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Read more about "Volunteer at the Library"The Library During COVID The pandemic fundamentally changed how Calgary Public Library operated for more than two years and has affected how it continues to operate moving forward. T he Library During COVID documents the Library’s experiences of meeting the challenges of COVID-19 while staying connected throughout changes to service, staffing, and operations. This documentary recognizes an important historic moment for the Library community. We couldn’t have done it without the support of all Library staff, including those who shared their experiences on camera with us, and the community. Thank you all for your continued support.
Read more about "The Library During COVID"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"Have more questions? Contact our Library Hotline Our staff are here for you! If you have questions about our computer lending program or any other Library service, call out Library Hotline at 403.260.2600 .
Read more about "Have more questions? Contact our Library Hotline"History of Louise Riley Library Louise Riley Library opened in 1959 in the northwest community of Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill and has been a community hub ever since. It was named after Louise Riley, a beloved children’s librarian and author. Riley became well-known as the “story lady” for her popular children’s Story Hour sessions, broadcast weekly on radio airwaves starting in 1943. Photo: Calgary Public Library Archives, Our Story in Pictures
Read more about "History of Louise Riley Library"These terms apply to membership for Library services, borrowing services, and use of your Library account.
Read more about "Library Services Agreement"Calgary Public Library invites expressions of interest from the Indigenous community, from people who are experienced artists, performers, knowledge keepers, storytellers, presenters, crafters, and service providers.
Read more about "Indigenous Ambassadors at the Library"It’s a story that couldn’t have been scripted any better, according to the Library’s CEO Bill Ptacek.A search for a business to operate the café in Central Library led to two Calgary entrepreneurs seeking to do something iconic in their hometown. Gareth Lukes and Eric Hendry are partnering on LUKES, a 2,000-square-foot café opening in November 2018 that promises to be welcoming, collaborative, and responsive.Gareth Lukes is the third-generation owner of the popular Lukes Drug Mart. Eric Hendry, a former Model Milk chef who has worked around the globe, is back in Calgary at award-winning restaurant Bar Von Der Fels.Lukes and Hendry first partnered to bring soft-serve ice cream back to Lukes Drug Mart last summer. Their new collaboration is poised to be just as delicious.Operating within one of the city’s most important cultural gathering spaces is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Lukes, speaking at the Jan. 16 announcement for the new café.“Like the Library itself, which is inclusive and accessible, we believe food can serve to bring families and people together to fuel discussion and stimulate learning,” he said. At LUKES, visitors can expect an approachable and interesting menu with affordable prices, plus an emphasis on local, healthy, and sustainable choices, Hendry said. Councillor Druh Farrell, a member of the Calgary Public Library Board, described Lukes and Hendry as people who embody Calgary’s entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit. “It’s their commitment to Calgary that makes their partnership so special for the new Library,” Farrell said at the Jan. 16 announcement. “Together, their vision, experience, and local know-how will elevate the visitor experience at the Library.”Three Questions for Gareth Lukes and Eric HendryIf you could cook for any author, who would it be?Eric Hendry: Ernest Hemingway.What’s your favourite book?Eric Hendry: Probably 1984 by George Orwell. I think it has some relevance in this day and age, which I like about it now.Gareth Lukes: I’d say Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World. I just like the bizarreness of that book.What role has Calgary Public Library played in your life?Gareth Lukes: I remember always going as a kid and checking out books. The Library is a great resource, and it’s just a great place.Eric Hendry: Fish Creek Library was iconic when I was growing up in the south. I love to read. For sure, the Library plays a role in community, and that’s what we want to do as well.
Read more about "Stories Meet the Duo Behind Central Library’s Café"Get ready for school with your Library! Preparing for kindergarten is easy with the Library. Use the five tips in this video as your guide on the road to kindergarten.
Read more about "Get ready for school with your Library!"Accessible services for Library members
Read more about "Adaptive Technologies and Special Services at 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"Whether you're studying at home or school, we can help. Find digital resources, online programs, and more Library services for students in grades 7-12.
Read more about "Library for Teens"Bowness Library was added to the Calgary Public Library system in 1964, when the town of Bowness was amalgamated into the city of Calgary. Initially located in the local community recreation hall, Bowness Library moved to a spot in the Bowness Shopping Centre in 1970.
Read more about "History of Bowness Library"The Library is proud to be a community partner of the
Read more about "Making the Library experience available to everyone."