As Calgary Public Library prepares for the opening of the new Central Library on November 1, we’re also saying goodbye to Central Library, our home for the past 55 years. Take a look at photos from our past and see how our beloved downtown Library has served a growing city for more than five decades.Plans for a new Central Library were in the works as early as 1954, amid a space crunch at Memorial Park Library. But after two failed plebiscites for a new library in the 1950s, the project stalled.In 1961, Mayor Harry Hays told Chief Librarian W.R. Castell that a downtown area across from city hall, slated for urban renewal, could include a new library. No plebiscite would be needed this time; the money would come from a surplus in land sales for new subdivisions. In February 1962, construction of a new downtown Library began on the site of a former service station.Central Library, in all its brutalist splendor, officially opened on June 15, 1963. Castell was thrilled. “Except for the day in January 1912 when the doors of the Library opened for the first time to the public, June 15, 1963, will be long remembered as the most important date in the history of the institution,” he said.The Library was designed by J.H. Cook and Associates, a Calgary architectural firm. Its monolithic look was typical of office buildings at the time. Inside, interior details included an orange, gold, and blue-green colour plan, teak bookshelves and catalogue cabinets, white formica tables, and blue and nutmeg carpeting.While opening day featured a speech by Lieutenant Governor Percy Page, not everyone got to hear it. Seventeen people got stuck in an elevator for 35 minutes. As Central patrons know well, elevator challenges have continued over the years.When it opened, Central Library had a children’s area in the basement, next to a newspaper reading room. The main floor housed a circulation desk and a carpeted reading lounge filled with comfortable seating, where smoking was permitted.The second floor, the reference department, offered the Library’s first-ever coin-operated Xerox photocopying machine for patrons. The third floor had music and film rooms, books on art, music, and theatre, and an art gallery operated by the Glenbow Foundation.The fourth floor was used for the storage of books and the fifth floor housed the ordering, cataloguing, and bookbinding departments. Finally, the sixth floor contained the administrative offices and a circular auditorium.In 1963, when Central Library opened, Calgary’s population was just over 275,000. Central Library had a full-time staff of 41, and Calgarians could borrow books free of charge. They used a transaction card system, filling in cards with their names and address to check out books.In the 1970s, as energy prices soared, Calgary became one of the fastest-growing cities in North America. It soon became apparent more room was needed at Central Library.In early 1971, a formal request went to the city for a much-needed extension, and construction started the following year. The six-storey addition to the north of Central Library opened in 1974.A second-floor theatre was added, and the Library was renamed the W.R. Castell Central Library. A metal sculpture was commissioned and added to what was then the front of the Library, a piece of public art by Robert Oldrich known as “Library Frieze.”Over the years, there’s been many renovations at Central Library. A dedicated Canadiana room opened on the main floor in 1967, Canada’s centennial year. In 1981, the fourth floor of Central Library’s north extension was opened to the public. With wider aisles and lower shelves, it was designed to be accessible to people with disabilities.In 1990, work started on major renovations, including an expanded second-floor children’s area, a secure room for the Local History collection, and a new main entrance at the southwest corner. In 1993, Central’s theatre was named in honour of John Dutton, the chief librarian from 1979 to 1991.In 2011, Central Library’s main floor was renovated to accommodate the new City Hall LRT platform. In 2013, a catastrophic June flood profoundly affected Alberta and Calgary, including Central Library’s lower level, where water seepage caused significant damage.In 2016, Central Library welcomed a big addition. A decommissioned fire truck was moved to the main floor. Engine 23 was retrofitted into a space for kids to play, read, learn, and listen to regular storytimes with firefighters.After 55 years in our current home, we can’t wait to welcome you to the new Central Library. Come visit starting November 1.Want to learn more? Read The Calgary Public Library: Inspiring Life Stories Since 1912 by Brian Brennan, explore the online Calgary Public Library Archives: Our Story in Pictures, and visit the Vintage Media Lab in the new Central Library.
Read more about "Stories Saying Goodbye to Central Library Photos Through the Years (1962 – 2018)"Read full-text and full-colour eBooks for learners of all ages. Students will enjoy the DK Eyewitness book series on everything from animals and weather, to history and technology. All readers will find the information they need to level-up their skills in coding, writing and math. Entrepreneurs will want to explore handbooks for small business, marketing and all aspects of running your business.
Read more about "Educational eBooks. Always available."Read current newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries in many languages. PressReader features only the most recent 3 months of published content. PressReader works best in a web browser on your computer or mobile device.When you log in to PressReader for the first time you are given complimentary access. When it expires, refresh your complimentary access by returning to this page, and logging in again.Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: PressReader tutorial.
