You can learn about and register for programs for children of all ages here. To see which programs you are already registered for, click here
After painting for over a decade, Nada Khatib decided she wanted to turn her hobby into a full-time gig.Originally from Toronto, Nada had spent years working in the corporate sector, most recently in Bahrain, an island in the Persian Gulf. As Nada and her husband contemplated a move to Calgary, it felt like the right time to “take the plunge,” she says, and start anew.“I decided to just pursue what I felt was my dream job. Why not just go for it?” Nada says.Shortly after moving to Calgary in April 2018, Nada began researching the city’s art scene. “I wanted to get my art out there and be able to share it with people and have the community see it,” she says. Through her research online, she learned Calgary Public Library provides free space for art exhibits at eight libraries, and excitedly applied for the program. Selected artists receive one-month showings.New OpportunitiesA self-taught acrylic painter, Nada first exhibited her art at Bowness Library in October 2018. “It has been one of the most significant opportunities I’ve gotten to showcase my work, for free,” Nada says. “It’s something I’m so grateful for.” Nada paints with a palette knife to create lively textures in her pieces. Her vivid work is often inspired by nature, and since moving to Calgary, Nada has found fresh inspiration in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Following that first showing at Bowness Library, Nada’s colourful paintings have also brightened Crowfoot, Louise Riley, Central, and Country Hills libraries.“I love libraries, so it’s really nice to be able to fill such a great space with some artwork and colour,” Nada says. “It’s been a great experience to be at different libraries and in different neighbourhoods, and it’s led to lots of opportunities for me, such as commissions or sales or just general exposure.”Inspiring OthersSince becoming a full-time artist, Nada hasn’t looked back. She has sold over 150 original paintings, teaches painting and drawing, and is building her own company, Expression By Nada. Nada’s new career path breaks from her family’s traditions and expectations. “I always really enjoyed painting, but it didn’t seem possible in my upbringing and culture to do, because it’s not really considered a career,” says Nada, who is a first-generation Canadian.She loves to share her passion for the arts with younger people, showing them what’s possible. This summer, Nada will lead two free art classes at Central Library as part of Ultimate Summer Challenge. At the Acrylic Painting Techniques program, kids can learn about painting with a sponge, palette knife, fingers, and more.“I think libraries are such great places because there’s lots of kids and families here, and for them to be able to see my art and maybe get inspired, it’s exciting,” Nada says. “It’s nice to reach new people with my work.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories 'A Great Experience' Nada Khatib shares her Library Story with her art on display"MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 13, 2018Calgary, AB — The Library is the place to be this summer. Calgary Public Library invites kids, families, and teens to join the Ultimate Summer Challenge, involving more than 500 free programs at 20 libraries.Visit a Library this summer and you might be surprised at what you find: concerts, wandering magicians, exploding science experiments, dance classes, drumming circles, splatter painting, bunny obstacle courses, family yoga, tiny book making, puppy rooms, gardening, and much more. Calgary Public Library is partnering with nearly 40 local artists and community organizations to deliver free workshops, performances, demonstrations, and large-scale installations from now until September 7.The Ultimate Summer Challenge provides fun and educational experiences for everybody. The Library knows not all families can afford camps or lessons while school is out, so all 500+ programs are free. In addition to attending programs at libraries, kids and families can track their reading on Challenge Maps, while teens can complete online challenges. Everybody who registers for Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered to win awesome prizes, including iPads, Library Boss for a Day, and Chromebooks.“This year’s edition of our annual summer learning program is unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead, Calgary Public Library. “We’re offering free science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math programs. Kids are sure to be surprised, delighted — and learn something new — when they visit the Library this summer.”The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids held by Canadian public libraries. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for a full list of community partners, upcoming programs (including dates and descriptions), and registration details.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 630,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library403.774.7256Mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"Three Ways to Celebrate Freedom to Read Week Even in 2018, books are still being challenged and facing formal attempts of removal from schools and libraries. Freedom to Read Week, running from Sunday, February 25 to Saturday, March 3, 2018, is an annual event encouraging Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Here are three ways Calgarians can participate:1. Pick up a Challenged BookOn Monday, Feburary 26, Bill Ptacek, Calgary Public Library CEO, will launch Freedom to Read Week in Calgary by presenting Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council with a copy of This One Summer. Written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, the award-winning graphic novel is a coming of age story set in Ontario’s cottage country about two preteen friends.This One Summer was named the most challenged book in 2016 by the American Library Association. The book includes LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and is considered sexually explicit with mature themes. School libraries in Florida and Minnesota have removed the book from shelves, a move protested by free-speech groups.2. Celebrate Rebel Readers On Monday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7 pm, join us for Freedom to Read Week activities at Memorial Park Library. Discover an assortment of “rebel” activities on the Main Floor, including banned books trivia and mugshots, readings from censored LGBTQ content by local drag queen royalty, and a curated collection of books and videos from the Calgary Outlink LGBTQ Library and Fairy Tales Presentation Society. Ages 16 and up. Doors open at 5 pm. The collection will be on display until Sunday, March 4.Then, from 7 to 8 pm, Wordfest, the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, and Calgary Public Library are teaming up to present a surprise, incendiary program on This One Summer. Head to the Second Floor for a discussion about the censorship and controversy surrounding Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer. Anne Logan, of the website I’ve Read This, hosts the discussion.3. Flaunt Banned BooksShop the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Library Store and flaunt banned books. Put a sock in censorship with banned books socks, pour your favourite hot drink into the banned books mug and watch as banned book titles begin to appear, stay warm with a banned books scarf, and brighten up your restricted reading section with a banned books matchbox set. Plus, every purchase through librarystore.ca supports the essential work of Calgary Public Library and enhances programs, services, and collections.
