Thank you for your interest in presenting a program. Please call 403-260-2600 or email programming@calgarylibrary.ca
Over four frigid days in December 2017, people gathered in the John Dutton Theatre at Central Library for Creation Lodge, listening as Elders Jerry and Jo-Ann Saddleback warmly shared Cree creation stories.Creation Lodge is about “reclaiming our way of life, one story at a time,” said organizer William Bellegarde, an Assiniboine Cree man from Saskatchewan who lives in Calgary. A small group of people, including Bellegarde, started Creation Lodge in Calgary in the fall of 2016.The events aim to fill a void. Many Indigenous people do not know their creation story, Bellegarde said, or they only know pieces. But such stories are foundational, filled with values and learning.“They’re so important, because those stories have a way of governing family, politics, so many things. But we’re missing them,” Bellegarde said. “We want to bring creation stories back into the fold.”The grassroots events are hosted at various venues and intended for anyone, with special efforts made to reach people who are homeless.At each Creation Lodge, a story keeper tells oral stories over multiple days. The audience members simply listen; there are no videos, sound effects, or distractions. “When you hear the story you create the pictures, you create the imagery based on what you know,” Bellegarde said. “You become actively involved by listening.”At the free drop-in Creation Lodge program at Central Library Dec 27 - 30, 2017, Elder Jerry Saddleback spoke animatedly and at length. Saddleback, a member of the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta, recited far-reaching stories to a rapt audience, shared his profound knowledge on Cree history and traditions, and taught Cree words.The rich days of learning were intended to give people a “holistic perspective,” Saddleback said. “I’m hoping and praying that the younger generation will pick up on it, and I’m confident that they are. Many are sitting here today, and I’m very thankful for that,” he told the audience.Creation Lodge has garnered positive feedback, from both the storytellers sharing teachings and the people coming to listen, Bellegarde said.For non-Indigenous people, Creation Lodge offers a powerful opportunity to hear and recognize stories that have long been pushed aside, under past government policies of assimilation. “It’s important for reconciliation, and it’s important for one culture’s religious beliefs not dominating another’s,” Bellegarde said.He’s also heard from Indigenous people who describe Creation Lodge as “like going home.” “That really means a lot to me,” he said. “In terms of my worldview, home is a bigger thing. It means family, it means community, it means connection.”Bellegarde continues to work alongside a small steering committee, aiming to bring Creation Lodge to more people. There’s an appetite, he said, and a growing recognition of the power of story — to root people and connect them.“People are hungry,” Bellegarde said. “They want to hear more.”
Read more about "Stories Creation Lodge Gives Voice to Missing Stories"Last week, the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.This national tragedy must be acknowledged.As noted in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying Report, Calgary Public Library has an obligation to share the truth about residential schools and the ongoing, intergenerational trauma they caused.June is National Indigenous History Month, and the Library has planned a range of programs and events. In advance of our opening ceremony on Friday, June 4, we will be sharing information and resources about residential schools on our social media and website. I encourage you to read these materials, ask questions, and learn.We will also be sharing mental wellness and community resources to support those who have been personally impacted by residential schools.Learning the truth is an important first step to healing our community and we hope to honour all residential school victims and their families through this work.Sarah MeilleurInterim CEOLinks and ResourcesHonouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of CanadaPublished in 2015, this summary report from the Federal Truth and Reconcilation Commission includes details on the history and legacy of residential schools as well as 94 Calls to Action. White Goose Flying: A Report to Calgary City Council on the Indian Residential School Truth and ReconciliationThe Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee reviewed the 94 Calls to Action from the Federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission to determine which are actionable by Calgary's municipal government. The results are Calls to Action identified in this White Goose Flying report and include local context and alignments.Indigenous Peoples Atlas of CanadaThis digital resource has Indigenous perspectives shared through maps, artwork, history, and culture. You can find more information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was created for Grades 5 and up. Library BooklistsTitles recommended in these lists help continue the conversation around truth and reconciliation.Residential Schools: Books for ChildrenResidential Schools: Books for TeensResidential Schools: Books for AdultsOrange Shirt Day 2020Orange Shirt DayIndigenous Canadian HistorySupport systems and resourcesIndian Residential Schools Crisis Line This phone line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience. Call 1-866-925-4419.Elbow River Healing LodgeThe Elbow River Healing Lodge offers a full range of primary care services and visiting specialists to First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit people and their families.
