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When Marian Erb moved to Calgary from Ireland 36 years ago, one of the first things she did was track down her community library.“As a newcomer, everything—from the architecture to the awesome expanse of Alberta skies—was new and overwhelming. The Library became a sanctuary for me, a home away from home,” says Marian.She recalls the welcoming smiles she received from Library staff on that first visit and the support given as she learned about the many resources the Library had to offer.“Staff are the Library’s most important resource,” she says. “They are the first point of contact for newcomers and ensure they have access to computers so that connections with family and friends back home is maintained as they acclimatize to their new surroundings.”While Marian shares a common language with native Calgarians, she can relate to that “lost” feeling common to the newcomer experience, when an accent can mark you as “different.” So, when she considered becoming a Library volunteer, she was drawn to working with people for whom English was foreign.“Newcomers often feel anxious in their new, unfamiliar surroundings. I remember that feeling and love to help people build confidence as they work to improve their spoken English. Volunteering in the Library’s Conversation Club allows me to reach out with friendship and find common ground…and then the words and stories start to flow.”Volunteering can be a daunting concept, but when asked what attributes aspiring Library volunteers should possess, Marian states that it’s really very simple: they need to love meeting new people, have patience, and be genuinely interested in the program they’ve chosen and the people they’re working alongside.“Volunteering at the Library allows me to do what I love, surrounded by beautiful, wonderful books in the company of friendly, like-minded people helping newcomers begin to feel like they’ve come home.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Marian Erb Marian's work with the ESL Conversation Club helps find common ground"Calgary’s oldest Library and its surrounding park were granted special status as a national historic site earlier this year.On Thursday, September 27, Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will host a plaque unveiling ceremony at Central Memorial Park and Library at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to attend; dress for an outdoor ceremony.Memorial Park Library is located just south of Calgary’s downtown and opened in 1912. The classically-inspired Library has a grand columned entrance and staircase, rich and ornamental exterior, and elegant interior.Memorial Park Library was the first public Library in Alberta. Annie Davidson, one of Calgary’s cultural pioneers and visionaries, championed the building alongside the Calgary Women’s Literary Club. Beginning in 1906, the group of civic-minded women advocated for the establishment of a free public Library.The site of the future Library, now known as Central Memorial Park, was chosen in August 1908 by city plebiscite. Construction began later that year. Funds for construction came from American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who supported 125 libraries across Canada.Upon opening in 1912, Memorial Park Library quickly proved popular. It became a cultural and educational hub, even housing the city’s first art show in 1912 — an exhibit of 200 European paintings borrowed from local collectors."By the end of that first year, 1912, the original collection of 5,280 books had grown to 12,343, and the number of patrons had grown to 8,911. The most popular authors of the day were Alexandre Dumas père, Gilbert Parker, Ralph Connor, Robert Services, and Lucy Maud Montgomery,” writes Brian Brennan in The Calgary Public Library, Inspiring Life Stores Since 1912.Memorial Park Library continues to be a cultural and educational hub today. It’s now home to the Musical Lending Library, the Alexander Calhoun Salon, Wordfest, and much more. Visit this beautiful Library and park — now a National Historic Site — today!
Read more about "Stories Memorial Park Library Recognized as National Historic Site"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"Search businesses and grantmaking databases, including market research reports, trade publications, and philanthropic resources.
Read more about "Business & Investing"Track your reading time and titles in Beanstack to receive recommended reads via personalized weekly emails.
Read more about "Beanstack"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"This 60-minute interactive program introduces students to the concepts of misinformation and disinformation in online media. Students are guided to evaluate, identify, and verify information sources using lateral reading and reverse image searching.
Read more about "Help your students learn the difference between fact and fiction."Use your free Library card to take an online course such as Microsoft Office, or take practice tests to help you prepare for professional exams.
Read more about "Learning Tools"Search by author, work, or topic to find full-text scholarly journals, literary magazines, biographies, criticisms, summaries, and more. Literature Resource Center is an interactive research database. You can translate articles to over 40 languages, have articles read aloud to you, highlight and add notes, generate citations, and email, save or download selections and full articles to read later.