Read more about "Local and international newspapers and magazines at your fingertips."Deciding to apply for citizenship in a new country is a big decision, but it’s also exciting. If your goal is to become a Canadian citizen, you can start preparing for your citizenship test right now from home.Use your free Library card to access these resources from the Digital Library. They make studying simple and stress free!Don’t have a Library card? You can sign up for free online and start using it immediately.Learn about your rightsFind out all you need to know about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens by downloading the official study guide for the citizenship test. This guide is provided by the Government of Canada and contains information about the history of Canada, how our government works, symbols of Canada and its regions, and more.BrainFuseConnect with tutors online to get answers to your questions as you prepare for the Canadian Citizenship Test. Tutors are available from 2 pm to 11 pm every day. BrainFuse also has an adult learning centre that includes Canadian Citizenship practice tests and resources to help you excel. Canadian EncyclopediaUse this resource to learn more about Canada’s history and culture through images, maps, videos, timelines, and other media. The Canadian Encyclopedia also provides classroom resources, quizzes, and study guides.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam with Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. You can also use a personalized study planner to stay on track.
Read more about "Stories Preparing for the Canadian Citizenship Test from Home"'\n ', 'Get on the path to find a job, build your own website, start a business, improve your English, write your book, brush up on your computer skills, prepare for college, and more.\xa0', 'Cardholders have free access to courses with their Library card. Once registered, the Library is unable to drop or transfer you from a course. Please read the course requirements carefully prior to registering for a course.', 'Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial in Niche Academy:\xa0', 'Gale Courses tutorial', '\n '
Read more about "'Free, interactive, instructor-led online courses. '"LinkedIn Learning for Library is a free website and app that you can use to learn on the go and at home. It’s a great resource for people looking to try something new or expand on existing skills. Courses are sorted into popular topics. Not sure which interest to pursue first? Try some of these categories of study. Business You’re just a few courses away from taking that next step in your career with free business courses on LinkedIn Learning for Library. Because you get a certificate of achievement for every course you complete in this app, you can add the experience you gain to your resume, which can help impress employers. This app has courses on project management, marketing, team building, and improving your skills with Microsoft Office. Photography Learn tips and tricks for improving your photography skills. Want to take a better family photo? Know your camera equipment inside and out after studying tech tutorials, or learn how to take your photography on the go with tips for shooting with your mobile device. If you want to turn this hobby into some extra cash, then pick up some pointers for earning money shooting stock photography. Filmmaking Are you the next Steven Spielberg? Get the skills you need to break into the world of filmmaking. Begin by learning the latest advancements in programs like Adobe Premiere Pro CC and After Effects, and work your way up to creating your first short film. Music Make sweet music with lessons for every skill level in instruments from jazz piano to banjo. Let your songwriter dreams soar with vocal lessons and tips on writing and reading sheet music. Learn to polish your product by unlocking professional music production secrets. Then, once you’ve got your act together, find out how to make money from your gigs and merch sales by taking advantage of tax and accounting tips for musicians. Art and Animation Learn how to bring your story to life on the page with classes in art and animation. Figure out how to create your own concept art for your projects, gain valuable tips and tricks from the field of animation, and learn to block out scenes with animated assets. Web Development Become a full-stack web developer with tutorials on back-end and front-end technologies. Learn to incorporate principles of accessible web design in all of your projects, or, if you’re just starting out, learn the essential ins and outs of HTML. Download LinkedIn Learning for Library today for iOS or Android.
Read more about "Stories Five New Skills You Can Learn with Lynda"In a time when we’re being called to stay home, there are still plenty of ways to spend time together. In addition to your favourite online Library resources, patrons of all ages can find fun, at-home learning opportunities from educators and organizations offering innovative solutions for staying connected. Science Get a Daily Dose of the Calgary Zoo on their YouTube channel, where they share short, behind-the-scenes videos with their critters. Explore the surface of Mars from the eyes of NASA’s Curiosity rover, or check out their Image of the Day gallery for a high-definition intergalactic image, with fun facts about what you’re seeing. Kids can also tune in for science-themed stories read by astronauts on the International Space Station with Storytime from Space. Art You might know acclaimed children’s author Mo Willems for his books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Elephant and Piggy (and this beloved illustrator also designed the Library’s Story Truck). Now you can learn to draw at home with his Lunch Doodles series. Interested in classic artworks? Follow along with #GlenbowFromHome, which includes online gallery tours and other free at-home activities from the Glenbow Museum. Music Freegal is our favourite way to stream contemporary tunes, but if you’re craving a live concert, look no further than the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. They have countless hours of concert footage saved to their YouTube channel, ready for you to have a night out at home. Tours You might not be able to leave your house, but you can still go on an at-home adventure with these online tours. Check out these 12 museums you can visit online to experience their exhibits from your couch. Feel like going for a hike? Visit Yellowstone National Park, make the trek along the Great Wall of China, or browse the botanical gardens of the Cincinnati Zoo. Relaxing Want to kick back and chill out during this time at home? Take some time to unwind and listen to Canadian authors share readings of their work. Create some quality time with your family with cooking lessons with Food Network Kitchen chef Michael Symon — or if your board game cupboard is a little empty, play games together online. Looking for more fun to be had at home? Check out the Digital Library for more free resources.
