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Come Discover What's New and Wonderful at Calgary Public Library on Love Your Library Day MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 17, 2018Calgary, AB — Everybody is invited to Calgary Public Library’s Love Your Library Day, a one-day event at all 20 libraries across the city on Saturday, August 18. This free event is for all, from avid Library users to those curious about what the Library can offer.“As we near November 1, all eyes are on New Central Library,” says Bill Ptacek, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “Love Your Library Day is an exciting opportunity to celebrate our incredible members and highlight our entire Library system that reaches so many people each day. We’ve never held a city-wide open house like this before, and we’re especially delighted at the chance to introduce more Calgarians to Calgary Public Library.”Love Your Library Day will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at each location. Staff have a jam-packed schedule of activities planned, including a city-wide storytime featuring special guests at 11:00 am, family programming, behind-the-scenes Library tours, musical performances, collaborative art and story walls, scavenger hunts, and face painting.On the day, people can celebrate how the Library has made a difference in their life, learn about new services and programs, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win one of 20 door prizes. The Calgary Public Library Foundation will also be selling special limited-edition commemorative community library tote bags on Love Your Library Day for $10 (regular $15). All sales proceeds will support the essential work of the Calgary Public Library.Love Your Library Day is also a perfect time to introduce someone you know to the Library. Whether it’s been a few years since they last checked out a book, or are visiting for the first time — bring a friend to your local Library, sign up for a free Library membership on August 18 and you will both be entered to win our Refer a Friend Grand Prize, valued at nearly $1,000, which includes:Calgary Public Library late fine forgiveness $100 gift certificate and other prizes from Lukes Drug Mart A six-month membership and other prizes from YMCA Four guest passes and other prizes from Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre Literary swag from the Library Store For more details on special programs related to Love Your Library, please visit calgarylibrary.ca/Love-Your-Library.Community Libraries Get Freshened UpDuring the construction of the new Central Library, the entire system has received a facelift, with all community Library locations being renovated before the November 1 opening. These renovations include new furniture, fresh paint, enhanced technology, more meeting spaces, and 10 Early Learning Centres. Stay tuned for refreshed spaces at Village Square Library and Country Hills Library this fall!Your Library Membership BenefitsYour free Calgary Public Library card gives you access to books, eBooks, programs, online resource, printing, plus much more. Free membership benefits include:Browse and borrow print and digital books, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines, newspapers, and more. E-Library access to more than 100 Digital Resources. Read digital books with OverDrive, learn a language with Rosetta Stone, take online courses with Lynda.com, watch movies with Kanopy, and listen to music with Freegal. Online resource for kids, including animated read-along story books with TumbleBook Library and tutoring with Brainfuse. Access to Early Learning Centres, where children can learn through play. Book free meeting rooms around the city. Free WiFi and three hours of computer use per day. Borrow Chromebook laptops for in-Library use. Up to $5 of free printing per month. Hundreds of free in-person programs for everybody. Calgary Public Library Calgary Public Library, with 650,000+ 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 November 1, 2018.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library403-774-7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"Library Named for Pioneering Calgarian Judith Umbach MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 26, 2015Calgary, AB — Judith Umbach is an unassuming Calgarian who has done a truly extraordinary thing.By making a seven-figure gift in her will to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, Umbach is paving the way for other Calgarians to give to the Library in a meaningful way.“It’s difficult for many of us who may not have cash on hand to say, ‘I’m giving something right now,’” said Umbach. “For many people this makes it possible to leave a legacy now.”