Taking some time to pursue new career goals? You can kickstart your learning and planning right from home with these free resources from our Digital Library.All of these resources are available with your free Library card. Don’t have a membership yet? It’s free to sign up online, and you can start using your card immediately!Career CruisingAre you looking for a new career or interested in going back to school, but aren't sure where to start? Create a personalized plan with Career Cruising. Answer questions about your goals and ambitions to find career paths that play to your interests. You can then explore schools that offer programs matching your career suggestions. Build your resume, learn effective job search techniques, and get tips for your first day on the job all here.Learning ExpressRefreshing your resume is easy with Learning Express. This resource can help you learn to write better cover letters and resumes and provides interview tips. If you’re interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law enforcement, firefighting, cosmetology, nursing, or real estate, you can also find practice tests to help you study for certification exams.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam by coaching you through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in language learning and follow a personalized study planner to stay on track.LinkedIn Learning for LibraryWhether you're looking to improve your skills in your existing field, or want to branch out and try something new, LinkedIn Learning for Library is full of expert-led video courses that can help you grow professionally. Learn helpful workspace skills like project management, time management, conflict resolution and leadership skills, or get instruction on specific software like Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Creative Cloud. You get a certificate of completion for every self-guided course you finish!Gale CoursesIf you’re a fan of interactive instruction, Gale Courses delivery style is right for you. You can receive feedback from your course instructor during and after instruction on this platform. Classes are led by industry experts, and you receive a certificate of completion at the end of each new course. Choose from over 300 courses in topics like Mastering Public Speaking, Troubleshooting PCs, Grammar Refreshers, GED preparation, and more. Your free Library membership grants you access to two, six-week courses every year.
Read more about "Stories Career Advancement Resources"Our 21 libraries are all welcoming and accepting spaces, and the Library is proud to host Reading with Royalty at a different location each month. This family-friendly storytime program, supported by ATB Financial, celebrates inclusion and diversity. Local drag queen and king performers read books to children and families, sharing messages of acceptance and respect. "What I hope that kids take away from these things is just to be myself, not to treat my friend who might be different differently, and to have that respect that we are all the same, but we are all different," said Shane Onyou, a drag king perfomer for Reading with Royalty. Clayton, a 10-year-old who performs in the all-ages drag scene as Summer Cadence, comes to the program with his mom, Beckie."The fact that it teaches acceptance and like, there's drag performers actually reading, and not just, same-day-here Library staff. It makes it, like ... I don't know what the word is," said Clayton. "Fabulous?" Beckie offered. Reading with Royalty is offered in various Library locations throughout the year. No registration is required; visit the programs page to find an upcoming storytime.
Read more about "Stories Library Stories: Meet Summer Cadence A Reading with Royalty performer and a Calgary family share what this program means to them"Research products before you make a purchase. Read reviews and recommendations, and discover trends in healthcare products, babies and kids items, electronics, appliances, cars and more. Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial in Niche Academy: Consumer Reports.Org + Cars Best Deals tutorial
Read more about "Make informed decisions before you spend your money"$1 Million Donation Supports Entrepreneurial Innovation and Lifelong Learning at the Library MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 24, 2018Calgary, AB—A $1 million donation from the Arthur J. E. Child Foundation announced today will support Calgarians with free, accessible business resources and programs to establish a strong, entrepreneurial ecosystem in our city.“Arthur J.E. Child was dedicated to excellence and discipline in business, and kindness and generosity in philanthropy throughout his lifetime. His private charitable Foundation is honoured to promote this legacy through the support of the New Central Library business library and programs, which is especially fitting given Mr. Child’s love of literature. He was a voracious reader, an acquirer of a substantial personal library collection, and an avid promoter of business education, all of which will be reflected in our proud partnership with Add In,” said Lorne Jacobson, lead Trustee of The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation.In recognition of this transformational gift, the Library will name the Arthur J. E. Child Business Library at Central Library when it opens on November 1, 2018. Additionally, the Arthur J. E. Child Careers & Small Business series can be accessed by Calgarians and members of First Nations with a free Library card at calgarylibrary.ca.