Read more about "Stories"Norma High, a volunteer who joined the Library in 1974, is so passionate about bringing books to people who can not otherwise access them that she got her whole family involved in the cause.For nearly 44 years, Norma has volunteered with the Libraries in Residence program, delivering books to people in a continuing care facility. Norma, 85, is one of the Library’s longest-serving volunteers.“I have always had a love for books,” Norma said. She loves visiting and bringing books to residents at Carewest Glenmore Park, an Alberta Health Services facility in southwest Calgary. With her background in nursing, Norma is a perfect fit for delivering books to the hospital’s residents.“Volunteering is giving, giving back to the community, giving back because I can,” she said. “We want to put a little bit of sunshine into people’s lives.”Norma’s husband, Bob High, started volunteering with Libraries in Residence in 1985.“Besides delivering books, it was an opportunity to talk about local history and events with the residents,” said Bob, 88. He would sometimes go in place of Norma and went on to build his own relationships with the long-term care residents.“It gives you a lot of satisfaction,” Bob said.Hearing stories from residents and discussing books with them led Norma to share her experiences with her children, and later her grandchildren. Norma started to bring her son and daughter to volunteer with her when they were 13 and 11.During their days off from school and over summer break, Alan High and Glenna High Bagley started to love volunteering. Norma saw her children learn how to share, and in Glenna’s case, she came out of her shell.“I absolutely loved it,” Glenna said. She remembers being initially nervous around elderly people as a child, but she soon came to love delivering books and visiting with people. She said her son, Matthew, was as shy as she was when he started volunteering at the age of eight with his sister Taylor, age ten.“I am so proud of my children and grandchildren,” Norma said.Norma, who is called the “book lady” by hospital residents, found that residents rely on her book delivery every two weeks. One resident said books were more important than her bath, because books were what kept her at peace while in the hospital.Norma and Bob, who have lived in Calgary for 48 years, keep a private collection of every genre of book you can think of. They enjoy travelling and have visited many places in Canada and around the world. On their travels, they pick up books to add to their catalogued collection — the oldest one being from the 1850s.That extensive home library is popular with Norma’s children and grandchildren, who regularly borrow books from it. When they find a book they like and want to “inherit”, they mark it with their own coloured dot.Norma continues to share her love of reading with hospital residents, and plans to for as long as she can — “until I fall over, or until I can’t push the cart anymore,” she said.The High and Bagley families are leaving their three-generation legacy in another way, too. They are commemorating their love of reading and dedication to volunteering with two windows at the new Central Library.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 Give Back Because I Can’ Norma High delivers the joy of reading to others in her Library Story"Join us for stories, songs, and finger plays the whole family can enjoy.
Read more about "Family Storytime"Join fellow writers for an hour of creative writing. Facilitators start each program with a short writing activity to engage your imagination, followed by focused writing time...
Read more about "Writer's Circle"Explore how creativity can positively influence all aspects of our lives! Drop in and enjoy dedicated time to connect with other teens and express yourself through visual art...
Read more about "Teen Art Café"Come celebrate winter with stories, rhymes and songs all about snow.
Read more about "Snow Day"Join us for stories, songs, and finger plays the whole family can enjoy.