Read more about "Stories Truth and Reconciliation Resources A response to the discovery at the grounds of a previous Kamloops Indian Residential School"A Library card is good for more than just books. Your free membership gives you access to a number of streaming services and online materials. When you get your Library card, you can save on these subscriptions: Do you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video? Try Kanopy instead. Stream up to 10 free movies and TV shows per month. Plus, with the newly added Kanopy Kids, you can easily find age-appropriate programming for your kids to watch. You might end up reconsidering your subscriptions to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Prime Music after you try Freegal Music. Freegal Music will have you jamming at work and the weekends; listen to three hours of music per day and download up to five songs per week. Unlimited eBooks are available with more than Kindle Unlimited. Use Libby, your library on-the-go, to download more than 50,000 titles. Read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks for free on your device. Subscribe to Audible? Again, see Libby. She’s the best friend you never knew you needed. Love staying-up-to-date on the world around you with The Globe and Mail, National Geographic, or The Economist? You can, for free, with your Library card. Access your favourite magazines and newspapers online with Flipster Magazines and PressReader. Love flipping through Vogue or Cosmopolitan? Stay in the know on upcoming trends and celebrities with Libby, where you can read current issues of thousands of magazines from around the world. Your total monthly savings: $73.94. Make the switch today.
Read more about "Stories Six Subscriptions You Can Save On With a Library Card"In honour of former Calgary Public Library CEO Bill Ptacek, who passed away earlier this year, the Calgary Public Library and Calgary Public Library Foundation are starting The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation. The Fund, created in consultation with the Ptacek Family, will support the growth of bold new ideas and initiatives at the Library in memory of this imaginative and passionate leader.Bill Ptacek (1950-2019) was a visionary who pushed libraries to evolve and respond to community needs. He believed that libraries should be vibrant, active community spaces that inspire people from all backgrounds and improve their quality of life. Bill dreamed big, bringing us striking projects like the New Adventures of Engine 23, and the Alouette III Helicopter at Seton Library. The funds in The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation will be used to support similarly remarkable ideas that honour Bill’s adventurous spirit and would have made him smile.The Fund will remain until all assets from it have been disbursed. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation can do so through donations to the Calgary Public Library Foundation.In keeping with Bill and his family’s wishes, there will not be a public memorial or formal celebration of life. Those that wish to remember Bill and celebrate his legacy can choose to walk, run and raise funds for The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation as part of the 2020 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge on May 31, 2020. Bill enjoyed an active lifestyle and was an avid walker and cyclist. To honour Bill and his infectious energy, Library staff will be taking part in the marathon this year in his memory. All funds raised by our team will go towards The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation. To donate a portion of your registration fee to the Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation, choose the Calgary Public Library Foundation as your donation of choice when you register for the marathon.Calgary Public Library Foundation is an official charity partner for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Program. To donate a portion of your registration fee to the Calgary Public Library Foundation's Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation, please register online.For more details on how to register and support the fund, please visit BillPtacekFund.ca
Read more about "Stories BILL PTACEK FUND FOR INNOVATION Remembering our former CEO with a new Library initiative"A Library card is good for more than just books. Your free membership gives you access to a number of streaming services and online materials. When you get your Library card, you can save on these subscriptions: Do you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video? Try Kanopy instead. Stream up to 10 free movies and TV shows per month. Plus, with the newly added Kanopy Kids, you can easily find age-appropriate programming for your kids to watch. You might end up reconsidering your subscriptions to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Prime Music after you try Freegal Music. Freegal Music will have you jamming at work and the weekends; listen to three hours of music per day and download up to five songs per week. Unlimited eBooks are available with more than Kindle Unlimited. Use Libby, your library on-the-go, to download more than 50,000 titles. Read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks for free on your device. Subscribe to Audible? Again, see Libby. She’s the best friend you never knew you needed. Love staying-up-to-date on the world around you with The Globe and Mail, National Geographic, or The Economist? You can, for free, with your Library card. Access your favourite magazines and newspapers online with Flipster Magazines and PressReader. Love flipping through Vogue or Cosmopolitan? Stay in the know on upcoming trends and celebrities with Libby, where you can read current issues of thousands of magazines from around the world. Your total monthly savings: $73.94. Make the switch today.
