You can read all about and register for our programs online here. Calgary Public Library programming is currently happening online, with plans to begin some in-person programs at select locations April 4.
Many Indigenous refer to their age as how many winters old they are. The Winter Count, a historical document, was painted on hide and used art to show what happened in that year...
Read more about "Indigenous Visual Art Exploration with Autumn Whiteway (Ages 6 - 12)"Follow Along on Social Media Be sure to follow us on social media — Instagram, Facebook, X, or LinkedIn — for the latest Ultimate Summer Challenge updates. We also want to see your progress! Tag us and u se our hashtag #UltimateSummerChallenge as you share with friends and family pictures of books you’ve read, programs you’ve attended, or the progress on your map.
Read more about "Follow Along on Social Media"A Reading with Royalty performer and a Calgary family share what this program means to them
Read more about "Summer Cadence's Library Story"The Calgary Fire Department presents “Remembering When”, a fire and fall prevention program for seniors. “Remembering When” focusses on eight fire and eight fall prevention...
Read more about "Remembering When"Have you ever wanted to learn more about the three wildcat species found in Alberta? This program covers the description and behaviour of these amazing animals, as well why they...
Read more about "STEM Explorers: Alberta's Wildcats"Calgary Public Library is helping increase access and remove barriers to arts and culture in our community through an exciting new partnership with
Read more about "Explore accessible art "CMLC Announces Artist for New Central Library’s Public Art Program International artist Christian Moeller to create three-piece sculpture and a mural that uses 11,000 booksCALGARY, AB — Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) — lead developer of Calgary’s Central Library, a $245 million fully-funded civic amenity in the re-emerging neighbourhood of East Village — is delighted to announce the public art installations for the New Central Library and to introduce the artist who’ll create them.“Our search for an artist whose work would befit a landmark facility like the New Central Library began in 2014, when we issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from local, national and international artists,” says Susan Veres, senior vice president of strategy & business development. “More than two hundred artists and artist teams from all over the world responded to the RFQ—an emphatic testament to the significance of the opportunity.”The budget for the commission was guided by City of Calgary’s Public Art Policy, which includes a “percent for public art” strategy for funding the acquisition, administration and management of public art in Calgary. To complete the public art installations for the New Central Library, the selected artist worked with a budget of $2 million which is inclusive of all fees, expenses, and fabrication costs, delivery and installation.Through a robust and multi-staged selection process which was informed by the City of Calgary’s Public Art Program, the responses CMLC received—239 in total—were first narrowed to a list of 35. The task of establishing a shortlist to then advance to a Request for Proposals (RFP) stage was guided by a Volunteer Art Committee comprising a community resident, an artist and representative from ACAD, a curator from Glenbow Museum, a rep from Calgary Public Library and a rep from Calgary Arts Development organization. Non-voting members/observers included reps from CMLC, City of Calgary Public Art Program and the NCL design team.Read the complete media release on CMLC's website.
Read more about "Stories"If you're interested in volunteering, please complete an application and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Read more about "We're currently looking for volunteers for this program!"Rozsa Arts at the Library features emerging artists for virtual or in-person performances as restrictions allow.
Read more about "Call for Performing Artists"Join the Library’s 2022 Children’s Artist in Residence, Natalia Ionescu, and discover art through nature. Using gathered natural elements, Natalia will guide your exploration of...
Read more about "Children’s Artist in Residence 2022: Discover Art through Nature"Get involved with your local Library. Both adults and youth can become Library volunteers. The Volunteer Lounge is located on this level. Come find the right fit for you and discover nearly 30 programs where you can share your talents. View volunteer opportunities
Read more about "Get involved with your local Library."Four years ago, Henry Bastidas left his home in Venezuela and moved to Canada. Henry sought a safer place; he lived near the capital city Caracas, one of the most dangerous cities in the world.An engineer in Venezuela, Henry arrived in Calgary speaking only Spanish. He soon started an ESL program at the University of Calgary, where a friend recommended he also attend drop-in ESL classes at the Calgary Public Library. Eager to improve his English, he decided to check out the free newcomer programs.That little tip from a friend spurred Henry to get a Library card, instantly connecting him to his new city. “Back home, we don’t have libraries like this. There, a library is just storage for books,” Henry says. “Here, I love how dynamic the libraries are, all the activities they do. People are engaged and involved and I think that’s a very good thing.”The ESL classes at the Library helped Henry gain confidence in speaking English. Next, he tried out other free Library programs, including small business programs to work on his resumé and LinkedIn profile and technology programs to learn Excel and PowerPoint.Giving BackIn early 2015, less than a year after arriving in Canada, Henry applied to volunteer at Calgary Public Library. “The Library helped me a lot,” Henry says. “After I finished my courses, I decided to try to give back to this community that now I call home.”Henry began volunteering for kids’ math and coding programs, first at Central Library. “I just wanted to try and help kids a little bit with the things I know, like math,” he says. The experience helped him land his first job in Canada; with no work history here, he says the volunteer gig on his resumé was crucial.As Henry has moved throughout Calgary, he’s continued to volunteer at the Library closest to him, including Forest Lawn, Village Square, Fish Creek, and Sage Hill libraries.Today, Henry studies energy asset management at SAIT and works part-time. He continues to volunteer with Math Quest, helping students in Grades 1 to 6 use math to complete challenges throughout the Library. The after-school program makes numeracy fun — for the students, and for Henry.Energizing Experience“The kids get so excited every time they read a card and accomplish any of the quests,” he says. “I like how energetic they are. Every time I leave the Library, I feel like I did something good here. Instead of draining your energy, this gives you more energy.”“Henry’s strong commitment to helping students learn is a real gift to our youth volunteers that he mentors and to the children participating in our programs,” says Muneerah Vasanji, Volunteer Resources Coordinator at Calgary Public Library. “Henry stands out for his solid work ethic, patience, dedication, and leadership. Henry genuinely cares about making a tangible difference in our community and we are so fortunate to have him as an integral part of our volunteer team.”Henry had never volunteered before; it’s not really part of the norm in Venezuela, he says. “But here, I feel like it’s very important to do. Even though sometimes I have a very busy schedule, going to school and working, I always find when I make time to come volunteer I have fun.,” Henry says.Henry continues to be a dedicated Library member, recommending free programs to others and taking time to look around and pick up a new book. “The Library is my happy place,” he says. “There is always something going on, and you can find everything you are into.”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 is My Happy Place’ Henry Bastidas helps others learn as part of his Library Story"Each year, our 3,500 dedicated volunteers contribute 90,000+ volunteer hours. These hours have a value of over $2.8 million that directly benefits over 700,000 patrons by allowing us to offer more programs, in more locations, more often, to more Calgarians.
Read more about "Meet our volunteers"Special Services includes programs for those who are unable to travel to a Library location, tools at the Library such as accessible computers and other electronic aids, and an extensive collection of large print books, talking books, digital books, and Digital Readers.
Read more about "Making the Library experience available to everyone."Are you looking for a job? Join this program to learn the basics of resumé development, interview skills, career transitions and networking from a professional career coach.
Read more about "Career Basics 101 - Virtual"