“Economic downturns require many to re-skill or expand their skills, and often inspires the creation of new small businesses,” says Ellen Humphrey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Arthur J. E. Child Foundation’s investment will provide free resources and practical knowledge for all Calgarians and aspiring entrepreneurs, which in turn, supports our city’s prosperity and resilience. This gift is a wonderful testament to Arthur James Edward Child’s business and philanthropic legacy.”The Arthur J. E. Child Foundation is a Founding Partner of Add In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, a bold, audacious vision to take a great library system and transform it into the best in the world.Calgary Public Library FoundationAdd In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, is the largest public campaign for a public library in Canadian history. The $350 million campaign will enhance and support a system of community libraries across Calgary and is inspired by the new Central Library, which will open its doors to the world in 2018. To learn more about Add In and the Calgary Public Library’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit addin.ca.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 630,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens in November 2018.- 30 -Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
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Read more about "Ask our experts"Nancy Pearl Discusses Why Books and Libraries Matter More Than Ever MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 17, 2018Calgary, AB – Nancy Pearl, the bestselling author and renowned librarian who has her own action figure, is coming to Calgary. On April 25, Calgary Public Library will host Pearl at Central Library’s John Dutton Theatre for a free discussion on Pearl’s work and why books and libraries matter more than ever in a post-truth society. If the library world has a rock star – Nancy Pearl is it.The engaging evening will include the Canadian launch of Pearl’s charming first novel, George & Lizzie, as well as a conversation between Pearl and Chad Saunders, whose voice many Calgarians will recognize from his former radio role at CJSW.Pearl — hailed as “America’s Librarian” — has been inspiring and shaping reading tastes for decades through her Book Lust series and NPR commentary. She also created the internationally recognized “One City, One Book” program in Seattle, which Calgary Public Library adopted in 2010 with Aritha van Herk’s Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta. First and foremost, though, Pearl is a reader who has spent her life promoting reading as one of the greatest experiences anyone can have. “I’m thrilled to be in Calgary to discuss my book and explore the critical importance of reading, truth and literacy in our world today,” Pearl shared.“We are so excited to have Nancy Pearl join us for a rare Canadian event,” says Bill Ptacek, Calgary Public Library CEO. “Her tremendous expertise has already informed various Calgary Public Library features, including staff training and program design. Now all Calgarians have an opportunity to hear Nancy Pearl’s important message about the power of books and libraries.”The free program An Evening with Nancy Pearl takes place Wednesday, April 25, 2018 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Central Library’s John Dutton Theatre.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 630,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. New Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens in November 2018.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"Calgary Expo Reading Challenge The Library and Calgary Expo are hosting a four-month reading contest together. From October 4 to December 10, kids and adults can complete reading and activity challenges, earn badges, explore fandoms, and be entered to win one of five prizes.EligibilityThe CALGARY EXPO Reading Challenge, henceforth referred to as the ‘Contest’, is open to all residents of Alberta who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence at the time of entry and have a valid email address (for underage participants, they must have a legal guardian meet these requirements). Employees and representatives of the Administrators, as well as their advertising and promotional agencies, affiliated corporations and other persons, firms or corporations involved in the development or execution of this Contest, are not eligible to win a prize in this Contest. This contest runs from October 4, 2021 to December 10, 2021 and is created in partnership between the CALGARY EXPO and the Calgary Public Library, henceforth referred to as the ‘Administrators’ of the Contest.Winner Selection ProcedurePotential winners will be selected by random draw starting on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 11 AM MST and notified via email no later than Monday, December 20, 2021.The potential winners will be notified via email. The winners’ name(s) and likeness may be used in future marketing and promotional materials (with written and/or verbal consent from the winner).If the prizes are not claimed ONE (1) week after a potential winner has been notified, a new potential winner MAY be drawn at random (based on the Administrators discretion). ODDS: The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entrants during the Entry Period, as well as the number of valid entries submitted by each entrant. The PrizesPRIZES: Seven (7) prize packages (1 prize package per winner):One (1) Gold Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and four Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Silver Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and two Weekend Passes to CALGARY EXPO '22.One (1) Bronze Prize Pack consisting of one $100 Indigo Gift Card and one Weekend Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Friday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Two (2) General Prize Packs including a $50 Indigo Gift Card and Sunday Pass to CALGARY EXPO '22.Additional prizes may be provided at the discretion of the Administrators.Entry ConditionsEntries must be the intellectual property of the entrant. Entrants who attempt to, or are suspected of, tampering with the rules and regulations of The Contest and will be disqualified from The Contest. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees to abide and be bound by these contest rules. All decisions of the Administrators shall be final and binding upon the participant. The prize shall be accepted as is and may not be exchanged or refunded for an amount of money, sold or transferred. No substitutions will be allowed. Any unused portion of a prize will be forfeited. If the prize cannot be awarded as described in these rules, the Administrators reserves the right to substitute a prize or prize component with another of comparable value, as determined in its sole discretion. Refusal to accept the prize releases the Contest Parties from any obligation toward the winner. By participating in the contest, the winner agrees to the possibility of their name, voice, or likeness being used in promotional material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation. All entrants agree to release the Administrators, their respective directors, officers and employees, from all liability for any damage or loss arising from participation in this Contest or from the awarding, acceptance or use of the prize. The Administrators reserve the right, exercisable in their discretion, to disqualify and ban any participant from this Contest if the participant is found or is believed to have been tampering with the entry process, or the operation of the Contest. The Administrators reserve the right to cancel, suspend, withdraw or amend this Contest in any way, without prior notice or obligation, in the event of an error, technical problem, computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failure or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the Administrators that interferes with the proper conduct of this Contest as contemplated by these Contest Rules. By entering this Contest, each participant agrees that the Administrators will not be liable for any injury or damage from whatever cause associated with or in connection with this Contest. This Contest is subject to Canadian law and void where prohibited or restricted.PrivacyAny personal information gathered from contest entrants in connection with this Contest will be kept in a secure and confidential database and will not be rented or sold. Personal information of the contest entrants will be used for the administration of this Contest for the purposes of this contest only.
Read more about "Stories"If art is part of your student’s curriculum or you’re simply looking for family-friendly craft ideas and inspiration, our Digital Library has you covered. We’ve rounded up our favourite eResources to help every student channel their inner artist and discover the joy in creating. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. World Book Online for Kids World Book Online for Kids is an online learning platform developed for young users. Children can explore a variety of topics in easy-to-read articles, images, and videos. You can also solve puzzles while learning fun facts or try out experiments. Is your little musician looking for new ways to make some noise? Build your own Flute, Rubber-Band Strummer, or Coffee-Can Bongos with easy instructions under the Activities icon then choose Make Some Noise. (Ages 6 – 10) Use art to learn about geography! Under the Maps and More icon, try the Outline Maps and Flags feature. Choose a continent and then a country to get a downloadable map of that country and its flag, perfect for colouring or imagining your next adventure. (Ages 6 – 12) Gale Virtual Reference Library Find full-text eBooks for learners of all ages in the Gale Virtual Reference Library on subjects including coding, business, science, and travel. If your child loves wandering through a gallery or museum, take a look at the book Art That Changed the World. It tells an engaging story of art from ancient to modern times and includes photos of important works. (Ages 9 – 12)
Read more about "Stories Arts eResources for ages 6 – 12"Calgary Public Library is a community space for everyone. Together, let’s create a welcoming and safe Library we can all enjoy.
Read more about "Code of Conduct"Deciding to apply for citizenship in a new country is a big decision, but it’s also exciting. If your goal is to become a Canadian citizen, you can start preparing for your citizenship test right now from home.Use your free Library card to access these resources from the Digital Library. They make studying simple and stress free!Don’t have a Library card? You can sign up for free online and start using it immediately.Learn about your rightsFind out all you need to know about the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizens by downloading the official study guide for the citizenship test. This guide is provided by the Government of Canada and contains information about the history of Canada, how our government works, symbols of Canada and its regions, and more.BrainFuseConnect with tutors online to get answers to your questions as you prepare for the Canadian Citizenship Test. Tutors are available from 2 pm to 11 pm every day. BrainFuse also has an adult learning centre that includes Canadian Citizenship practice tests and resources to help you excel. Canadian EncyclopediaUse this resource to learn more about Canada’s history and culture through images, maps, videos, timelines, and other media. The Canadian Encyclopedia also provides classroom resources, quizzes, and study guides.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam with Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. You can also use a personalized study planner to stay on track.
