Month to month changes in income is a growing reality for many Albertans, and these changes affect Albertans of all income levels. Learn budgeting guidelines for individuals who...
Read more about "Personal Finance: Balancing Unstable Income"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"Discover the mysteries of electricity and magnetism! Students will learn how electricity can be generated and will create their very own generator used to power a LED light bulb...
Read more about "Shake Generator"In the Summer of 2021, documentary filmmaker Eli Hirtle visited the Breaker family in Siksika to learn about a language institute that they are building. The screening of this film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Hirtle.
Read more about "Celebrate National Indigenous History Month"The Business Plans Handbook in Gale eBooks includes hundreds of business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small business. Use these examples to learn how to approach, structure and compose business plans for your own business ventures.
Read more about "Real Business Plans by and for Entrepreneurs "We were a large and connected community. We turned to books and read a lot. We found new ways to connect safely. The Digital Library became even more important. We gathered to learn and interact online.
Read more about "Stories A Look Back at the Past Year at Calgary Public Library Over the past year, we've altered and innovated our services, adapted to a new normal, and come together as a community."Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love making some noise. 1. Egg Shaker Matching GameThis fun and simple activity turns listening into a game and helps preschoolers refine their sense of hearing while promoting problem-solving skills.What you’ll need: Six plastic eggs in two different colours for a total of twelve eggs (e.g. six purple, six orange) Small objects that make noise. Some good options include: Small jingle bells Buttons Pennies Broken crayons Paper clips What to do: Fill pairs of eggs with different items so that there is one egg of each colour filled with the exact same noisy object. For example, there should be one purple egg with rice and one orange egg with rice, and so on. Tape the eggs shut to prevent peeking or spilling. Have your preschooler listen to an egg of one colour and try to find its match in the other set of eggs. For example, have them listen to one purple egg, then try to find its match in the orange eggs. This game can also be done with siblings to encourage social-emotional skills and negotiation. 2. Rain MakerThis craft is easy to make at home with a few household supplies and creates a beautiful rain maker that preschoolers love to tip back and forth.What you’ll need: Cardboard paper towel roll Paper bag Aluminum foil Tape 1 cup small rocks, beads, or a mix of both Paper Markers What to do: Cut out a circle from a paper bag that's slightly larger than the circumference of your paper tower roll. Trace the paper towel roll in the middle of your circle. Then, cut out about 4 equally spaced slits from the edge of the paper bag circle to your traced circle. Fold up your paper bag circle over your cardboard roll. Use masking tape to attach your circle to your cardboard tube and seal off an end. Rip out a sheet of aluminum foil that's about three times as long your tube. Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long snake (your child can help with this fun task). Then, fold it back and forth, creating a bunch of kinks in a zigzag (this will slow down the fall of your rice or corn to make it sound more like a real rain stick). When you're done, slide the foil snake into your tube. Pour the rice or corn (or a mix of both) into your cardboard tube. Then seal the other end following the same directions found in steps one and two. Now it's time to decorate your rainmaker. Cut out a piece of paper that will cover your cardboard tube. Doodle a design, tape it around your tube, and you’ll have a lovely rainmaker that creates a soothing pitter-patter sound. 3. “Guess the Sound” JarsA simpler version of the plastic egg activity, you only need one container for this fun guessing game that will engage your child’s sense of hearing.What you’ll need: Opaque jar or container, like a yogurt tub Variety of small items (e.g. salt, jewelry, rubber bands, coins, buttons, bouncy balls) What to do: Fill your jar with a small object that makes noise when you shake it. If you have more than one container, you can set up multiple containers with different objects. Ask your child to guess which object is making noise. Then hide a different object in the container and repeat as many times as they’re willing to guess. This is also a great opportunity to expand vocabulary if you and your child try to describe each sound with words like rattling, ringing, loud, soft, etc. Enjoy this fun game together with your preschooler! Learning is fun with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out Your Library at Home for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:https://playtolearnpreschool.us/sound-matching-game/http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/09/how-to-make-cardboard-rainmakers-preschool-craft.htmlhttps://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-sound-sensory-jars-to-make-play/
Read more about "Stories Three Preschool Sensory Activities that Explore Sound"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up three of our favourite sensory activities to help preschoolers explore sounds and engage their sense of hearing — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love making some noise. 1. Egg Shaker Matching GameThis fun and simple activity turns listening into a game and helps preschoolers refine their sense of hearing while promoting problem-solving skills.What you’ll need: Six plastic eggs in two different colours for a total of twelve eggs (e.g. six purple, six orange) Small objects that make noise. Some good options include: Small jingle bells Buttons Pennies Broken crayons Paper clips What to do: Fill pairs of eggs with different items so that there is one egg of each colour filled with the exact same noisy object. For example, there should be one purple egg with rice and one orange egg with rice, and so on. Tape the eggs shut to prevent peeking or spilling. Have your preschooler listen to an egg of one colour and try to find its match in the other set of eggs. For example, have them listen to one purple egg, then try to find its match in the orange eggs. This game can also be done with siblings to encourage social-emotional skills and negotiation. 