Read more about "Stories Six Subscriptions You Can Save On With a Library Card"Name Ceremony Takes Place at Crowfoot Library Following Consultation with Crowfoot Family On May 2, the Calgary Public Library hosted a private ceremony at Crowfoot Library to formally receive permission from the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name. Elder Herman Yellow Old Woman led the ceremony, which was attended by Bert Crowfoot on behalf of the Crowfoot Family, Library staff, and Blackfoot Elders who work closely with the Library.“I would like to thank you for naming this lodge of knowledge in honour of our great-great-grandfather and Crowfoot ancestors,” said Bert Crowfoot, following the ceremony. “This morning we talked about how there are a lot of issues in the world right now due to ignorance, and places like this institution are going to help bridge that gap between different worlds and different societies.”Crowfoot Library is one of the Calgary Public Library’s busiest locations, receiving nearly 500,000 visits annually. As part of the Library’s ongoing work to become more culturally aware and to honour Truth and Reconciliation, the Library acknowledges that it failed to ask the permission of the Siksika Nation or the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name when the Library opened in 2003.In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Calgary Public Library recognizes that traditional Blackfoot Protocol was not followed when the Crowfoot Library was named. Following consultation with the Crowfoot Family, the Library is honoured to have been given permission to use the name.“On behalf of the Calgary Public Library, I am very happy to be a part of this beautiful celebration that is long overdue,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “As one of the busiest libraries in all of Canada, it is important for us to honour the history behind the Crowfoot name and I can assure you that going forward we will always think of Chief Crowfoot and his legacy when we visit this Library.”Learn more about Indigenous Programs and Services at the Calgary Public Library.
Read more about "Stories Crowfoot Library Hosts Name Ceremony"Choose your hero, collect gems and defeat enemies while learning to code.
Read more about "CodeCombat"Name Ceremony Takes Place at Crowfoot Library Following Consultation with Crowfoot Family On May 2, the Calgary Public Library hosted a private ceremony at Crowfoot Library to formally receive permission from the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name. Elder Herman Yellow Old Woman led the ceremony, which was attended by Bert Crowfoot on behalf of the Crowfoot Family, Library staff, and Blackfoot Elders who work closely with the Library.“I would like to thank you for naming this lodge of knowledge in honour of our great-great-grandfather and Crowfoot ancestors,” said Bert Crowfoot, following the ceremony. “This morning we talked about how there are a lot of issues in the world right now due to ignorance, and places like this institution are going to help bridge that gap between different worlds and different societies.”Crowfoot Library is one of the Calgary Public Library’s busiest locations, receiving nearly 500,000 visits annually. As part of the Library’s ongoing work to become more culturally aware and to honour Truth and Reconciliation, the Library acknowledges that it failed to ask the permission of the Siksika Nation or the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name when the Library opened in 2003.In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Calgary Public Library recognizes that traditional Blackfoot Protocol was not followed when the Crowfoot Library was named. Following consultation with the Crowfoot Family, the Library is honoured to have been given permission to use the name.“On behalf of the Calgary Public Library, I am very happy to be a part of this beautiful celebration that is long overdue,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “As one of the busiest libraries in all of Canada, it is important for us to honour the history behind the Crowfoot name and I can assure you that going forward we will always think of Chief Crowfoot and his legacy when we visit this Library.”Learn more about Indigenous Programs and Services at the Calgary Public Library.