Read more about "Stories Preparing for the Canadian Citizenship Test from Home"Last July, David Greer travelled from his home in Vancouver to Calgary’s Central Library, hoping to meet the people who helped him find his birth father.More than a year earlier, David had written a letter to ResearchPlus, a fee-based research and reference service at Central Library.In his letter, David explained how he was adopted as a baby in Edmonton in 1957, and for decades was fine knowing nothing about his birth family. That changed when he turned 60. He decided he wanted to find out who his birth parents were and see if he could connect with them or their families.David had applied for his records from the Alberta Post Adoption Registry in 2017. Four months later, he received a heavily redacted file and began to glean what he could about his past.The Search BeginsDavid found support from the Forget Me Not Family Society in Vancouver, which led him to connect with an Edmonton counsellor who specializes in helping adoptees find their birth parents. With the counsellor’s help, David identified his birth mother.The search for his birth father proved more difficult. David’s adoption file included no name for his birth father and just a few details. David knew his birth father lived in Calgary when he was born, was 17 years old and in Grade 12, was interested in basketball, swimming, and track, had three siblings, and a father who was an anesthetist.“I was really stuck at that point,” David says. David had previously used Vancouver Public Library’s specialized research centre, and when he learned Calgary Public Library had a similar service, he reached out.In his letter, David outlined the details he knew from his adoption file. “I said, ‘I’ve taken my search this far, can you take it any further?’ And the answer was yes,” David says. “Librarians are really smart people, and they know how to access a lot of information that we don’t necessarily think of or know of.”ResearchPlus Steps InCalgary Public Library offers free genealogy programs, such as Family History Coaching, run in partnership with the Alberta Family Histories Society. As well, the eLibrary contains a variety of free history and genealogy resources, plus Library staff at Central Library can help patrons navigate the Calgary’s Story collection, full of community heritage and family history resources.David was not in Calgary to access those free services, so he turned to ResearchPlus instead. Four Library staff members helped on David’s file, including Kayla McAlister, a Library Experience Facilitator at Central Library.Kayla says one small detail — that David’s birth father’s father was an anesthetist — is what “broke it open.”Library staff used a free Digital Resource called Ancestry Library Edition. The database contains voters’ lists, which typically include occupation. Kayla searched by occupation only, and got just a few hits.From there, another staff member, Christine Hayes, used those names to search high school yearbooks in the Calgary’s Story collection. She found a student whose last name matched one of the last names for an anesthetist on the voters’ list. The yearbook also listed the student’s interests, which matched the description from David’s file.Using that name, other members of the ResearchPlus team found more information, through other free resources including Henderson Directories and Canadian Newsstream. The ResearchPlus team shared their detailed findings with David.Kayla has been involved in genealogy research for about 25 years and says it’s a rewarding area to work in. “It’s just a way for me to help people,” she says. “It means something to people, finding this fundamental piece of who they are and where they came from.”A New ConnectionWith the information from ResearchPlus, David found a phone number for the man he believed was his birth father. Last October, he dialed the number. He got an answering machine, called again a few days later, and spoke to his birth father for 45 minutes.“He shared that for the last couple of years, he wondered when he got unknown phone calls if it would be me,” David says.Seven months after that phone call, David travelled to Ontario to meet his birth father and three new brothers. David has also gotten to know two sisters on his birth mother’s side, who he talks to regularly through a WhatsApp group chat.He’s been introduced to many extended family members on both sides, and continues to meet even more. “It’s been an amazing experience,” David says.When David travelled to Calgary in July to visit his two sisters on his birth mother’s side, he decided to stop by Central Library and meet the people who helped him on his search.“Meeting the team members face to face was just a piece of completion for me,” David says. “The work they did was incredibly valuable to me.”Guinevere Soare, a Library Experience Facilitator at Central Library who helped on David’s file, was working the day David stopped by.“I’m really, really happy for him, that he found this new extended family,” she says. “It was rewarding to hear his story and know we helped him.”
Read more about "Stories 'The work they did was incredibly valuable to me' ResearchPlus staff contributed to David Greer's Library Story by helping him find his birth father"