The 'Build a Book Bag' service is no longer available. You can find books and other Library materials by searching the catalogue. Ebooks and audiobooks are also available through the Libby app.
Alongside partners, the Library will celebrate and honour Indigenous peoples in Calgary with events, activities, and resources. From a round dance at The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), to performances by Indigenous artists, and Elder Storytimes, National Indigenous History Month is filled with moments to celebrate, reflect, and learn.
Read more about "National Indigenous History Month"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"Explore a rich collection of historical research databases including those related to First Nations and Indigenous peoples, as well as the Associated Press Collections, Smithsonian Collection Online, Archives of Human Sexuality and Gender, and Sabin Americana. You will find historical documents including books, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, maps, magazines, and more.
Read more about "Discover a world-class collection of historical documents"Search for books by mood, character, and pacing. Find read-alikes of your favourite books, and even resources for book clubs.
Read more about "Reading suggestions for children and teens"1. Use your Calgary Public Library card to access free eBooks. It’s easy to download eBooks onto a computer, smartphone, or tablet using our Digital Resources, including Libby, Overdrive, Gale Virtual Library, Read Alberta eBooks, and TumbleBookLibrary (just for kids). Happy reading!2. Love podcasts? You’re going to love audiobooks. Nothing makes your daily commute — or a long road trip — better than having the perfect audiobook to accompany you. 3. Did you know there are more than 60 free meeting rooms available at libraries across Calgary? Book a space for your business, not-for-profit, study group, book club, or event.4. Early Learning Centres! These free spaces, located in 12 libraries around Calgary, are designed to encourage young children to learn through play. Whimsical and wonderful, your kids are never going to want to leave the Library.5. It’s Sunday, you’re ready to hit print on your final paper for the semester. But oh no, you’re out of ink and your printer won’t stop jamming. What do you do? Come to the Library, of course! All Library members receive $5 of free printing each month. You’ll never be in another jam with a Library card.6. Read your favourite magazines for free with Digital Resources like Flipster Magazines. Flipster gives you access to Time, People, Us Weekly, Maclean’s, Canadian Geographic, Today’s Parent, and many more. Plus our Digital Resource National Geographic Virtual Library gives you access to every edition of National Geographic since 1888. Wow.7. You can use your Library card to borrow musical instruments! The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library at Memorial Park Library has instruments including guitars, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, violins, keyboards, and bongos. Plus, the Library offers a variety of free programs to help you learn a new instrument or develop your skills, and there’s also a Practice Room at Memorial Park Library —perfect for aspiring musicians — that can comfortably accommodate two people. What are you waiting for? Start learning a new instrument today.8. Programs, programs, and more programs... and they’re all free. Calgary Public Library has programs for babies, families, kids, teens, adults, seniors, newcomers, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking for learning and enrichment. Discover a world of free programs with Library Connect, our program guide, or search our programs online to find what you’re looking for. We ♥ programs!9. More into listening to music than learning to play it? Stream free music on Freegal, a music service with nearly 13 million songs. Download five free songs per week and listen to three hours of streaming per day.10. Looking to learn another language? The Library has got you covered. Get free access to language learning Digital Resources including Rosetta Stone Library Solution and Pronunciator.11. Low-income Calgarians with a City of Calgary Recreation Fee Assistance card can use the Library to access arts and culture events, including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Lunchbox Theatre, Alberta Ballet and more. Learn about how the Sun Life Financial Arts + Culture Pass works.12. Love learning? So do we! Take free online courses at Lynda.com and Gale Courses. The interactive, instructor-led online courses cover topics like business skills, web design, photography, graphic design, and much more.13. Attention all movie buffs! Access more than 30,000 films for free with Kanopy. Watch award-winning documentaries and acclaimed films, rare and hard-to-find titles, must-see classic films, Canadian cinema selections, and an array of foreign language films.14. Love books? Love talking about books? Love listening to others talk about books? Join a book discussion group. Discover a new bestseller or relive a favourite classic book at monthly Book Discussion Groups, facilitated by trained Library volunteers. The Library will also lend you the book; just ask at the Library service desk. Want to host your own book club? The Library makes it extra easy with our Book Club in a Bag.15. Read thousands of popular newspapers, including local and international newspapers in multiple languages, with PressReader. Read on your browser or mobile device… no more ink-stained fingers for you!
Read more about "Stories 15 Library Perks You Need to Know About Now"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up our favourite sensory activities for busy toddlers who like active play — all you need are a few household objects to get them moving and exploring.Spider’s WebWeave string, ribbon, or scarves through a laundry basket and place stuffed animals or toys at the bottom of the basket. Place the basket on its side and let your little one explore. Can they get all the toys out? This activity helps babies and toddlers build motor control and spatial awareness as they navigate their hands through the “spider’s web” to reach the objects. Be sure to supervise them. StackingFor this activity, all you need are some blocks, plastic cups, or any toddler-friendly object that they can stack. Through stacking play, your child is discovering shapes, learning how blocks can be balanced, observing how they fall, and discovering what fits together. See if you can build a tower together — but knocking it over is the best part! Explore MusicMaking music is the perfect way to get active if you’re stuck inside. If you don’t have toddler-friendly instruments available, you can make your own drums or shakers from a variety of different household objects including coffee cans, rice or beans in a bottle, pots and pans, even cardboard boxes. This kind of musical play teaches rhythm, spontaneous movement, and promotes both fine and gross motor skills. Enjoy trying these active play ideas with your busy toddler! Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up online for your free Library card and start using it immediately with our Digital Library resources.