Read more about "Stories"Taking some time to pursue new career goals? You can kickstart your learning and planning right from home with these free resources from our Digital Library.All of these resources are available with your free Library card. Don’t have a membership yet? It’s free to sign up online, and you can start using your card immediately!Career CruisingAre you looking for a new career or interested in going back to school, but aren't sure where to start? Create a personalized plan with Career Cruising. Answer questions about your goals and ambitions to find career paths that play to your interests. You can then explore schools that offer programs matching your career suggestions. Build your resume, learn effective job search techniques, and get tips for your first day on the job all here.Learning ExpressRefreshing your resume is easy with Learning Express. This resource can help you learn to write better cover letters and resumes and provides interview tips. If you’re interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law enforcement, firefighting, cosmetology, nursing, or real estate, you can also find practice tests to help you study for certification exams.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam by coaching you through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in language learning and follow a personalized study planner to stay on track.LinkedIn Learning for LibraryWhether you're looking to improve your skills in your existing field, or want to branch out and try something new, LinkedIn Learning for Library is full of expert-led video courses that can help you grow professionally. Learn helpful workspace skills like project management, time management, conflict resolution and leadership skills, or get instruction on specific software like Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Creative Cloud. You get a certificate of completion for every self-guided course you finish!Gale CoursesIf you’re a fan of interactive instruction, Gale Courses delivery style is right for you. You can receive feedback from your course instructor during and after instruction on this platform. Classes are led by industry experts, and you receive a certificate of completion at the end of each new course. Choose from over 300 courses in topics like Mastering Public Speaking, Troubleshooting PCs, Grammar Refreshers, GED preparation, and more. Your free Library membership grants you access to two, six-week courses every year.
Read more about "Stories Career Advancement Resources"Thank You Volunteers! On April 15, we celebrated the 75th National Volunteer Week with our 42nd annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The theme of 2016’s National Volunteer Week is “volunteers are the roots of strong communities,” a sentiment with which Calgary Public Library—and Calgarians—passionately agree.Here at the Library, 2,511 Calgarians give back more than 56,980 hours of volunteer effort annually. Our volunteers’ time adds an economic value of $1,538,590 to our libraries and communities every year! Their efforts allow the Library to offer more programs, in more locations, more often, to so many more Calgarians. Library volunteers give their time, energy, and talent—and over 14,000 patrons benefit.We’d like to thank every volunteer for their outstanding contributions to all of the Library’s programs.We’d also like to pay tribute to one of the Library’s very first volunteers, Becky Lathrop. In 1974, Becky started volunteering for the Library’s Homebound Readers program. She was known as unflappable, warm, and supportive. Becky Lathrop passed away on March 8, at the age of 90.The John Dutton Volunteer of the Year Award seeks to recognize an extraordinary individual whose service is exemplary. Marian Erb received the award.“Volunteering at the Library allows me to do what I love, surrounded by beautiful, wonderful books in the company of friendly, like-minded people.” Marian says.The following outstanding volunteers also received awards at the event:Linda Lathrop was recognized for her 10 years of volunteer service for the Library. Betty Giles, our Milestone Award recipient, was honoured for 30 years of voluntary service to the Library. Theresa and Dean Cassidy, the wife and husband team behind the Library’s mascot Curious the Chameleon, received the 2016 Community Spirit Award. Shovon Das was honoured as the Youth Speaker. Darby, a Golden Doodle, along with the intrepid and the equally remarkable Patti Johnston, were honoured for their work volunteering for the Story PALS program. Doug Leisch received the 2016 Literacy Support – Digital Award. Daniel Park received the 2016 Literacy Support – Numeracy Award. Rachelle Dueck received the the 2016 Literacy Support – Reading and Writing Award. Barbara Mathies received the the 2016 Professional Support Award. Doreen Richards received the 2016 Foundation Award. Jon McBurnie received the 2016 Language Coaching Award. Alisha and Inaara Ebrahim received the Emerging Leader Award.
