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"Calgary Public Library is committed to eliminating racial and social equity barriers. We stand with the communities we serve against racism and injustice." – Sarah Meilleur, CEOLinks and ResourcesThe Library is a signatory for the Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity. Children's Books on Racism on OverDriveChildren’s books on racism and prejudice as well as information about the history of African Americans in the US, including books about Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks. Black Lives Matter Reading List on OverDriveA reading list to help you stay informed about the history of systemic racism in America and the work of those who are trying to make a change. An Essential Black Lives Matter Film List on KanopyIf you're feeling overwhelmed by the news and want to take action, take the first step and deepen your understanding of racism and the experiences of Black people in America with these powerful and timely documentaries from Kanopy. The Skin We're In Reading List on OverDriveThis list of adult fiction books addresses racism as a topic.I Hope You Get This Message Reading List on OverDriveTeen reads about racial equity, social justice, and diversity.
Read more about "Stories Race and Social Equality Resources"Growing up near Fish Creek Library, Lindsay Hracs would visit the pyramidal building often. “It’s just somewhere I always gravitated to,” she says.Through university — a bachelor’s and master’s degree in linguistics — Lindsay would travel out of her way to study at the Library. Today, Lindsay is a PhD candidate in linguistics, and Fish Creek Library continues to be an important part of her life.It’s now where Lindsay volunteers with the Library’s Learning Advantage program, helping an adult learner. Over weekly meetups in Fish Creek Library’s breakout rooms, Lindsay and her learner work towards her learner’s goal of attending university.These days, they’re reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and working on information processing. When the pair was matched three years ago, the learner was getting by in daily life but struggling with reading and writing."There’s so much stigma around not having perfect literacy skills that the acknowledgment of needing help is a huge hurdle in itself," Lindsay says.Patricia Stephenson, Learning Advantage Program Coordinator, says people are often shocked to learn how prevalent low literacy rates are. Data from Statistics Canada shows that 17% of adults in Canada are essentially illiterate, scoring at level one or below on a system with five proficiency levels.Through one-on-one coaching and support, volunteers with the free Learning Advantage program help others. Lindsay has seen her learner’s literacy skills — as well as her independence and confidence — blossom.For Lindsay, the meetups have become a favourite part of her week. "When you have a personal connection with someone and you can help them meet their goals, it’s just so worth it," she says.While Lindsay brings a deep interest in language and the mind to the volunteer role, such a background is not necessary."Anyone who has time and enjoys books and reading can do this, and I think they should do it," Lindsay says. "It’s awesome."If you’d like to join the Library’s team of youth or adult volunteers,
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Lindsay Hracs Helping others meet their goals inspires Lindsay to volunteer"Is there a title we should purchase? We want to make sure the books you're interested in are available on Library shelves. If you don't see an item you're looking for in our collection, let us know! Log in to your Library account and submit a suggestion using your Library card number and PIN. You can suggest up to five titles per month. Calgary Public Library reviews suggestions for purchase for books, eBooks and eAudiobooks in consideration of popularity, budget, availability, and currency.
Read more about "Is there a title we should purchase?"Eleven-year-old Esandi Babaranda loves Calgary’s libraries. She has been visiting libraries weekly for the past four years, ever since her family moved to Calgary from Vancouver.Esandi goes to Crowfoot Library, in the city’s northwest, most often. “It’s beautiful here,” she says.It’s hard for Esandi to pick her favourite thing about Crowfoot Library, because there is so much she likes to do.She enjoys reading, especially the Magic Tree House and Dragon Masters series. Her preferred reading nook at Crowfoot Library reminds her of the comfy leather couch she likes to read on at home.“I like that you can read quietly in those little cubicles,” Esandi says. “It’s my little secret hideout.” She also loves to play at the Library. “The best thing here is the family zone. I spend time with my brother, dad, and mom, making puzzles, playing on the play structures, and participating in Library activities,” she says. Esandi’s six-year-old brother Warun likes playing games on the play structure, joining Library programs, and reading books. Their father Lanka is also a big fan of libraries. Originally from Sri Lanka, he appreciates that Calgary’s libraries are about much more than books.“There’s tremendous opportunities here, for connecting with people, for joining programs,” he says. He has joined a Toastmasters club that meets at Crowfoot Library and taken online classes with Gale Courses.Esandi also gets weekly visits from the Library to her elementary school, thanks to the Book Truck. Esandi likes that she can return books she checked out from Crowfoot Library to the Book Truck, or sign out new books inside the mobile Library.Crowfoot Library is also a good place to study for school, Esandi says. Sometimes she studies at home using Solaro, an online Library resource that has course lessons, reviews, and practice tests. “It’s helped me lots,” she says.For Esandi, the Library is like a good friend. “I’m proud to be a friend of the Library,” she says.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 Friend of the Library’ Esandi Babaranda explores everything a library can offer in her Library Story"Elders are available for drop-in discussions at the Elders' Guidance Circle during the dates and times listed. Visitors are not guaranteed a private visit during drop-in hours, so we recommend booking a meeting if you have a specific request.