“We call Judith a best friend of the Library,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, President & CEO, Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Calgary and the Library are part of her DNA – she grew up in Calgary, spending her free time at the Library. As an adult, Judith has taken up the Foundation’s bold, audacious vision to transform Calgary Public Library into the best library in the world for Calgarians.”Umbach chaired the Calgary Public Library Board for 8 years of her 12-year tenure and now sits on the Board of Directors of the Calgary Library Foundation and chairs its Council of Champions. She was honoured today with the Library’s announcement of the renaming of the Thorn-Hill Library to the Judith Umbach Library.The naming announcement was part of a grand re-opening celebration. Patrons from throughout the community, along with Mayor Naheed Nenshi, were on hand to witness the official ribbon cutting and tour the completely renovated library.Highlights of the renovation include: a lighter, more open interior; a colourful and inviting children's area, as well as a themed collection and display; shelving complete with dedicated lighting and new easier-to-navigate end panels; and, a new laptop loan program that will, at first augment and then replace, the fixed work stations – allowing patrons to be truly connected and comfortable during their visit.As patrons enter the Judith Umbach Library, they are welcomed by a distinctive wall that honours Judith, her gift, her Calgary-focused photography, and, of course, her favourite book, Jane Eyre.The 7,697-square-foot Judith Umbach Library is located in a multi-service building along a major transportation route and serves the 80,000+ Calgarians living in the communities of Beddington, Huntington Hills, and Thornhill.Judith Umbach is a Founding Partner for 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 for Calgarians. The city-wide campaign will build capacity for each and every community library and will include projects with a strong impact for Library customers. For more information, visit www.addin.ca.The Calgary Public Library Foundation was created in 1999 to provide an opportunity for all Calgarians to participate in building a library system for today and future generations. Its vision is to enable the citizens of Calgary to have the best public library in the world.-30-
Read more about "Stories"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"Playing “Gallery Games” is a great way to make viewing art a fun and engaging process for children and can help foster visual literacy skills. Many of these games can be played one-on-one as well as in a group. Try playing them while viewing art in person, reproduced in books, or in an online exhibition. All Ages Shape DetectiveNotice and draw the shapes and symbols you see in an artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs to find shapes in the artwork. For younger children, this activity can be done as a large group to find simple geometric shapes, such as circles and triangles. Line HuntNotice and draw specific lines from the artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs. Ask a volunteer to act out his or her line through body movement while the rest of the group tries to figure out which line in the artwork is being represented. Painting in ActionAn artist (one of the children) arranges the other children to become the artwork. Children use their bodies to become lines, shapes, colours, as well as objects in the work like rocks, trees, buildings and figures. The artist can guide them to where they need to stand and make suggestions for how to move their body. This is a great activity to learn about space in a painting, like the foreground, middle-ground, and background. Ages 6-9 ArtWordA caregiver or educator writes descriptive words on small cards, one word per card. Some descriptive words examples are smooth, rough, warm, gloomy, bounce, surprise, lonely, etc. Have children choose one card from the pile and try to find a piece of artwork that best matches their word. Encourage them to explain their choice. What will you choose?Divide children into groups and assign a space to each group of children. For example, laundromat, grocery store, school, museum, kitchen, office, restaurant, library, hospital, etc. Each group then must choose five pieces of artwork that they believe would best fit in their assigned space. For example, a group assigned “kitchen” might choose a painting of a bowl of fruit. The group presents their choices and explains why those were chosen above the others. Amazing Shrink Machine Imagine shrinking down to the size of your thumb. You are now able to enter right into the artwork. Where would you enter the picture? Where would you travel? How far could you go? What would get in your way? What sounds can you hear? What can you taste? What can you smell? Art CharadesA child chooses an artwork without telling the group which one. Without speaking, they describe the artwork (lines, shapes, colours, and objects) through movements and actions. The rest of the group tries to guess the work. Older Children and Teens (9 – 17) EliminationImagine that the next place this group of artworks will be exhibited is very small and one of the artworks must be removed. Which one would you choose and why? Be prepared to defend your choice and explain your reasoning. Personal TasteChoose one of the artworks that would appeal to each of the following characters and describe why it would attract them: an elephant, a mosquito, a dancer, a baby, or a teacher. Curator GameAsk children if they know what a curator is. Explain the job of a curator, which is to select and defend artworks to be exhibited in a gallery. In small teams, children are assigned a work of art (or to be more challenging, they choose one they already like). Children then place themselves in the role of the curator and write down some positive statements about the artwork and a statement on why it is included in the gallery. The 33rd annual Children’s Art Exhibition, created by students at Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre, is online at the Calgary Public Library! Enjoy art created by nearly 100 students, ages 3 to 17, in sculpture, drawing, and mixed media.