Read more about "Stories"Find full-text literary source materials to help your with your latest essay.
Read more about "LitFinder"After years of discrimination, threats, and violence because of their sexual orientation, Boban Stojanovic and his partner fled Serbia in October 2016 and claimed refugee protection in Canada. As they adjusted to life as newcomers in Calgary, they began to hear a common question.“Everyone kept saying ‘have you been to the library?’” says Boban, a prominent Serbian human rights activist and key organizer of the Belgrade Pride Parade. “We were like, ‘OK, but why?’ In our culture, you don’t often go to the library. It’s not such an important institution in the everyday lives of people.”At the time, the couple were anxiously awaiting a government hearing to determine if they would be granted refugee status in Canada. Boban describes that period in their lives as a stressful grey zone. “You are in some kind of limbo,” he says. “You can’t make any concrete plan because you don’t know what will happen with you.”Looking for something to take their minds off the looming hearing, the couple heeded the advice they’d repeatedly heard from insistent Calgarians: visit the library. The newcomers walked to nearby Nose Hill Library and asked about becoming members.Boban remembers nervously unfolding his refugee claimant document, the lone piece of identification he had. To his surprise, a Library employee politely handed the paper back and explained that just his full name and address were required for a free Library card.“In Serbia, everything is very bureaucratic,” Boban says. “Here, this institution is open.”‘I belong here’Boban's new plastic Library card felt significant. “This was the first official proof I belong here. I am part of this system. I have some roots in this country,” he says.The card also made him feel equal. “In that moment, I was like every other Calgarian,” he says. “They became a member the same way I became a member.”In awe of the fact one person could borrow 99 books, Boban began to explore books at Nose Hill Library. “Having the opportunity to find all those books was something that really gave me hope,” Boban says. “You must have something to occupy your mind.”As he waited for the upcoming hearing, Boban found a sense of sanctuary at Nose Hill Library. He’d read coffee table books about Scandinavian design and imagine how he would decorate his future home in Canada.Boban also borrowed autobiographies, feeling solace in the fact people he admired had also experienced ups and downs in their lives. “Reading all these books, I was more comfortable with my life,” he says. “Claiming for refugee status or waiting for the decision, it doesn’t mean something bad. Because all those people had … some very challenging periods in their lives.”An Open and Safe PlaceIn March 2017, Boban and his partner learned their claim for refugee status had been accepted. They could now apply for work permits, social insurance numbers, and to become permanent residents of Canada.Today, Boban's partner is improving his English through LINC classes, while Boban works at the Centre for Newcomers in a new role, as Settlement Practitioner for LGTBQ+ newcomers.“I am very lucky and happy and privileged to work there and to help people from my community who just came here,” he says, noting LGTBQ+ refugees face distinct challenges. Boban is grateful newcomers can turn to the Centre for Newcomers and Calgary Public Library, both open and safe places for all.Boban also worked a seasonal job at Pier 1 Imports, a position that drew on the interior design books he loves to peruse. He continues to regularly visit the Library; following a move downtown, he calls Central Library home.Boban now finds himself repeating to newcomers the line he once heard again and again: visit the library. “I never had that perception before that something called a library could be so important to my life,” he says. “Now I do.”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 Gave Me Hope’ Boban Stojanovic’s Library Story made him feel at home as a newcomer to Canada"After years of discrimination, threats, and violence because of their sexual orientation, Boban Stojanovic and his partner fled Serbia in October 2016 and claimed refugee protection in Canada. As they adjusted to life as newcomers in Calgary, they began to hear a common question.“Everyone kept saying ‘have you been to the library?’” says Boban, a prominent Serbian human rights activist and key organizer of the Belgrade Pride Parade. “We were like, ‘OK, but why?’ In our culture, you don’t often go to the library. It’s not such an important institution in the everyday lives of people.”At the time, the couple were anxiously awaiting a government hearing to determine if they would be granted refugee status in Canada. Boban describes that period in their lives as a stressful grey zone. “You are in some kind of limbo,” he says. “You can’t make any concrete plan because you don’t know what will happen with you.”Looking for something to take their minds off the looming hearing, the couple heeded the advice they’d repeatedly heard from insistent Calgarians: visit the library. The newcomers walked to nearby Nose Hill Library and asked about becoming members.Boban remembers nervously unfolding his refugee claimant document, the lone piece of identification he had. To his surprise, a Library employee politely handed the paper back and explained that just his full name and address were required for a free Library card.“In Serbia, everything is very bureaucratic,” Boban says. “Here, this institution is open.”