On July 1, 2020, the Library moved to a permanent Fine Free model to reduce barriers to service for our members. Under this policy, no late fines will accrue, and all existing fines built up prior to July 1, 2020 have been forgiven. In recent years, over 100 major libraries in North America have transitioned to a Fine Free model, representing a commitment to accessible service. Calgary Public Library is committed to providing equitable access for all patrons. Fines are barriers that often penalize the most vulnerable in our communities. As the Library continues to see increases in digital circulation – to which fines do not apply – fine revenue continues to decline, making it possible for the Library to make this necessary change. Here are more details on what this model means for you and how it works: Due dates Members are still responsible for the items they borrow. You will continue to receive reminders when items are due and cannot be renewed. Auto-renewal and automatic returns Auto-renewals are an added benefit for our members under our Fine Free policy. Items that have no holds and/or have not reached the maximum of four renewals will renew automatically, giving members more peace of mind as well as more time with Library materials. Auto-renewed items won’t be marked as lost while in use, which reduces the amount of staff work related to lost items. Lost items and replacement costs Items that are 35 days overdue will be considered lost. Members will be billed the replacement costs of lost items, and borrowing will be suspended after a $10 balance is reached on your Library account. Wait times We do not expect wait times to increase significantly for holds following this new policy. Many libraries that have gone fine free have seen an increase in the return rate of overdue materials, and we expect wait times to reduce as well. Our staff will continue to monitor, maintain, and balance the Library’s collection as required. If you notice an item you’re waiting for has a significant hold time, you can continue to request that we order additional copies using this form.
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library Fine Free Model"Borrow a Computer lets you take home a Library Chromebook for up to three weeks. Whether you want to work on a project, take an online course, meet virtually with friends, or search the web for information, our Chromebooks can help you get it done. All you need is a valid Library membership and an internet connection at home.
Read more about "Need a Computer? Borrow one from the Library! "Calgary’s Story, presented by Walt & Irene DeBoni, at Central Library Browse documents, newspapers, images, microfilm, memorabilia, and audiovisual material pertaining to the history and development of Calgary and Alberta, from pre-history to the present. Calgary's Story is open during regular Central Library hours .
Read more about "Calgary’s Story, presented by Walt & Irene DeBoni, at Central Library"As of March 1, masks are optional for Library visitors in public Library spaces, in accordance with provincial recommendations.
Read more about "Health and safety guidelines"Enjoy walking tours of the East Village and Beltline communities surrounding Central and Memorial Park Libraries, and discover their unique literary and cultural histories.
Read more about "Downtown Library Walking Tours"Rowena Liu-Poon has been practicing tai chi for over 25 years. Now retired from her work at a post-secondary library, she uses a free meeting room at Nicholls Family Library to teach a free tai chi class. “I can share my interests, I can pass on what I’ve learned about tai chi to my students, and hopefully I am able to make a contribution,” Rowena says. “It’s a great way for me to stay connected with the community in my retirement years.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories 'I can share my interests' Rowena Liu-Poon uses meeting room space as part of her Library Story"The world outside may be chilly, but there are still so many ways to enjoy winter – both cozy at home and out in the snow! For the month of February, Chinook Blast invites you to bring the whole family to check out local artists illuminating our winter weekend nights with light installations around downtown Calgary.Winter Froth (photographed above by @laurenmneves) is part of Chinook Blast. The balloon installation and selfie booth created by Calgary Party 50 that is on display right outside of Central Library on February 26 — 28 and Stephen Avenue Place on February 19 — 22.That’s not all there is to do for free during the snowy days of February! Here are some more fun and easy ideas for family winter activities that you can access from home with your FREE Library membership. Don’t have a Library card? Sign up online and start using it immediately.Check out this winter fun booklist for kidsThese staff-picked titles will inspire you and your kids to bundle up and explore the wonderful world of winter.Listen to cozy winter playlists on FreegalLet music create a cozy atmosphere in your home with Freegal. Explore playlists curated just for winter vibes or find songs by your favourite artists. Stream up to three hours per day of free music and download up to five songs per week.Watch shows about winter fun on Kanopy KidsStream kids’ TV shows for free on Kanopy Kids! Right now, they have a Winter Fun playlist full of winter-themed episodes of kids’ TV shows, like “What Will Little Bear Wear?” and “Lemonade in Winter.”Learn about what winter is like for Indigenous PeoplesRead about various Indigenous seasonal traditions and what it’s like to live on the Land during the winter by exploring the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada.Learn about winter birds with Birds of the WorldDid you know that some types of birds can only be seen during the winter in Calgary? Dress warmly and go birdwatching in one of Calgary’s parks, then use Birds of the World to learn about the birds you saw.Chinook Blast Book Launch with Radical BooksJoin us during Chinook Blast for a virtual program of author readings and a book launch, featuring eight local authors. A moderated Q and A will follow the readings. The event takes place Saturday, February 27 at 2:30pm.