Read more about "Family Storytime - Virtual"Calgary Expo Reading Challenge The Library and Calgary Expo are hosting a four-month reading contest together. From October 4 to December 10, kids and adults can complete reading and activity challenges, earn badges, explore fandoms, and be entered to win one of five prizes.EligibilityThe CALGARY EXPO Reading Challenge, henceforth referred to as the ‘Contest’, is open to all residents of Alberta who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence at the time of entry and have a valid email address (for underage participants, they must have a legal guardian meet these requirements). Employees and representatives of the Administrators, as well as their advertising and promotional agencies, affiliated corporations and other persons, firms or corporations involved in the development or execution of this Contest, are not eligible to win a prize in this Contest. This contest runs from October 4, 2021 to December 10, 2021 and is created in partnership between the CALGARY EXPO and the Calgary Public Library, henceforth referred to as the ‘Administrators’ of the Contest.Winner Selection ProcedurePotential winners will be selected by random draw starting on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11 AM MST and notified via email no later than Monday, December 20, 2021.The potential winners will be notified via email. The winners’ name(s) and likeness may be used in future marketing and promotional materials (with written and/or verbal consent from the winner).If the prizes are not claimed ONE (1) week after a potential winner has been notified, a new potential winner MAY be drawn at random (based on the Administrators discretion). ODDS: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entrants during the Entry Period, as well as the number of valid entries submitted by each entrant. The PrizesPRIZES: Seven (7) prize packages (1 prize package per winner):One (1) Gold Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and four Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Silver Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and two Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Bronze Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and one Weekend Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Friday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Sunday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Additional prizes may be provided at the discretion of the Administrators.Entry ConditionsEntries must be the intellectual property of the entrant. Entrants who attempt to, or are suspected of, tampering with the rules and regulations of The Contest and will be disqualified from The Contest. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees to abide and be bound by these contest rules. All decisions of the Administrators shall be final and binding upon the participant. The prize shall be accepted as is and may not be exchanged or refunded for an amount of money, sold or transferred. No substitutions will be allowed. Any unused portion of a prize will be forfeited. If the prize cannot be awarded as described in these rules, the Administrators reserves the right to substitute a prize or prize component with another of comparable value, as determined in its sole discretion. Refusal to accept the prize releases the Contest Parties from any obligation toward the winner. By participating in the contest, the winner agrees to the possibility of their name, voice, or likeness being used in promotional material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation. All entrants agree to release the Administrators, their respective directors, officers and employees, from all liability for any damage or loss arising from participation in this Contest or from the awarding, acceptance or use of the prize. The Administrators reserve the right, exercisable in their discretion, to disqualify and ban any participant from this Contest if the participant is found or is believed to have been tampering with the entry process, or the operation of the Contest. The Administrators reserve the right to cancel, suspend, withdraw or amend this Contest in any way, without prior notice or obligation, in the event of an error, technical problem, computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Administrators that interferes with the proper conduct of this Contest as contemplated by these Contest Rules. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees that the Administrators will not be liable for any injury or damage from whatever cause associated with or in connection with this Contest. This Contest is subject to Canadian law and void where prohibited or restricted.PrivacyAny personal information gathered from contest entrants in connection with this Contest will be kept in a secure and confidential database and will not be rented or sold. Personal information of the contest entrants will be used for the administration of this Contest for the purposes of this contest only.
Read more about "Stories"Calgary Expo Reading Challenge The Library and Calgary Expo are hosting a four-month reading contest together. From October 4 to December 10, kids and adults can complete reading and activity challenges, earn badges, explore fandoms, and be entered to win one of five prizes.EligibilityThe CALGARY EXPO Reading Challenge, henceforth referred to as the ‘Contest’, is open to all residents of Alberta who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence at the time of entry and have a valid email address (for underage participants, they must have a legal guardian meet these requirements). Employees and representatives of the Administrators, as well as their advertising and promotional agencies, affiliated corporations and other persons, firms or corporations involved in the development or execution of this Contest, are not eligible to win a prize in this Contest. This contest runs from October 4, 2021 to December 10, 2021 and is created in partnership between the CALGARY EXPO and the Calgary Public Library, henceforth referred to as the ‘Administrators’ of the Contest.Winner Selection ProcedurePotential winners will be selected by random draw starting on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11 AM MST and notified via email no later than Monday, December 20, 2021.The potential winners will be notified via email. The winners’ name(s) and likeness may be used in future marketing and promotional materials (with written and/or verbal consent from the winner).If the prizes are not claimed ONE (1) week after a potential winner has been notified, a new potential winner MAY be drawn at random (based on the Administrators discretion). ODDS: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entrants during the Entry Period, as well as the number of valid entries submitted by each entrant. The PrizesPRIZES: Seven (7) prize packages (1 prize package per winner):One (1) Gold Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and four Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Silver Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and two Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Bronze Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and one Weekend Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Friday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Sunday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Additional prizes may be provided at the discretion of the Administrators.Entry ConditionsEntries must be the intellectual property of the entrant. Entrants who attempt to, or are suspected of, tampering with the rules and regulations of The Contest and will be disqualified from The Contest. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees to abide and be bound by these contest rules. All decisions of the Administrators shall be final and binding upon the participant. The prize shall be accepted as is and may not be exchanged or refunded for an amount of money, sold or transferred. No substitutions will be allowed. Any unused portion of a prize will be forfeited. If the prize cannot be awarded as described in these rules, the Administrators reserves the right to substitute a prize or prize component with another of comparable value, as determined in its sole discretion. Refusal to accept the prize releases the Contest Parties from any obligation toward the winner. By participating in the contest, the winner agrees to the possibility of their name, voice, or likeness being used in promotional material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation. All entrants agree to release the Administrators, their respective directors, officers and employees, from all liability for any damage or loss arising from participation in this Contest or from the awarding, acceptance or use of the prize. The Administrators reserve the right, exercisable in their discretion, to disqualify and ban any participant from this Contest if the participant is found or is believed to have been tampering with the entry process, or the operation of the Contest. The Administrators reserve the right to cancel, suspend, withdraw or amend this Contest in any way, without prior notice or obligation, in the event of an error, technical problem, computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Administrators that interferes with the proper conduct of this Contest as contemplated by these Contest Rules. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees that the Administrators will not be liable for any injury or damage from whatever cause associated with or in connection with this Contest. This Contest is subject to Canadian law and void where prohibited or restricted.PrivacyAny personal information gathered from contest entrants in connection with this Contest will be kept in a secure and confidential database and will not be rented or sold. Personal information of the contest entrants will be used for the administration of this Contest for the purposes of this contest only.
