For immediate releaseSeptember 10, 2019Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a transformational gift from Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson; one of the largest gifts in the Foundation’s history. This generous donation will support early childhood literacy by enhancing the Library’s Early Learning Strategy.“The first years of a child’s life are so crucial,” says Susan Anderson. “I believe in the value of childhood education and wanted to participate in making this available to Calgary’s children to give them a strong start toward a successful future.”In recognition of this generous gift, the Calgary Public Library will name the children’s area at the Central Library the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.“We see kids with very diverse backgrounds coming to the Library for specialized Early Learning programs and resources,” says Calgary Public Library CEO Mark Asberg. “Donations like this help us continue to open doors for all of Calgary’s children, regardless of their socio-economic background.”The Library’s Early Learning Strategy encompasses five areas of focus: research, spaces, people, collections, and programs. Anderson’s donation will uplift each of these focus areas.Specifically, this donation will enable the expansion of early literacy programming both in Libraries and in the community; enhance collections development for babies, toddlers, and, pre-school children; and update existing Early Learning Centres to reflect current research.There are more than 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary. Currently, 12 of Calgary’s 21 Library locations have a dedicated Early Learning Centre, with the goal to have an Early Learning Centre in every single location. Early Learning Centres provide children under the age of five a specialized space to learn through play – the best way for young minds to gain essential early learning skills.About the Calgary Public Library Foundation:The Calgary Public Library Foundation supports the Library through fundraising.We connect people and organizations who want to make a difference with the opportunity to improve our community. All donations received through the Library Foundation enhance Library collections, programming, and services.Since 2011, the Library Foundation has been working on Add In, the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. The goal of Add In is to raise $350 million dollars for the Library system. As of June 2019, we have reached 98.5% of our goal.- 30 -Media Contacts:Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403 774 2543maegan@addin.caNina RehillEdelman 403 630 6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Accepts Historic Donation for Early Childhood Learning"Library Services and Programs Minister's Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence: Plan My Vote App (Shortlisted) Minister's Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence: City of Calgary: “Level Up, Calgary Minecraft Challenge” Architecture and Design 2019 Calgary Awards: The Award for Accessibility Mayor's Urban Design Awards: The Mawson Urban Design Award Azure Magazine: Best Canadian Architecture of the Decade Popular Mechanics: 20 of the World's Most Stunning Libraries American Institute of Architects: Architecture Honour Award Consulting Engineers of Alberta 2020 Showcase Awards: Award of Excellence in Building Engineering – Institutional Facility Time Magazine: 100 Greatest Places of 2019 New York Times: 52 Places to Go in 2019 New York Times: In a Year of Abrupt Transitions, a trip to Tahiti. And Calgary. New York Times: Two Canadian Stops on our 52 Places to Go List Media Coverage Arch Daily: Calgary Central Library / Snøhetta New York Times: Where Libraries are the Tourist Attractions Library Journal: Calgary Rises
Read more about "Library Services and Programs"Calgary Public Library is committed to equity, diversity, and belonging.
Read more about "Calgary Public Library is committed to equity, diversity, and belonging"Join the Calgary Public Library for stories and play adventures outside, facilitated by the Library's Play Professor. Join us in the playground in Forest Lawn next to Disc Golf...
Read more about "Pop-up Play with the Library"Applications to attend Library School for the 2023–2024 school year will open at the end of February 2023.
Read more about "Send your class to Library School"Get settled at the Newcomers Desk Drop in to the Library to get support from newcomer-serving organizations. Meet with staff for needs assessment and referrals, document translation, language training, child support, education and skills training, employment, community connections and more. Newcomers Desk is presented in partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society , and Calgary Immigrant Women's Association who connect recent immigrants to government agencies, organizations, and community members to help them build new lives in Canada. Newcomers Desk is generously supported by the RBC Foundation. Central Library Hours Mondays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS) Tuesdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (ISC) Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS) Thursdays: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm (ISC) Fridays: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (CCIS) Central Library Newcomers Desk is located in room 3-19B. Country Hills Library Hours Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS) Crowfoot Library Hours Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS) Forest Lawn Library Hours Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS) Saddletowne Library Hours Mondays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (ISC) Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS) Alternate Wednesdays starting June 14, 2023: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (CIWA) Seton Library Hours Saturdays: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (CCIS) Shawnessy Library Hours Tuesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS) Village Square Library Hours Mondays and Wednesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS) Alternate Thursdays starting June 22, 2023: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (CIWA)
Read more about "Central Library Hours"Explore history in the complete archive of National Geographic.