Read more about "Stories Crowfoot Library Hosts Name Ceremony"In honour of former Calgary Public Library CEO Bill Ptacek, who passed away earlier this year, the Calgary Public Library and Calgary Public Library Foundation are starting The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation. The Fund, created in consultation with the Ptacek Family, will support the growth of bold new ideas and initiatives at the Library in memory of this imaginative and passionate leader.Bill Ptacek (1950-2019) was a visionary who pushed libraries to evolve and respond to community needs. He believed that libraries should be vibrant, active community spaces that inspire people from all backgrounds and improve their quality of life. Bill dreamed big, bringing us striking projects like the New Adventures of Engine 23, and the Alouette III Helicopter at Seton Library. The funds in The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation will be used to support similarly remarkable ideas that honour Bill’s adventurous spirit and would have made him smile.The Fund will remain until all assets from it have been disbursed. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation can do so through donations to the Calgary Public Library Foundation.In keeping with Bill and his family’s wishes, there will not be a public memorial or formal celebration of life. Those that wish to remember Bill and celebrate his legacy can choose to walk, run and raise funds for The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation as part of the 2020 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge on May 31, 2020. Bill enjoyed an active lifestyle and was an avid walker and cyclist. To honour Bill and his infectious energy, Library staff will be taking part in the marathon this year in his memory. All funds raised by our team will go towards The Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation. To donate a portion of your registration fee to the Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation, choose the Calgary Public Library Foundation as your donation of choice when you register for the marathon.Calgary Public Library Foundation is an official charity partner for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge Program. To donate a portion of your registration fee to the Calgary Public Library Foundation's Bill Ptacek Fund for Innovation, please register online.For more details on how to register and support the fund, please visit BillPtacekFund.ca
Read more about "Stories BILL PTACEK FUND FOR INNOVATION Remembering our former CEO with a new Library initiative"A Library card is good for more than just books. Your free membership gives you access to a number of streaming services and online materials. When you get your Library card, you can save on these subscriptions: Do you subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video? Try Kanopy instead. Stream up to 10 free movies and TV shows per month. Plus, with the newly added Kanopy Kids, you can easily find age-appropriate programming for your kids to watch. You might end up reconsidering your subscriptions to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Prime Music after you try Freegal Music. Freegal Music will have you jamming at work and the weekends; listen to three hours of music per day and download up to five songs per week. Unlimited eBooks are available with more than Kindle Unlimited. Use Libby, your library on-the-go, to download more than 50,000 titles. Read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks for free on your device. Subscribe to Audible? Again, see Libby. She’s the best friend you never knew you needed. Love staying-up-to-date on the world around you with The Globe and Mail, National Geographic, or The Economist? You can, for free, with your Library card. Access your favourite magazines and newspapers online with Flipster Magazines and PressReader. Love flipping through Vogue or Cosmopolitan? Stay in the know on upcoming trends and celebrities with Libby, where you can read current issues of thousands of magazines from around the world. Your total monthly savings: $73.94. Make the switch today.
