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Community members have submitted their stories — in words, pictures, art, and video — to help future generations understand the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Read more about "Pieces of a Pandemic"Find thousands of full-text poems, short stories, novels, essays, speeches, plays, biographies, summaries, glossaries and more.
Read more about "A wealth of literary works and secondary source materials"You and your family can now create a comic strip to be included in the Short Story Dispenser. Follow the instructions in
Read more about "Publish your very own comic strip"For immediate release(CALGARY, AB) As Central Library gets ready to commemorate the second anniversary of its new location in the East Village, there is even more reason to celebrate as the building was recently awarded LEED® Gold certification for the design and construction of the 240,000 square foot downtown location.Since opening on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed 2.3 million visitors and received several awards for architectural design and programming. “Central Library represents the evolution of libraries as vibrant and inclusive community hubs, and I think Calgarians have embraced the building because it also speaks to the future of Calgary and all the potential our city has,” says Mark Asberg, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “Being recognized as a LEED Gold project reflects the hard work of the project team and Calgary’s commitment to thoughtful city planning.” LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The certification is measured through an extensive set of requirements, some of which include electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and healthier environments for visitors and employees who use the facility to work, learn, and play. Designed by Snøhetta and DIALOG, Central Library includes sustainably sourced red cedar wood from nearby British Columbia, a 30% reduction in indoor water use, climate control, and energy efficient upgrades which contribute to more than 26% in energy cost savings. Outside of the building, storm water is stored to irrigate the drought-tolerant plants surrounding the entry plaza and outdoor amphitheatre. “When we first started this project, our aspiration was to design a building that reflected the importance of sustainability both in its design and operations for years to come,” recalls Kate Thompson, President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “This certification reinforces the hard work of the project team to meet this goal and a reflection of the importance of investing in public spaces that continue to hold significance as the environment changes around us.” All Library locations were closed on March 16 due to COVID-19, and some locations began reopening in late June, with all locations reopening at regular hours by July 20. The building’s air filtration and (more)ventilation system is one of the sustainable features that proved significant in the effort to reopen Central Library.“We knew our community needed our locations to reopen, and we’re proud that we reopened quickly and safely to provide much-needed public service. Central Library gave us a special opportunity to utilize its size and ventilation system to provide an optimal location to respond to COVID-19 and safely welcome back Calgarians,” says Asberg.While there will be no physical event to celebrate Central Library’s second birthday, the Library will be launching a week of digital celebrations, including special interviews, retrospectives on the project, and daily giveaways, culminating in hourly giveaways on the Library’s social media platforms from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2. For details, follow @calgarylibrary on your favourite social media channel.The LEED Gold Certification marks a multi-level commitment between the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, The City of Calgary, and Calgary Public Library.To learn more about the Central Library’s building features, LEED certification, and how you can visit it and the other 20 locations across Calgary, visit calgarylibrary.ca. - 30 -Central Library Sustainable FeaturesThe use of energy efficient building upgrades contributes to over 26% energy cost savings. During construction, over 79% of construction waste materials were diverted from landfill. Improved indoor environmental quality with increased outdoor air volume, over and above code minimum. Exceptional connection to public transit network reduces the need for parking and greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle use. Reduced water use by storing stormwater for irrigation and using low demanding fixtures and flush valves. 100% of wood in the project is Forest Stewardship Council certified to indicate best practices in sustainable forestry. Solar shades are positioned in the Oculus skylight to reflect the sun’s heat and mitigate glare. Thousands of small reflective ceramic dots on the exterior windows prevents the sun's glare from heating the building. Secure bicycle storage and commuter facilities are provided to encourage healthy transportation. Fast Facts on Central Library Since Opening2,391,104 visits 100,840 new members 32,675 room bookings 313,830 computer sessions 6,516 programs delivered 135,757 program attendees Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is one of North America’s largest municipal library systems, with Calgarians borrowing more than 15 million physical and digital items and over 7 million in-person visits last year. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City's objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.Media ContactsNina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman1.403.630.6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com Amy CastleSenior Manager, CommunicationsCalgary Municipal Land Corporation587.333.1584ACastle@calgarymlc.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary's Central Library celebrates two years of operation and a LEED Gold Certification"Research your genealogy and construct your family tree using census and voter lists, vital records, church histories, school records, immigration records, military records, and more.Access to Ancestry Library Edition is only available onsite at a library location. Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial in Niche Academy: Ancestry Library Edition tutorial
Read more about "Discover your family’s story."Available for six months each year, the Historian in Residence delivers specialized programs about Calgary's rich past, and meets one-on-one with Library patrons to discuss your history-related questions.
Read more about "Do you know the stories of Calgary?"Learn about Chinese music and culture with Calgary flutist Jiajia Li.
Read more about "Instrumental Stories with CBC"The stars in the night sky are part of our cultural stories, help us navigate, and allow astronomers to study the universe. Access to a dark sky is being slowly removed by “light...
Read more about "Scientists Sharing Science (S3): Hello Darkness, My Old Friend: Recapturing the Wonder of the Night Sky"Voices of the Land is a collaboration between Indigenous communities and Library systems across Alberta. Add your own story or learn from your neighbours' with this virtual, shared learning space.
Read more about "Meet virtually with Elders from different Nations"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"Did you know that there are 150 ways to throw a frisbee? Join Frisbee Rob, a 6-time Guinness World Records holder, as he teaches you what is possible with frisbee including...
Read more about "Outdoor - Frisbee: Beyond Throw & Catch (Ages 6 to 12)"Join our community of teen writers for their first in-person meet and greet. Find out about their virtual sessions where they enjoy co-writing time with their peers, use...
Read more about "Drop-In Teen Writing Cafe! – Meet and Greet"When Edver visits his family’s village in Cuba for the first time, he meets Luza — a sister he didn’t know he had. The pair accidentally catch the interest of a dangerous wildlife poacher, and must work together to save the forest.
Read more about "Forest World"Research your genealogy and construct your family tree using census and voter lists, vital records, church histories, school records, immigration records, military records, and more.
Read more about "Discover your family’s story."A history of flooding in Calgary, starting in 1883 through to the flood of 2013.
Read more about "Calgary’s Flood Story"