Read more about "Stories Three Indoor Sensory Play Ideas for Active Toddlers"Search Canadian history from the 16th century to 20th century through monographs (books), serials (newspapers, annuals and periodicals), and government publications. Find information on major historical events, the development of institutions, genealogy, Canadian literature and politics, trades and tariffs, and more. In English and French.
Read more about "Research Canadian history with heritage sources and scholarly journals"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. 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: Gale Courses tutorial
Read more about "Free, interactive, instructor-led online courses. "Helping your student with their math homework? We can help take the stress out of studying. Make learning math a breeze with our free eResources that offer content tailored specifically for children and students developing their math skills. 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. Bookflix Cuddle up and read with Bookflix! Find your favourite picture book classics paired with related fact books for early readers. Read aloud together or watch and listen to an animated version of the picture book. (Ages 5 – 8) Early readers can listen or read along to the book Everyone Uses Math to see how pilots, firefighters, and cooks use math every day. Then play a Word Match or Fact or Fiction game – they’re so fun, kids won’t even know they’re learning. 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. Superheroes and surfers are the stars of this 15-title series of easy-to-understand math eBooks, from Funky Fractions and Edgy Equations to Glorious Geometry and Dynamic Denominators. (Ages 8 – 12) Solaro Find course lessons, reviews, and practice tests for students in grades 3 to 12 in Solaro. It follows Alberta curriculum and provides online access to the same information found in The Key study guides. (Ages 9 – 17) Find math lessons, flash cards, quizzes, and pre- and –post-assessments that directly support your child’s learning. For instance, the Grade Five section covers Numbers, Patterns and Equations, Geometry, Measurement, and Probability. brainfuse HelpNow brainfuse HelpNow offers free online tutoring for students studying Alberta curriculum. Students studying math in Grades 2 to 12 can access online help from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily. Chat live with a tutor and create your own study tools with flashcards and games. 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. Try some fun and simple math and logic puzzles in the “Activities” section, like using math to find the secret code in your name or solving a numbered puzzle square.
Read more about "Stories Math eResources for ages 5 – 17"The National Geographic Virtual Library gives you access to the complete archive of National Geographic magazine at your fingertips — every page of every issue — along with a cross-searchable collection of National Geographic books, maps, images and videos.Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: National Geographic Virtual Library tutorial.
Read more about "Explore history through a new lens"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up our favourite sensory activities for busy toddlers who like active play — all you need are a few household objects to get them moving and exploring.Spider’s WebWeave string, ribbon, or scarves through a laundry basket and place stuffed animals or toys at the bottom of the basket. Place the basket on its side and let your little one explore. Can they get all the toys out? This activity helps babies and toddlers build motor control and spatial awareness as they navigate their hands through the “spider’s web” to reach the objects. Be sure to supervise them. StackingFor this activity, all you need are some blocks, plastic cups, or any toddler-friendly object that they can stack. Through stacking play, your child is discovering shapes, learning how blocks can be balanced, observing how they fall, and discovering what fits together. See if you can build a tower together — but knocking it over is the best part! Explore MusicMaking music is the perfect way to get active if you’re stuck inside. If you don’t have toddler-friendly instruments available, you can make your own drums or shakers from a variety of different household objects including coffee cans, rice or beans in a bottle, pots and pans, even cardboard boxes. This kind of musical play teaches rhythm, spontaneous movement, and promotes both fine and gross motor skills. Enjoy trying these active play ideas with your busy toddler! Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up online for your free Library card and start using it immediately with our Digital Library resources.
Read more about "Stories Three Indoor Sensory Play Ideas for Active Toddlers"Borrow books, digital books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, and even musical instruments from our collection of over 1.4 million items.
Read more about "Browse and borrow"'\n ', 'Search for books by mood, character, and pacing. Find read-alikes of your favourite books, and even resources for book clubs.', 'Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: ', 'NoveList Plus tutorial', '.', '\n '
Read more about "'What will you read next?'"Napi's World: Stories and Teachings from the Land is a virtual program for grades K – 6. In this program, Elders, knowledge keepers, Treaty 7 authors, illustrators, performers, and Library staff share the diverse perspectives and ways of knowing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people living in Alberta. Use the information, activities, booklists, and resources on this page at home or in class to support students as they learn about Indigenous ways of knowing.
Read more about "Stories and teachings from the land."Internet access for children Parents or guardians can choose from two internet options for children: the default setting of unrestricted internet access or no internet access. To change your child's internet access please contact us. It's the responsibility of parents or guardians to monitor and guide their children's internet activity at the Library. Members with no internet access do not have access to the Library's wireless network, and they will be unable to connect to the internet on library devices that depend on the Library’s wireless network for connectivity.
Read more about "Internet access for children"