Read more about "January open office hours with the Elders"Kenneth Oppel is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Governor General's Award winner "Airborn," and the "Silverwing" trilogy, which has sold over a million copies worldwide. His latest novels are the "Bloom" trilogy, and "Ghostlight."
Read more about "Kenneth Oppel"Frank O’Keeffe has lived all over the world, but no matter where he travels one thing never changes — how close he stays to his local library.“I’ve always gone to the library wherever I’ve lived. They are invaluable places in our communities, and have always brought such joy to my family,” he says. “We went to live in Australia for a year when our daughter was two, we even had a library card there as well.”Frank signed up for his first Calgary Public Library card about 50 years ago. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Frank immigrated to Canada when he was 19 years old. Memorial Park Library provided him with a place to visit during the day on his way to and from work.When Frank began university, the library became a place to find free resources on the Canadian history he was studying. He eventually became a teacher, passing on the love of learning libraries instilled in him to students and his own family.“My daughter got her first Library card when she was just a little girl. She was always wanting us to take her to Memorial Park Library and read books — new books, more books,” he says. “And it was so convenient, because you could borrow as many books as you liked.”An Accomplished AuthorFrank is more than just a lover of libraries, though; he’s also an author with books on library shelves, including eight young adult novels. His ninth book is Woodbine, an adult historical fiction novel that follows a young girl and her father as they travel from Paris across Africa in the 1890s, eventually visiting Ireland as the First World War breaks out.Frank says this most recent novel, published in August 2018, could not have crossed the finish line without the help of staff at Shawnessy Library.“Three of the ladies at Shawnessy Library — Olga Tanailova, Kirsten Pedersen, and Nelli Boutchev — were instrumental in that last book being published. Those three read my last manuscript as I was writing it. They helped me research it. I even acknowledged them in the book. It couldn’t have happened without their help.”As a retired teacher and avid history buff, Frank says he enjoys the opportunity writing gives him to inject a bit of realistic humour into everyday life, “because the world can always use more of that.” His next book, The Grand Getaway, set to be published this spring, focuses heavily on that aspect.“It starts with an old folks’ home, and a homeless man. One of the patients at the home is living with dementia, and she wants to go see the Grand Canyon one last time, because she went there when she was young on the back of a motorcycle. And so, this homeless man is accidentally let into the home one day and ends up sort of hiding out there, and the two of them form a sort of unlikely friendship that leads to adventure.”‘Chitchat and Good Company’The characters explore themes that hit particularly close to home for Frank. His wife Patricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago. As the couple has grown older and their family’s needs have changed, how they use the Library has changed too.“I certainly used to read a lot, but I don’t have as much time for it now. I try to keep as active as I can, but my life involves a lot of worrying about my wife these days. Helping care for her is the most important thing,” Frank says.The Library has become a part of Patricia and Frank’s weekly routine. On Fridays, Frank takes Patricia out from the care facility where she lives and the pair go to the ESL Coffee and Conversation program at Shawnessy Library, for some “chitchat and good company.” Once a newcomer to Canada himself, Frank empathizes with the people who attend the program.“Many of the folks I meet at the Library are immigrants, just like me,” he says. “As an older patron, what I get out of the Library now is companionship. I’m still pretty active, and I don’t have any health problems, but it can be hard to meet new people. The Library is an important means of communication for me.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘Invaluable Places in Our Communities’ Frank O'Keeffe has been writing his Library Story for over 50 years"A Library card is good for more than just books. Your free membership gives you access to a number of streaming services and online materials. When you get your Library card, you can save on these subscriptions: Do you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video? Try Kanopy instead. Stream up to 10 free movies and TV shows per month. Plus, with the newly added Kanopy Kids, you can easily find age-appropriate programming for your kids to watch. You might end up reconsidering your subscriptions to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Prime Music after you try Freegal Music. Freegal Music will have you jamming at work and the weekends; listen to three hours of music per day and download up to five songs per week. Unlimited eBooks are available with more than Kindle Unlimited. Use Libby, your library on-the-go, to download more than 50,000 titles. Read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks for free on your device. Subscribe to Audible? Again, see Libby. She’s the best friend you never knew you needed. Love staying-up-to-date on the world around you with The Globe and Mail, National Geographic, or The Economist? You can, for free, with your Library card. Access your favourite magazines and newspapers online with Flipster Magazines and PressReader. Love flipping through Vogue or Cosmopolitan? Stay in the know on upcoming trends and celebrities with Libby, where you can read current issues of thousands of magazines from around the world. Your total monthly savings: $73.94. Make the switch today.