2. Rain MakerThis craft is easy to make at home with a few household supplies and creates a beautiful rain maker that preschoolers love to tip back and forth.What you’ll need: Cardboard paper towel roll Paper bag Aluminum foil Tape 1 cup small rocks, beads, or a mix of both Paper Markers What to do: Cut out a circle from a paper bag that's slightly larger than the circumference of your paper tower roll. Trace the paper towel roll in the middle of your circle. Then, cut out about 4 equally spaced slits from the edge of the paper bag circle to your traced circle. Fold up your paper bag circle over your cardboard roll. Use masking tape to attach your circle to your cardboard tube and seal off an end. Rip out a sheet of aluminum foil that's about three times as long your tube. Scrunch the aluminum foil into a long snake (your child can help with this fun task). Then, fold it back and forth, creating a bunch of kinks in a zigzag (this will slow down the fall of your rice or corn to make it sound more like a real rain stick). When you're done, slide the foil snake into your tube. Pour the rice or corn (or a mix of both) into your cardboard tube. Then seal the other end following the same directions found in steps one and two. Now it's time to decorate your rainmaker. Cut out a piece of paper that will cover your cardboard tube. Doodle a design, tape it around your tube, and you’ll have a lovely rainmaker that creates a soothing pitter-patter sound. 3. “Guess the Sound” JarsA simpler version of the plastic egg activity, you only need one container for this fun guessing game that will engage your child’s sense of hearing.What you’ll need: Opaque jar or container, like a yogurt tub Variety of small items (e.g. salt, jewelry, rubber bands, coins, buttons, bouncy balls) What to do: Fill your jar with a small object that makes noise when you shake it. If you have more than one container, you can set up multiple containers with different objects. Ask your child to guess which object is making noise. Then hide a different object in the container and repeat as many times as they’re willing to guess. This is also a great opportunity to expand vocabulary if you and your child try to describe each sound with words like rattling, ringing, loud, soft, etc. Enjoy this fun game together with your preschooler! Learning is fun with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out Your Library at Home for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:https://playtolearnpreschool.us/sound-matching-game/http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/09/how-to-make-cardboard-rainmakers-preschool-craft.htmlhttps://handsonaswegrow.com/easy-sound-sensory-jars-to-make-play/
Read more about "Stories Three Preschool Sensory Activities that Explore Sound"Conversations with kids about complicated or upsetting topics like residential schools, racism, injustice, or changes in your family can be hard. As a parent or caregiver, you might feel unsure or hesitant.These tips from Dr. Nicole Racine, postdoctoral fellow and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary, and Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead at Calgary Public Library, use books and other resources to help parents and caregivers approach tough topics in a meaningful and age-appropriate way.Initiate the conversationAlthough it is not easy to bring a tough subject up, kids can often tell when things are scary or sad. They may hear bits and pieces of information on the news, in class, or from friends or other adults. Instead of letting your child’s mind wander, be proactive and initiate hard conversations in an age-appropriate way. It helps kids feel safe and secure. Invite them to come to you with questions.Consider the time and placeEnsure everyone is fed, hydrated, and able to focus before diving into tough topics. Turn screens off. Some children are more inclined to talk while their hands are busy or if they are physically active. Go for a walk. Choose an informative audiobook and colour while listening to it together. Teens may focus better in the passenger seat while you drive.Use books to start the conversationStaff at your local Library can help you find age-appropriate books on the topic you are discussing.Look at the book cover or an illustration with your child. Read the title and sub-title. Before anything else, ask them “What do you already know?” Starting where your child is at currently is a great way to find out what more they need to know from there.Leave the books in an easily accessible place in your home, like on a coffee table or on a shelf, and let your child browse them.Learn with your childMake sure you are informed and grounded in facts before you have the conversation. If the conversation comes up and you do not feel informed, try learning alongside your child. It is OK to say, “I don’t know.” Your child will appreciate your honesty.Visit your Library together to find more information on the subject. When you don’t have personal experience to rely on, look for books written by authors who have lived experience, particularly around cultural and social topics.Aim for age-appropriate contentThe Library’s catalogue categorizes books by age and reading level. Use that as a guide to choose books with language that is appropriate for your family and your child’s age. Universal concepts such as friendship, justice, kindness, self-care, and love can be applied to almost all topics and are psychologically safe entry points.Keep conversations shortMost kids and teens can focus for one to two minutes for every year of age. For example, keep a conversation with a five-year-old to ten minutes or less. You can always revisit the topic in a later conversation at another time.Invite curiosityChildren are naturally curious. Leave room for them to ask you questions. Ask them directly “What are you wondering about?” Illustrations, dialogue between two characters, and new vocabulary words can all provide insight into what a child already understands. Use questions like “Tell me about what is happening in this picture” or “What do you think that word means?”Name and validate feelingsIf children see characters in books, or the adults in their lives, feeling