If you're in a library, you can try the 'We Recommend' collection for great staff picks. Our Build a Book Bag service may also be of interest. We offer curated lists on our website and access to the NoveList Plus database. You can also find staff picks through our eBook collection.
Applications for performers open annually.
Read more about "Discover the joys of the Opera"Attend online programs with Natalia Ionescu during her residency. Join her as she discusses her artistic practice, teaches digital art techniques, and more.
Read more about "Programs with the Children's Illustrator in Residence"Join us for a film festival, discussion with newcomer business owners, and presentation by Tareq…
Read more about "Celebrate World Refugee Day"Learn how to host, find other members, choose
Read more about "Learn to lead your own book club "Sydney is a young writer, poet, and musician. She's been self-published twice, and released her debut poetry collection in September 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys helping with Youth Programs at AWCS. She's an avid reader and local performer.
Read more about "Sydney Ball"Melissa is most famous for her coffee paintings, but she works in a variety of styles and media. A born-and-bred Albertan, she has painted hundreds of Stampede-themed windows! A two-time art school grad, Melissa works out of her studio in Airdrie.
Read more about "Melissa Bruglemans-LaBelle"Anees is a Seattle-based programmer with a passion for web applications and game programming. His interests include the use of games as a gateway into software development, and deep YouTube dives into how to make dishes from foreign cuisines.
Read more about "Anees Y"Attend programs with
Read more about "Programs with the Author in Residence"Explore virtual photo collections, or get family history research help from experts.
Read more about "Dig into Local History"After painting for over a decade, Nada Khatib decided she wanted to turn her hobby into a full-time gig.Originally from Toronto, Nada had spent years working in the corporate sector, most recently in Bahrain, an island in the Persian Gulf. As Nada and her husband contemplated a move to Calgary, it felt like the right time to “take the plunge,” she says, and start anew.“I decided to just pursue what I felt was my dream job. Why not just go for it?” Nada says.Shortly after moving to Calgary in April 2018, Nada began researching the city’s art scene. “I wanted to get my art out there and be able to share it with people and have the community see it,” she says. Through her research online, she learned Calgary Public Library provides free space for art exhibits at eight libraries, and excitedly applied for the program. Selected artists receive one-month showings.New OpportunitiesA self-taught acrylic painter, Nada first exhibited her art at Bowness Library in October 2018. “It has been one of the most significant opportunities I’ve gotten to showcase my work, for free,” Nada says. “It’s something I’m so grateful for.” Nada paints with a palette knife to create lively textures in her pieces. Her vivid work is often inspired by nature, and since moving to Calgary, Nada has found fresh inspiration in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Following that first showing at Bowness Library, Nada’s colourful paintings have also brightened Crowfoot, Louise Riley, Central, and Country Hills libraries.“I love libraries, so it’s really nice to be able to fill such a great space with some artwork and colour,” Nada says. “It’s been a great experience to be at different libraries and in different neighbourhoods, and it’s led to lots of opportunities for me, such as commissions or sales or just general exposure.”Inspiring OthersSince becoming a full-time artist, Nada hasn’t looked back. She has sold over 150 original paintings, teaches painting and drawing, and is building her own company, Expression By Nada. Nada’s new career path breaks from her family’s traditions and expectations. “I always really enjoyed painting, but it didn’t seem possible in my upbringing and culture to do, because it’s not really considered a career,” says Nada, who is a first-generation Canadian.She loves to share her passion for the arts with younger people, showing them what’s possible. This summer, Nada will lead two free art classes at Central Library as part of Ultimate Summer Challenge. At the Acrylic Painting Techniques program, kids can learn about painting with a sponge, palette knife, fingers, and more.“I think libraries are such great places because there’s lots of kids and families here, and for them to be able to see my art and maybe get inspired, it’s exciting,” Nada says. “It’s nice to reach new people with my work.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories 'A Great Experience' Nada Khatib shares her Library Story with her art on display"Meet with legal professionals to get free insight into personal law or estate planning.
Read more about "Law Connect Lite"Alex Benarzi is a writer, editor, and educator in Calgary, Alberta. Alex is passionate about accessibility in writing, and writes primarily literary fiction, with work published by The Selkie Review, Coffin Hop Press, and Freeze Frame Fiction.
Read more about "Alex Benarzi"Aspiring writers can a second pair of eyes on their writing, tips to strengthen their skills, and insight into the world of publication from experienced authors in their genre.
Read more about "Improve your craft with expert advice"Programs for small businesses include topics for startups, working with the government, employment law, and financial statements.
Read more about "Get a boost"