Read more about "Stories Free Winter Fun with the Library and Chinook Blast"Growing up, Stephanie Mok found the Library to be a “safe haven.”Stephanie, now 27, grew up in southeast Calgary and frequented Fish Creek Library and Southwood Library. She spent most of her time after school and on weekends, from the age of 8 until she was 14, at the Library. To Stephanie, this was “a pretty critical timeline” in her life.“Honestly, it was the spot that I would come to all the time. Things in my home life were not ideal so as opposed to hanging out in the neighbourhood, I found [the Library] was an enriching place, a safer spot and also a place where you could meet up with a friend from school and not feel embarrassed,” said Stephanie. “It was kind of my little secret place I would go.”Being an only child of a single mother, who worked long hours during the evenings and weekends as a nurse, Stephanie used the Library as a place to go instead of going home to an empty house. She said her mother was comforted to know that she was at the Library, doing homework or reading about unicorns — science fiction was her favourite genre. Sitting in the Fish Creek Library today brings back memories of Stephanie’s youth. Although some things have changed, she says the Library is still a stunning space. Stephanie remembers liking that the staff and other people who frequented the Library were happy to answer questions or let her use a computer to look up things she was interested in.“I was never uncomfortable, I was always happy,” Stephanie said with nostalgia.Over time, Stephanie’s connection to the Library has changed. She used to work for United Way, where she would find volunteers to help deliver tax clinics at libraries around the city.Stephanie now works as an organizer for the Calgary Folk Music Festival, while pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work at the University of Calgary. She is also the president of Otafest, an anime convention in Calgary. As the organization doesn’t have a physical location, they’re constantly looking for places to hold meetings. The Library’s free and bookable meeting rooms are an accessible place for the group to meet.Throughout her life, the Library has been — and continues to be — an important place. “I found a safe haven, which broadened my horizons and, I believe, saved my life.”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 Broadened My Horizons’ Stephanie Mok’s Library Story helped her through a difficult childhood"Growing up, Stephanie Mok found the Library to be a “safe haven.”Stephanie, now 27, grew up in southeast Calgary and frequented Fish Creek Library and Southwood Library. She spent most of her time after school and on weekends, from the age of 8 until she was 14, at the Library. To Stephanie, this was “a pretty critical timeline” in her life.“Honestly, it was the spot that I would come to all the time. Things in my home life were not ideal so as opposed to hanging out in the neighbourhood, I found [the Library] was an enriching place, a safer spot and also a place where you could meet up with a friend from school and not feel embarrassed,” said Stephanie. “It was kind of my little secret place I would go.”Being an only child of a single mother, who worked long hours during the evenings and weekends as a nurse, Stephanie used the Library as a place to go instead of going home to an empty house. She said her mother was comforted to know that she was at the Library, doing homework or reading about unicorns — science fiction was her favourite genre. Sitting in the Fish Creek Library today brings back memories of Stephanie’s youth. Although some things have changed, she says the Library is still a stunning space. Stephanie remembers liking that the staff and other people who frequented the Library were happy to answer questions or let her use a computer to look up things she was interested in.“I was never uncomfortable, I was always happy,” Stephanie said with nostalgia.Over time, Stephanie’s connection to the Library has changed. She used to work for United Way, where she would find volunteers to help deliver tax clinics at libraries around the city.Stephanie now works as an organizer for the Calgary Folk Music Festival, while pursuing an undergraduate degree in social work at the University of Calgary. She is also the president of Otafest, an anime convention in Calgary. As the organization doesn’t have a physical location, they’re constantly looking for places to hold meetings. The Library’s free and bookable meeting rooms are an accessible place for the group to meet.Throughout her life, the Library has been — and continues to be — an important place. “I found a safe haven, which broadened my horizons and, I believe, saved my life.”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 Broadened My Horizons’ Stephanie Mok’s Library Story helped her through a difficult childhood"Work first began on Saddletowne Library in 2009, when the North East Centre of Community applied for a permit to construct a dedicated community space in their neighbourhood. The groundbreaking ceremony for what would become the Genesis Centre was held on June 23, 2009.
Read more about "History of Saddletowne Library"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"Celebrate Neighbour Day at Calgary Public Library. Enjoy special programming at
Read more about "Neighbour Day at the Library"On Friday, November 9, Calgary Public Library proudly celebrated its 4,300 volunteers at the 44th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards ceremony, held at Central Library.Library volunteers allow the Library to offer more programs to Calgarians, in more locations, more often. Every year, our volunteers contribute more than 80,000 hours of their time to the Library. During the recent four-day opening celebrations for Central Library, 400 roles were filled by volunteers, who contributed over 1,500 hours. For the tours alone, volunteers engaged with over 1,800 patrons.Volunteers help the Library enhance services and strengthen connections to the community. They help ensure that there is universal access to resources that lead Calgary Public Library members to learn, be inspired, and connect to their community. Library volunteers give their time, energy, and talent — and our members are the direct beneficiaries every year.The following outstanding volunteers received awards at the event:Milestone Service Award – Margaret Manko Rising Star Award – Kim Dolny Emerging Leaders Award – Abby Goldstein Bright Futures Scholarship – Alisha Elbrahim Teamwork Award – Dr. Susan Bennett and Dr. Stefania Forlini Legacy Award – William Musani Library Builder Award – Janet Hutchinson Library Builder Award – Patricia Moore Youth volunteers are integral to the work of the Library. Over 55% of our volunteers are between the ages of 12 – 17. The celebration featured a youth speaker, Asha Nenshi Nathoo, who volunteers for several programs including ELL school success, Action Squad, Conoco Phillips Reading Buddies, and special events.Thank you to each one of our volunteers for another year of incredible volunteering. Your work is an integral part of a strong and vibrant Calgary. You ensure our city and our country is Library strong!
Read more about "Stories Library Volunteers Recognized at Awards Event"Lead one-hour tours of the Central Library. Tours occur weekday mornings and afternoons along with limited evening and weekend tours. Central Library Tours cover the stories, brief history, and services of the Central Library, as well as the architectural advances and features of the building.
Read more about "What will you do?"Calgary Public Library offers
Read more about "Our Commitment to You"