Read more about "Stories Six Subscriptions You Can Save On With a Library Card""Calgary Public Library is committed to eliminating racial and social equity barriers. We stand with the communities we serve against racism and injustice." – Sarah Meilleur, CEOLinks and ResourcesThe Library is a signatory for the Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity. Children's Books on Racism on OverDriveChildren’s books on racism and prejudice as well as information about the history of African Americans in the US, including books about Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks. Black Lives Matter Reading List on OverDriveA reading list to help you stay informed about the history of systemic racism in America and the work of those who are trying to make a change. An Essential Black Lives Matter Film List on KanopyIf you're feeling overwhelmed by the news and want to take action, take the first step and deepen your understanding of racism and the experiences of Black people in America with these powerful and timely documentaries from Kanopy. The Skin We're In Reading List on OverDriveThis list of adult fiction books addresses racism as a topic.I Hope You Get This Message Reading List on OverDriveTeen reads about racial equity, social justice, and diversity.
Read more about "Stories Race and Social Equality Resources"Best-selling author and urban explorer Lori Beattie is back and this time she is exploring the city on two wheels in her new book, Calgary’s Best Bike Rides. Join her for a slide...
Read more about "Calgary’s Best Bike Rides"Dog Man isn't the only series to have action and adventure with zany and wise-cracking crime-fighting animals. These books will have you laughing with a lunch lady and a few wacky humans too!
Read more about "If You Like Dog Man"Find detailed timelines for notable people, places, and events in this highly interactive database. Build, save, and share timelines for an authentic learning experience.Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: World Book tutorial.
Read more about "More than 650 historical timelines and 14,000 world events"A recipient of the Order of the Northwest Territories, Richard Van Camp is a proud Tlicho Dene from Fort Smith, NWT, living in Edmonton, AB. Richard is an internationally renowned storyteller and best-selling author of 30 books and graphic novels.
Read more about "Richard Van Camp"Check out up to 99 items at a time from our collection.
Read more about "Readers"Helping your child learn from home? Check out these free resources for help guiding their studies. These online options for young children and teens can all be easily accessed from the comfort of your home.BrainfuseThis online tutoring resource is aligned with the Alberta curriculum for students in Grade 2 to Grade 12. Get expert online help with your homework from 2 pm to 11 pm daily. Support for adult learners is also available.SolaroUse this online resource to access course lessons, reviews, and practice tests for students in Grade 3 to 12. Prepare for tests and final exams in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, through study guides and practice questions aligned to the Alberta curriculum.Study BuddyStudy Buddy is perfect for kids ages six and up. It allows students to find eBooks and articles by searching multiple digital resources at once, including OverDrive for Kids, World Book Kids, National Geographic Kids, Flipster, and Gale Virtual Reference Library. Study Buddy also offers premade searches on popular topics, like Alberta history or nature.TumbleBookLibraryTumbleBooks offers unlimited access to a collection of eBooks for young children, their parents, and teachers, including more than 250 animated, talking picture books, Spanish and French books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, and games.Plus Much MoreAre you an adult who wants to learn from home? Check out our Digital Library for free access to learning resources like LinkedIn Learning for Library, Gale Courses, Rosetta Stone, and Pronunciator. Use your free Calgary Public Library card to access all these resources, plus more like eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers online for free.
Read more about "Stories 8 Resources to Help Students Learn from Home"