Read more about "Anything you want to know about literature"Teens and Adults Challenge Map (ages 13+)
Read more about "Track your progress"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"Library Named for Pioneering Calgarian Judith Umbach MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 26, 2015Calgary, AB — Judith Umbach is an unassuming Calgarian who has done a truly extraordinary thing.By making a seven-figure gift in her will to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, Umbach is paving the way for other Calgarians to give to the Library in a meaningful way.“It’s difficult for many of us who may not have cash on hand to say, ‘I’m giving something right now,’” said Umbach. “For many people this makes it possible to leave a legacy now.”“We call Judith a best friend of the Library,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, President & CEO, Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Calgary and the Library are part of her DNA – she grew up in Calgary, spending her free time at the Library. As an adult, Judith has taken up the Foundation’s bold, audacious vision to transform Calgary Public Library into the best library in the world for Calgarians.”Umbach chaired the Calgary Public Library Board for 8 years of her 12-year tenure and now sits on the Board of Directors of the Calgary Library Foundation and chairs its Council of Champions. She was honoured today with the Library’s announcement of the renaming of the Thorn-Hill Library to the Judith Umbach Library.The naming announcement was part of a grand re-opening celebration. Patrons from throughout the community, along with Mayor Naheed Nenshi, were on hand to witness the official ribbon cutting and tour the completely renovated library.Highlights of the renovation include: a lighter, more open interior; a colourful and inviting children's area, as well as a themed collection and display; shelving complete with dedicated lighting and new easier-to-navigate end panels; and, a new laptop loan program that will, at first augment and then replace, the fixed work stations – allowing patrons to be truly connected and comfortable during their visit.As patrons enter the Judith Umbach Library, they are welcomed by a distinctive wall that honours Judith, her gift, her Calgary-focused photography, and, of course, her favourite book, Jane Eyre.The 7,697-square-foot Judith Umbach Library is located in a multi-service building along a major transportation route and serves the 80,000+ Calgarians living in the communities of Beddington, Huntington Hills, and Thornhill.Judith Umbach is a Founding Partner for Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, a bold, audacious vision to take a great library system and transform it into the best in the world for Calgarians. The city-wide campaign will build capacity for each and every community library and will include projects with a strong impact for Library customers. For more information, visit www.addin.ca.The Calgary Public Library Foundation was created in 1999 to provide an opportunity for all Calgarians to participate in building a library system for today and future generations. Its vision is to enable the citizens of Calgary to have the best public library in the world.-30-
Read more about "Stories"Calgary's Central Library Set to Open in One Month MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 1, 2018Calgary, AB – Today marks the one-month countdown until the new Central Library will open its doors to Calgarians on November 1, 2018. Located in the East Village, the $245-million project boasts 240,000 square feet of striking architecture and functional space, with more than 30 free community meeting areas, performance hall, outdoor plazas and greenery, the 12,000-square foot Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library, dedicated spaces for teens, recording studios, more than 450,000 collection items, and more.To celebrate this momentous occasion for our city, the Calgary Public Library has announced a number of exciting events and ceremonies that will take place during opening week, including a special presentation by the former International Space Station commander and celebrated Canadian astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield."Literacy underpins everything I do. So, it’s fitting that I get to help open the new Central Library, a place where literacy underpins every visitor’s experience. Calgary's new Central Library is a truly wondrous space, where imaginations will soar," says Col. Chris Hadfield."We’re thrilled to welcome Col. Chris Hadfield on November 1 to celebrate our opening and inspire our members,” says Bill Ptacek, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “The new Central Library will be a cultural hub for learning and innovation and we couldn’t think of a better person to demonstrate what’s possible when we come together and dream big!”Calgary Public Library and Calgary Transit are proud to announce that to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library, all public transit will be free on Saturday, November 3 from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. This day marks the kick-off of the new Central Library’s Opening Family Fun Weekend, which will feature free tours, programming, music, and much more!“The new Central Library belongs to all Calgarians—an unparalleled place with opportunity for everyone. To throw open the doors and make it so easy to be a part of the grand opening is truly special. So on November 3, thanks to my colleagues at Calgary Transit, the Calgary Public Library, and the amazing donors to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, we can all take Calgary Transit downtown to experience our new Central Library,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.“Like the Library, Calgary Transit is an important and accessible asset for our community. Like all Calgarians, we cannot wait to visit the new library and are happy to have worked with the Calgary Public Library Foundation to celebrate its opening in such a special way,” says Michael Thompson, GM Transportation for the City of Calgary.This unique opportunity to ride free to and from the new Central Library is made possible only through the generous support of donors to Add In– the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, facilitated by the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which has supported the Library’s commitment to accessibility and the successful completion of this project.Here are some of the highlights of the new Central Library’s opening week activities:Thursday, November 1, 2018: Grand Opening Celebration 10:00 am – 8:00 pmBe a part of the historical opening celebration at the new Central Library on November 1 at 10 am. Celebrations will include an opening ceremony, live music, free tours, and special guests.Thursday, November 1, 2018: Opening Night with Chris Hadfield 7:00 pm – 9:00 pmColonel Chris Hadfield — a heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, pilot, author, and musician — headlines new Central Library’s Opening Day celebrations. Listen to the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station at Calgary’s landmark new Library. Tickets are FREE and registration will open on Tuesday, October 2, at 10:00 am. Register at calgarylibrary.caFriday, November 2, 2018: Lit Gala 7:30 pmA fundraising event unlike any other, the Lit Gala will feature experiences on every level of the new Library, performers, and an array of culinary delights. Proceeds from the event will launch a Spotlight Speaker Series for world-class thought leaders at the new Central Library. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit litgala.ca.Saturday, November 3, 2018 & Sunday, November 4, 2018: Opening Family Fun WeekendExplore the new Central Library from November 3-4 through free programming and tours. Enjoy live music, craft stations, and more.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 660,000+ 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. the new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256Mary.Kapusta@calgarylibrary.caGemma PasquarelliAccount ExecutiveEdelmanP: 403.817.0622Gemma.Pasquarelli@edelman.com
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.
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