Read more about "Stories"Three Ways to Celebrate Freedom to Read Week Even in 2018, books are still being challenged and facing formal attempts of removal from schools and libraries. Freedom to Read Week, running from Sunday, February 25 to Saturday, March 3, 2018, is an annual event encouraging Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Here are three ways Calgarians can participate:1. Pick up a Challenged BookOn Monday, Feburary 26, Bill Ptacek, Calgary Public Library CEO, will launch Freedom to Read Week in Calgary by presenting Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council with a copy of This One Summer. Written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, the award-winning graphic novel is a coming of age story set in Ontario’s cottage country about two preteen friends.This One Summer was named the most challenged book in 2016 by the American Library Association. The book includes LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and is considered sexually explicit with mature themes. School libraries in Florida and Minnesota have removed the book from shelves, a move protested by free-speech groups.2. Celebrate Rebel Readers On Monday, February 26, from 5:30 to 7 pm, join us for Freedom to Read Week activities at Memorial Park Library. Discover an assortment of “rebel” activities on the Main Floor, including banned books trivia and mugshots, readings from censored LGBTQ content by local drag queen royalty, and a curated collection of books and videos from the Calgary Outlink LGBTQ Library and Fairy Tales Presentation Society. Ages 16 and up. Doors open at 5 pm. The collection will be on display until Sunday, March 4.Then, from 7 to 8 pm, Wordfest, the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, and Calgary Public Library are teaming up to present a surprise, incendiary program on This One Summer. Head to the Second Floor for a discussion about the censorship and controversy surrounding Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer. Anne Logan, of the website I’ve Read This, hosts the discussion.3. Flaunt Banned BooksShop the Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Library Store and flaunt banned books. Put a sock in censorship with banned books socks, pour your favourite hot drink into the banned books mug and watch as banned book titles begin to appear, stay warm with a banned books scarf, and brighten up your restricted reading section with a banned books matchbox set. Plus, every purchase through librarystore.ca supports the essential work of Calgary Public Library and enhances programs, services, and collections.
Read more about "Stories"If art is part of your student’s curriculum or you’re simply looking for family-friendly craft ideas and inspiration, our Digital Library has you covered. We’ve rounded up our favourite eResources to help every student channel their inner artist and discover the joy in creating. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. World Book Online for Kids World Book Online for Kids is an online learning platform developed for young users. Children can explore a variety of topics in easy-to-read articles, images, and videos. You can also solve puzzles while learning fun facts or try out experiments. Is your little musician looking for new ways to make some noise? Build your own Flute, Rubber-Band Strummer, or Coffee-Can Bongos with easy instructions under the Activities icon then choose Make Some Noise. (Ages 6 – 10) Use art to learn about geography! Under the Maps and More icon, try the Outline Maps and Flags feature. Choose a continent and then a country to get a downloadable map of that country and its flag, perfect for colouring or imagining your next adventure. (Ages 6 – 12) Gale Virtual Reference Library Find full-text eBooks for learners of all ages in the Gale Virtual Reference Library on subjects including coding, business, science, and travel. If your child loves wandering through a gallery or museum, take a look at the book Art That Changed the World. It tells an engaging story of art from ancient to modern times and includes photos of important works. (Ages 9 – 12)
Read more about "Stories Arts eResources for ages 6 – 12"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"Contribute to the city’s shared history by telling your own stories. Named in honour of Cyril & Dorothy Williams and Bernard & Barbara Harris through a legacy gift, the Williams & Harris Shared History Centre ensures that stories are told and collected, through new technology in the Story Studio, and old technology like microfiche machines, typewriters, and more in the Vintage Media Lab. Explore online archives
Read more about "Contribute to the city’s shared history by telling your own stories."