‘I belong here’Boban's new plastic Library card felt significant. “This was the first official proof I belong here. I am part of this system. I have some roots in this country,” he says.The card also made him feel equal. “In that moment, I was like every other Calgarian,” he says. “They became a member the same way I became a member.”In awe of the fact one person could borrow 99 books, Boban began to explore books at Nose Hill Library. “Having the opportunity to find all those books was something that really gave me hope,” Boban says. “You must have something to occupy your mind.”As he waited for the upcoming hearing, Boban found a sense of sanctuary at Nose Hill Library. He’d read coffee table books about Scandinavian design and imagine how he would decorate his future home in Canada.Boban also borrowed autobiographies, feeling solace in the fact people he admired had also experienced ups and downs in their lives. “Reading all these books, I was more comfortable with my life,” he says. “Claiming for refugee status or waiting for the decision, it doesn’t mean something bad. Because all those people had … some very challenging periods in their lives.”An Open and Safe PlaceIn March 2017, Boban and his partner learned their claim for refugee status had been accepted. They could now apply for work permits, social insurance numbers, and to become permanent residents of Canada.Today, Boban's partner is improving his English through LINC classes, while Boban works at the Centre for Newcomers in a new role, as Settlement Practitioner for LGTBQ+ newcomers.“I am very lucky and happy and privileged to work there and to help people from my community who just came here,” he says, noting LGTBQ+ refugees face distinct challenges. Boban is grateful newcomers can turn to the Centre for Newcomers and Calgary Public Library, both open and safe places for all.Boban also worked a seasonal job at Pier 1 Imports, a position that drew on the interior design books he loves to peruse. He continues to regularly visit the Library; following a move downtown, he calls Central Library home.Boban now finds himself repeating to newcomers the line he once heard again and again: visit the library. “I never had that perception before that something called a library could be so important to my life,” he says. “Now I do.”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 Gave Me Hope’ Boban Stojanovic’s Library Story made him feel at home as a newcomer to Canada"Browse fiction and non-fiction audiobooks for all audiences: Adults, Teens, and Children. These audiobooks can be used simultaneously, so there are usually no waitlists.
Read more about "Listen to Audiobooks anywhere and anytime."History of Quarry Park Library Quarry Park Library opened on July 2, 2016, and is located inside the Remington YMCA in Quarry Park. It was built to better serve the rapidly expanding community previously served by Glenmore Square Library. It is currently the only location in our system to have bookable meeting rooms available after hours, when the rest of the Library is closed. It was also the pilot location for Read and Play kits, take-home early learning development kits loaned to families across Calgary. Prior to development in 2006, the neighbourhood the Library is located in was a gravel quarry for over 50 years, which is how it got its name.
Read more about "History of Quarry Park Library"Taking some time to pursue new career goals? You can kickstart your learning and planning right from home with these free resources from our Digital Library.All of these resources are available with your free Library card. Don’t have a membership yet? It’s free to sign up online, and you can start using your card immediately!Career CruisingAre you looking for a new career or interested in going back to school, but aren't sure where to start? Create a personalized plan with Career Cruising. Answer questions about your goals and ambitions to find career paths that play to your interests. You can then explore schools that offer programs matching your career suggestions. Build your resume, learn effective job search techniques, and get tips for your first day on the job all here.Learning ExpressRefreshing your resume is easy with Learning Express. This resource can help you learn to write better cover letters and resumes and provides interview tips. If you’re interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law enforcement, firefighting, cosmetology, nursing, or real estate, you can also find practice tests to help you study for certification exams.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam by coaching you through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in language learning and follow a personalized study planner to stay on track.LinkedIn Learning for LibraryWhether you're looking to improve your skills in your existing field, or want to branch out and try something new, LinkedIn Learning for Library is full of expert-led video courses that can help you grow professionally. Learn helpful workspace skills like project management, time management, conflict resolution and leadership skills, or get instruction on specific software like Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Creative Cloud. You get a certificate of completion for every self-guided course you finish!Gale CoursesIf you’re a fan of interactive instruction, Gale Courses delivery style is right for you. You can receive feedback from your course instructor during and after instruction on this platform. Classes are led by industry experts, and you receive a certificate of completion at the end of each new course. Choose from over 300 courses in topics like Mastering Public Speaking, Troubleshooting PCs, Grammar Refreshers, GED preparation, and more. Your free Library membership grants you access to two, six-week courses every year.
Read more about "Stories Career Advancement Resources"