sad or frustrated, it can be an opportunity to model talking openly about our emotions. Here are some phrases for beginning conversations about feelings:This is not an easy conversation to have and I feel sad too, but it is important that we talk about this. When you heard that story, how did you feel? It is sad because people’s feelings were hurt and they were not respected. We know that’s not how we treat people. Have you ever felt like the character feels? Normalize their feelings and give physical comfortReassurance can sometimes come across as dismissive. Avoid saying it’s OK when it isn’t. Instead, let children and teens know that their feelings and questions are normal. Young children may need to be reminded that they and their family are safe. Hug them. Thank them for talking with you. Tell them they can come to you anytime if they think of more questions or ideas. Tell them they are loved.Call to actionChildren and teens have an innate sense of justice and can naturally feel what is right and wrong. They can feel empowered even by taking smaller actions, like painting a rock to put in a garden. Older children and teens often express their emotions through art-making, activism, or music. Encourage self-expression and use their creativity to further the conversation. Children of all ages need to know their own actions and words are one of the most powerful tools they have.Take care of yourselfBreathe. Discuss your challenges with other parents. Difficult conversations are not easy to have, and sometimes overcoming our own discomfort with the subject matter can be the biggest barrier to educating kids meaningfully.Seek help when you need itIf you, your family, or someone you know is experiencing trauma or re-traumatization, professional support is recommended. Begin with resources from the Library’s Wellness Desk. Recommended resources and tips for talking about: Residential SchoolsWhen talking to your kids about residential schools, it can help to focus on experiences that were common to all residential school children, like the cutting of hair, removal of clothes and the use of mandatory uniforms, separation from their families, separation by gender, loss of language and cultural practices, and assimilation.Talk about Orange Shirt Day. Many students and teachers wear orange on this day that is dedicated to commemorating the residential school experience, honouring the healing process, and committing to the ongoing process of reconciliation. Wearing an orange shirt on this day, or any day, allows children to feel like they are taking immediate, measurable action for change. Orange Shirt Day is on September 30 and is now also the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.As a family, learn more about the Indigenous communities in the area where you live. Older kids can work with you to make their personal plan for reconciliation.When We Were Alone by David A. Robertson. For kindergarten to grade 3.A guide for parents and teachers while reading “When We Were Alone.” We Sang You Home by Richard Van Camp. For kindergarten to grade 3.I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Cathy Kacer. For grades 3–5.Speaking Our Truth by Monique Gray Smith. For ages 9–13.The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad. For grades 1–6.Sugar Falls by David A .Robertson. For teens.Inconvenient Indian by Thomas King. For adults.Broken Circle by Theodore Fontaine. For adults.IslamophobiaLailah’s Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi. For grades 1–3.Once Upon An Eid by S.K. Ali. For grades 1–6.The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad. For grades 1–6.Mommy's Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow. For ages 3–7.This Is your Brain on Stereotypes by Tanya Lloyd Kyi. For ages 3–7.Malala a Brave Girl from Pakistan/Iqbal a Brave Boy from Pakistan by Jeanette Winter. For grades 4–7.Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga. For grades 4–8When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson. For grades 4–9.Amina's Voice by Hena Khan. For grades 5–8.Many Windows: Six Kids, 5 Faiths, 1 Community by Rukhasana Khan. For grades 5–9.Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali. For teens.Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali. For teens.Gender DiversityRed: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall. For preschool to grade 1.It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn. For preschool to grade 3.George by Alex Gino. For grade 3–6.Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. For grades 4–7.The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta. For grades 9 and up.LGBTQ+ definitions for elementary school kids. This blog post is published as part of The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home, a partnership with Edmonton Public Library. Visit our website for information on the next live, online workshop in the series and for more tips and tools to support learning from home.
Read more about "Stories How to Use Children’s Books to Talk to Your Kids About Tough Topics"Let's go, baby – there's so much to see and do! Help your child learn during activities outside the home.
Read more about "Exploring the World"Everyone has a story to tell, and effective storytelling provides a building block for all communication that everyone can learn. Join our Storyteller in Residence, Mary Hays, as...
Read more about "2022 Storyteller in Residence – YOU are a Storyteller"Easily borrow, place holds, read, listen and learn within the app in just a few taps. Browse thousands of eBooks, audiobooks and magazines from
Read more about "The easiest way to borrow digital books, audiobooks, and magazines"May 31 at 1:00 pm: Have you ever wondered how video games are made? Learn the basics of game design in this program for grades 4 – 7.
Read more about "Pixels to Programs"Discover a wide range of engaging events for all ages. Learn about space or ancient history, drop in for live theatre and musical performances, learn about different dances performed at a powwow, enjoy a storytime, and so much more.
Read more about "Something is always happening at the Library"Based on Shakespeare’s classic play, Verdi’s opera “Macbeth” is a powerful and haunting musical epic. Led by a professional teaching artist from Calgary Opera, you’ll learn about...
Read more about "Discover Opera - Unpack the Timeless Tale of Macbeth"