Read more about "Stories Gallery Games for Caregivers and Educators"New Nature Playground Fosters Early Learning for Calgary’s Kids Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library unveiled its first outdoor Early Learning Centre today at Forest Lawn Library. The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground will help Calgary’s kids learn and develop foundational skills through play and was made possible with the support of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and Friends of the Library.“The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program represents a sense of unity for Canadians,” said the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground will bring community members together through a shared interest in learning more about our environment and the outdoors.”The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground is a fully accessible space featuring large-scale letters for children to play in, under, and around, surfaces for writing and drawing, and moveable elements that children can interact with. Raised berms provide a sensory and spatial feature, which will support creative play and exploration.“We know that learning happens everywhere, especially for children,” says Bill Ptacek, Calgary Public Library CEO. “This new destination will provide 16,000 neighbourhood kids—and even more across the city—with a free and safe place to learn, imagine, and explore their environment.”Early learning and outdoor learning research guided the design of the Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground, which was constructed using a variety of recycled materials, including steel for the fencing and benches, recovered wood for safety surfacing and tree stump seating that would have otherwise become firewood.Since 2016, Calgary Public Library has opened Early Learning Centres at five libraries. The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground is its first outdoor Early Learning space. For more information on how you can support early learning and the creation of spaces like the Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground, visit www.libraryfriends.ca.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 600,000+ members, 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 15.8 million physical and digital items and with 6.7 million in-person visits last year. Preparations are underway for the awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. New Central Library, to open in late 2018.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.-30-Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.ca
Read more about "Stories"Calgary, AB – To thank its members, supporters and community, the Calgary Public Library is throwing a birthday bash for the Central Library on Saturday, November 2. Since the doors opened on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed more than 1.74 million visitors, checked out nearly 754,000 items and delivered an astounding 5,100 programs.“This past year has been an incredible year in the history of the Calgary Public Library,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to our community for helping to create this dynamic hub in the heart of the city while continuing to connect our members to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insights.”Celebrations will run from 9 am – 4 pm and feature pop-up performances and activities, free tours, a special storytime with Mayor Nenshi, a Friendship Round Dance and much more! Below are a few highlights of the celebrations:First 500 people to arrive at 9:00 am will receive a free gift Special Storytime with Mayor Nenshi at 10:30 am Friendship Round Dance takes over the building from 12 – 12:30 pm Buskers, performers, art installations throughout the building from 10 am – 4 pm Family activities and craft stations all day A surprise treat from Lukes Sneak peek of the new Indigenous Languages Resource Centre and Elder’s Storytime Visit with our Artist in Residence and Author in Residence Food trucks, outdoor street hockey (weather permitting), and giveaways courtesy of East Village For full details visit calgarylibrary.ca.The Central Library has become a go-to destination signing up 61,300 new Library members, offering 860 free tours and providing over 5,100 programs to 107,600 attendees since opening one year ago. The 240,000 square foot architectural icon has also been recognized for its inspiring design, designated as a ‘library of the future’ by the prestigious Architectural Digest and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.For those wishing to celebrate the one-year birthday party and give the Library a gift, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is accepting donations through its website. By the numbers since opening on November 1, 2018:1.74 million visitors 61,300 new members 754,000 items checked out 860 tours given 203,000 print jobs 21,000 room bookings 5,100 programs delivered to 107,600 attendees -30-Calgary Public Library Calgary Public Library, with 738,000+ 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 Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Central Library Celebrates First Birthday"August 19, 2019 – Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library is very pleased to announce that Mark Asberg has been appointed CEO effective September 1, 2019. Asberg has been with the Library for more than five years in the role of Director of Service Delivery. He was selected as the Calgary Public Library's CEO after an internal search by the Calgary Public Library Board with assistance from an executive recruitment consultant.