Read more about "Stories Six Subscriptions You Can Save On With a Library Card"When Marian Erb moved to Calgary from Ireland 36 years ago, one of the first things she did was track down her community library.“As a newcomer, everything—from the architecture to the awesome expanse of Alberta skies—was new and overwhelming. The Library became a sanctuary for me, a home away from home,” says Marian.She recalls the welcoming smiles she received from Library staff on that first visit and the support given as she learned about the many resources the Library had to offer.“Staff are the Library’s most important resource,” she says. “They are the first point of contact for newcomers and ensure they have access to computers so that connections with family and friends back home is maintained as they acclimatize to their new surroundings.”While Marian shares a common language with native Calgarians, she can relate to that “lost” feeling common to the newcomer experience, when an accent can mark you as “different.” So, when she considered becoming a Library volunteer, she was drawn to working with people for whom English was foreign.“Newcomers often feel anxious in their new, unfamiliar surroundings. I remember that feeling and love to help people build confidence as they work to improve their spoken English. Volunteering in the Library’s Conversation Club allows me to reach out with friendship and find common ground…and then the words and stories start to flow.”Volunteering can be a daunting concept, but when asked what attributes aspiring Library volunteers should possess, Marian states that it’s really very simple: they need to love meeting new people, have patience, and be genuinely interested in the program they’ve chosen and the people they’re working alongside.“Volunteering at the Library allows me to do what I love, surrounded by beautiful, wonderful books in the company of friendly, like-minded people helping newcomers begin to feel like they’ve come home.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Marian Erb Marian's work with the ESL Conversation Club helps find common ground"Calgary's Central Library Set to Open in One Month MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 1, 2018Calgary, AB – Today marks the one-month countdown until the new Central Library will open its doors to Calgarians on November 1, 2018. Located in the East Village, the $245-million project boasts 240,000 square feet of striking architecture and functional space, with more than 30 free community meeting areas, performance hall, outdoor plazas and greenery, the 12,000-square foot Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library, dedicated spaces for teens, recording studios, more than 450,000 collection items, and more.To celebrate this momentous occasion for our city, the Calgary Public Library has announced a number of exciting events and ceremonies that will take place during opening week, including a special presentation by the former International Space Station commander and celebrated Canadian astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield."Literacy underpins everything I do. So, it’s fitting that I get to help open the new Central Library, a place where literacy underpins every visitor’s experience. Calgary's new Central Library is a truly wondrous space, where imaginations will soar," says Col. Chris Hadfield."We’re thrilled to welcome Col. Chris Hadfield on November 1 to celebrate our opening and inspire our members,” says Bill Ptacek, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “The new Central Library will be a cultural hub for learning and innovation and we couldn’t think of a better person to demonstrate what’s possible when we come together and dream big!”Calgary Public Library and Calgary Transit are proud to announce that to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library, all public transit will be free on Saturday, November 3 from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. This day marks the kick-off of the new Central Library’s Opening Family Fun Weekend, which will feature free tours, programming, music, and much more!“The new Central Library belongs to all Calgarians—an unparalleled place with opportunity for everyone. To throw open the doors and make it so easy to be a part of the grand opening is truly special. So on November 3, thanks to my colleagues at Calgary Transit, the Calgary Public Library, and the amazing donors to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, we can all take Calgary Transit downtown to experience our new Central Library,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.“Like the Library, Calgary Transit is an important and accessible asset for our community. Like all Calgarians, we cannot wait to visit the new library and are happy to have worked with the Calgary Public Library Foundation to celebrate its opening in such a special way,” says Michael Thompson, GM Transportation for the City of Calgary.This unique opportunity to ride free to and from the new Central Library is made possible only through the generous support of donors to Add In– the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, facilitated by the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which has supported the Library’s commitment to accessibility and the successful completion of this project.Here are some of the highlights of the new Central Library’s opening week activities:Thursday, November 1, 2018: Grand Opening Celebration 10:00 am – 8:00 pmBe a part of the historical opening celebration at the new Central Library on November 1 at 10 am. Celebrations will include an opening ceremony, live music, free tours, and special guests.Thursday, November 1, 2018: Opening Night with Chris Hadfield 7:00 pm – 9:00 pmColonel Chris Hadfield — a heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, pilot, author, and musician — headlines new Central Library’s Opening Day celebrations. Listen to the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station at Calgary’s landmark new Library. Tickets are FREE and registration will open on Tuesday, October 2, at 10:00 am. Register at calgarylibrary.caFriday, November 2, 2018: Lit Gala 7:30 pmA fundraising event unlike any other, the Lit Gala will feature experiences on every level of the new Library, performers, and an array of culinary delights. Proceeds from the event will launch a Spotlight Speaker Series for world-class thought leaders at the new Central Library. