When we're done the world will be full of bug-inspired heroes with real science on their side! In this program, REAL LIVE BUGS like...
Read more about "Saving the World One Super Bug at a Time! (Ages 6-12)"Manage your contact information, notifications, print balance, program registrations, and room bookings.
Read more about "Manage My Account"Discover what it takes to be a true hero with the Ultimate Summer Challenge. Put your powers to the test with reading and activity challenges for the whole family.
Read more about "Are you up for the challenge?"Discover what it takes to be a true hero with the Ultimate Summer Challenge. Put your powers to the test with reading and activity challenges for the whole family.
Read more about "Are you up for the challenge?"Apply before December 18 to be considered for this paid residency.
Read more about "Call for Indigenous Artist in Residence"The Wellness Desk is a free service at Central Library in partnership with Wood's Homes. It provides access to free mental health and addictions support, health information, and referral services.
Read more about "Newcomer Services"