Read more about "National Geographic Virtual Library"The pandemic fundamentally changed how Calgary Public Library operated for more than two years and has affected how it continues to operate moving forward.
Read more about "The Library During COVID"Fish Creek Library opened June 1, 1985. This landmark “pyramid” library was built to replace the small Macleod location that opened in 1979 and had previously served the south end of the city. It was designed by architects Ian McDougall and Ken Hutchinson, who intended the design to resemble the Rocky Mountains. However, its iconic shape was frequently compared to a pyramid, and the nickname stuck.
Read more about "History of Fish Creek Library"As Central Library approaches its second birthday on November 1, 2020, six Central Library patrons, visitors, and staff share their stories of the space, and reflect on how the community has made it their own in the two years since opening. Want to share your own Library Story with us? Submit it here.John Warkentin “Central is important to me because I read a lot of fiction and it’s a convenient location for me. Going to a public place for free and finding knowledge or finding a quiet moment and rest — lots of people come here just for a quiet moment and that’s a beautiful thing.” Elizabeth Cheme “Central Library is a really nice location. I love the architecture and how they mixed wood at the entrance. This is great place for me to meet my clients because I don’t work out of an office. I have also used one of its recording studios to record a video for a client because he didn’t have a budget to pay for a professional videographer and studio, so we made the video using the resources here. "The Library is important to me because it made me feel like I was not alone. When I came to Canada five years ago, I was still learning English, but the Library felt welcoming and safe. I was able to meet new people and find new ways to be creative. I even took a small business program which inspired me to become an entrepreneur. Right now, I’m running my own business as a marketing consultant and I’m here today doing some marketing research through the Central Library. The Library provides you with the tools to improve yourself. I like to check out DVDs that cover topics like self-awareness and empowerment, especially for women. This is the best place to get involved and even learn about Canadian culture.” René Kamguem “I visited the first day that Central opened, or maybe a few days before the opening, because I was volunteering with the Library. The architecture is very good, I really like it. The new Library is bigger and there is more space for people. There are lots of activities and events for everyone.” Hailey Mckevitt “I didn’t know about Central Library until I started nannying and the need sort of came. I started looking for nearby libraries and which locations were near the train line. I visit with the kids to help them choose their books — it’s become a big part of our time together. The kids really enjoy it. Books are a huge part of their learning and of their life. It allows them to generate their imagination and it’s nice to be able to have a new selection of books for them to enjoy.” Yusra Said “My first visit was actually two weeks ago. Central Library is very beautiful, has a lot of open space and open light so it doesn’t feel crowded, especially during this pandemic. And I really like the services. It’s a really supportive environment. I don’t have a printer at home so that’s one of the main services I use here. The other thing I use the Library for is sitting in this open space — it’s a different environment from working from home online. It’s really nice to be in an open space with other people. And Central has this beautiful view of the city from inside the Library.” Mark Schultz “I’d say Central Library has improved a lot and we are always working on new programs and different ways to serve the public. There was a bit of an adjustment with the move but it’s a beautiful space and has good people. I love the people here; the staff members and the patrons are wonderful. And we have some lovely art pieces around the Library!”
Read more about "Stories Six Library Patrons Reflect on Central Library ahead of Second Birthday"Curious about eBooks? Library staff demonstrate how to download an eBook using OverDrive.
Read more about "eBooks: A Library On the Go"The Calgary Library is pleased to announce that Sarah Meilleur, currently Director of Service Delivery, has been appointed Interim CEO for the Calgary Public Library, effective Friday, April 9. Sarah Meilleur is replacing current CEO, Mark Asberg, who has accepted a new opportunity at Queen’s University.Sarah Meilleur has worked at the Library for more than a decade in a variety of roles. Her leadership as Director of Service Delivery has included many achievements, including the plan for innovation development and the successful launch of the new Central Library. Recently, she oversaw the Library’s pandemic response and the reopening of locations.As shared in February, the Library Board has formed a CEO Search Committee with the objective of hiring a new CEO for the Calgary Public Library. To support recruitment efforts, the Library Board has engaged Boyden: Canada to complete an executive search.On behalf of the Board, staff, volunteers, and members of the Calgary Public Library, I wish to thank Sarah for stepping into the Interim CEO role. The challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year have clearly emphasized the vital role that Library’s play in our communities and we are thrilled to have her leading the organization forward.Thank you.Avnish MehtaBoard Chair, Calgary Public Library
Read more about "Stories Calgary Library Announces Interim CEO"Visit the Library on a virtual field trip!
Read more about "Bring the Library into your classroom"