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit litgala.ca.Saturday, November 3, 2018 & Sunday, November 4, 2018: Opening Family Fun WeekendExplore the new Central Library from November 3-4 through free programming and tours. Enjoy live music, craft stations, and more.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 660,000+ 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. the new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256Mary.Kapusta@calgarylibrary.caGemma PasquarelliAccount ExecutiveEdelmanP: 403.817.0622Gemma.Pasquarelli@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories"MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2020Calgary, AB – The Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Public Library are proud to announce a new joint project to help all children in Calgary learn about fire safety. Starting Tuesday, January 21, 2020, all library locations and fire halls in Calgary will begin distributing a new Fire Safety Activity Booklet.“Knowing about fire safety is critical for children,” says Steve Dongworth, Chief, Calgary Fire Department. “We are very grateful to the Calgary Public Library for their support in this initiative. Both their credibility with parents and accessibility to all Calgarians makes them an ideal partner in fire safety.”The Fire Safety Activity Booklet teaches kids all about home safety and the life of a firefighter through colouring sheets, puzzles, and games designed to engage school-aged learners. While a popular teaching tool, the activity book previously had not been updated in over 12 years. Calgary Fire approached the Library to help them update the booklet in early 2019.“Calgary Fire has been a great partner to the Library and we were eager to help them update this important fire safety tool,” says Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, "Linking safety and literacy with accessibility ensures that this resource will create safer homes across Calgary."The fire safety campaign will kick off with a Special Firefighter Storytime at Central Library on January 21 at 10:00 am. Visitors can enjoy a special firefighter storytime, meet real-life firefighters, and pick up a copy of Calgary's new Fire Safety Activity Book!Thanks to generous support from the Calgary Public Library Foundation, over 75,000 booklets will be made available to Calgarians this year.For more information on fire safety, please visit calgary.ca/fire For more information on the new activity book and event details, please visit Calgary Public Library. -30-Firefighter Storytime Media Event Details:Date: Tuesday, January 21 | 10 am – 11 am Where: Central Library, 800 3 Street SE What: Fire Safety Booklet Launch 9:30 am Media check-in 10:00 am Welcome and remarks (Fire Chief and Library CEO) 10:15 am Firefighter Storytime 10:45 am RefreshmentsPhoto opportunities will be available throughout the event. Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, and Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department Chief, will be available for interviews on January 21.Fire Safety Facts:The Calgary Fire Department connects with over 1 in 9 Calgarians each year, providing fire safety information through station visits, educational programs and fire safety campaigns, and community events. Calgarians are at greatest risk for fires in their homes, which are most often due to careless behaviours, cooking or defective electrical appliances. House fires can double in size every 30 to 60 seconds. The greatest cause of indoor fire in Calgary happens in the kitchen: an average of 1.2 cooking fires occur every day in our city. Smoke alarms can save you when you are sleeping: in 2016, an estimated one-third of all fires in Calgary happened between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in half in reported home fires. Smoke and toxic gases emitted from household contents on fire can make a person confused, disoriented or even unconscious after just a few short breaths. How fast does fire move? Very fast. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), you could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely after a smoke alarm sounds. Calgary Fire DepartmentServiced by 41 fire stations, The Calgary Fire Department is dedicated to health, safety and vitality of Calgarians, and we deliver our services through an integrated program of emergency fire and medical response, fire prevention, education and enforcement. Our service encompasses responding to fire incidents, critical medical interventions, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous conditions, specialized technical rescues including water rescues, calls for public service assistance, and providing community risk reduction through fire prevention activities.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 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 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary Kapusta Director, Communications Calgary Public Library 403.774.7256 mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caMary Ann Houston Communications Planner Calgary Fire Department 587.227.2058 MaryAnn.Houston@calgary.ca
Read more about "Stories New Fire Safety Activity Books Now Available Across Calgary"Last week, the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced the discovery of the remains of 215 children buried at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.This national tragedy must be acknowledged.As noted in the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the City of Calgary’s White Goose Flying Report, Calgary Public Library has an obligation to share the truth about residential schools and the ongoing, intergenerational trauma they caused.June is National Indigenous History Month, and the Library has planned a range of programs and events. In advance of our opening ceremony on Friday, June 4, we will be sharing information and resources about residential schools on our social media and website. I encourage you to read these materials, ask questions, and learn.We will also be sharing mental wellness and community resources to support those who have been personally impacted by residential schools.Learning the truth is an important first step to healing our community and we hope to honour all residential school victims and their families through this work.Sarah MeilleurInterim CEOLinks and ResourcesHonouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of CanadaPublished in 2015, this summary report from the Federal Truth and Reconcilation Commission includes details on the history and legacy of residential schools as well as 94 Calls to Action. White Goose Flying: A Report to Calgary City Council on the Indian Residential School Truth and ReconciliationThe Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee reviewed the 94 Calls to Action from the Federal Truth and Reconciliation Commission to determine which are actionable by Calgary's municipal government. The results are Calls to Action identified in this White Goose Flying report and include local context and alignments.Indigenous Peoples Atlas of CanadaThis digital resource has Indigenous perspectives shared through maps, artwork, history, and culture. You can find more information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It was created for Grades 5 and up. Library BooklistsTitles recommended in these lists help continue the conversation around truth and reconciliation.Residential Schools: Books for ChildrenResidential Schools: Books for TeensResidential Schools: Books for AdultsOrange Shirt Day 2020Orange Shirt DayIndigenous Canadian HistorySupport systems and resourcesIndian Residential Schools Crisis Line This phone line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their Residential school experience. Call 1-866-925-4419.Elbow River Healing LodgeThe Elbow River Healing Lodge offers a full range of primary care services and visiting specialists to First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis, and Inuit people and their families.
Read more about "Stories Truth and Reconciliation Resources A response to the discovery at the grounds of a previous Kamloops Indian Residential School"Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library is piloting a new service in partnership with Wood’s Homes to deliver mental health support for vulnerable patrons facing mental health challenges and addictions. The Wellness Desk at Central Library will provide free, professional mental health care and community referrals in real-time.“The Library is evolving to meet the needs of our city during an unprecedented mental health crisis, one which has worsened due to a pandemic,” says Mark Asberg, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “The Wellness Desk will offer a welcoming, safe, and discreet opportunity for all members of the community to seek help with mental health concerns or issues.”Central Library was chosen to host the pilot due to its centralized location, volume of visitors, and the high-needs population it serves. The Wellness Desk will provide an accessible and critical resource for those who may require immediate, specialized care while on Library premises, or those looking for information and referrals to other services. Any Library visitor will be able to take advantage of the no-cost services the Wellness Desk provides.The Wellness Desk will be staffed by mental health professionals from Wood’s Homes. They will deliver their expertise and care on behalf of patrons and their loved ones who were confronting challenges before COVID-19, help address the significant demand for support as a result of the pandemic and provide general mental health and addictions guidance.“Wood’s Homes is proud to be providing mental health services at the Central Library’s new Wellness Desk,” says Bjorn Johansson, CEO for Wood’s Homes. “Service accessibility and immediacy are contributors to improved mental health, especially in these times when many of us need and help and support. We have a longstanding reputation with the community and see this opportunity as another step in ensuring that Calgarians know we are here to help.”The pilot at Central Library will run from October 6 to December 31, 2020. The Wellness Desk will operate on a drop-in basis during afternoon and early evening hours on weekdays and weekends, adjusting service times to meet the needs of the public.For further details, visit calgarylibrary.ca/wellness.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. Calgarians borrowed more than 15 million physical and digital items and visited the Library seven million times last year.Wood’s HomesWood’s Homes has long served the mental health needs of Calgarians effectively and with diligence. As a non-profit mental health centre, they provide 40+ programs and services to 20,000 children and their families annually.Media Contact:Shae PollockAccount ManagerEdelman403.817.0632 ext. 5181shae.pollock@edelman.comSylvia MacIverCommunications ManagerWood’s Homes403.270.1768sylvia.maciver@woodshomes.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary Library Pilots Free Mental Health Services with New Wellness Desk"