“It is an honour to have been selected to lead such an important and inspiring organization. I am looking forward to working with the library team, partner organizations, and Calgarians to grow and expand the positive impact the Library has in the community,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library.During his time at the Library, Asberg has led a number of transformative projects and initiatives, including expanding library service to new communities, increasing participation in the library through enhanced virtual and mobile services and sustained growth in programming and outreach, and developing productive partnerships with key government and community groups, including Calgary’s school boards."When we began our search for a new CEO, the Library Board knew that we had incredible talent within the organization already. We are confident that Mark Asberg has the vision, passion and commitment to continue growing the Calgary Public Library and helping our patrons realize their potential,” says Calgary Public Library Board Chair Avnish Mehta.The Library would also like to take a moment to thank Bill Ptacek for his support during this leadership transition. Bill leaves behind a lasting legacy that has set the organization on a course for unprecedented growth and success.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 722,000+ 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.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary Public Library announces new CEO"Building Success Through Play Media ReleaseJanuary 18, 2017Calgary, AB — Starting this summer, 16,000 community kids under 17 years of age will benefit from Forest Lawn Library’s Nature Playground— thanks to the Canada 150 Infrastructure Program (CIP150).“Celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday with the creation of a nature playground is an incredible way to ensure everyone understands how foundational play is to all future learning,” says Bill Ptacek, CEO, Calgary Public Library.Calgarians have the opportunity to help us match this generous contribution and raise the full amount needed to build this outdoor early learning centre and empower Forest Lawn families towards a brighter future.”Safe outdoor spaces inspire active, fresh-air-filled play that supports the early learning needs of Calgary’s youngest citizens, helping them develop physical literacy skills and executive brain function, as well as learn about the world around them…putting them on the pathway to future success in school and beyond.The CIP150 contribution of $119,000 was announced January 17 by The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, who spoke about the role infrastructure plays in helping Canadians build better lives by learning how to care, share, and play together.Forest Lawn Library is an oasis in this diverse community where families can face particular challenges including low literacy levels and high unemployment, creating a barrier to learning and play opportunities. Forest Lawn Library is a vibrant community hub with more than 272,000 in-person visits annually, providing hundreds of free literacy and numeracy programs each year.The Calgary Public Library Foundation has a goal of raising $51,000 to complete the funding for this project. View the PLAY! video and for more information, or to make a donation, visit addin.ca.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 570,000+ members, 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 16.1 million physical and digital items and with 6.2 million in-person visits last year. Preparations are underway for the awe-inspiring 245,000 sq. ft. New Central Library, to open in late 2018.Add In—the Campaign for Calgary’s LibraryAdd In is a bold and transformational initiative of the Calgary Public Library Foundation to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians. The $350 million city-wide campaign will build capacity for each and every community library and will include projects with a strong impact for Library patrons.
Read more about "Stories"New Nature Playground Fosters Early Learning for Calgary’s Kids Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library unveiled its first outdoor Early Learning Centre today at Forest Lawn Library. The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground will help Calgary’s kids learn and develop foundational skills through play and was made possible with the support of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and Friends of the Library.“The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program represents a sense of unity for Canadians,” said the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veteran Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground will bring community members together through a shared interest in learning more about our environment and the outdoors.”The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground is a fully accessible space featuring large-scale letters for children to play in, under, and around, surfaces for writing and drawing, and moveable elements that children can interact with. Raised berms provide a sensory and spatial feature, which will support creative play and exploration.“We know that learning happens everywhere, especially for children,” says Bill Ptacek, Calgary Public Library CEO. “This new destination will provide 16,000 neighbourhood kids—and even more across the city—with a free and safe place to learn, imagine, and explore their environment.”Early learning and outdoor learning research guided the design of the Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground, which was constructed using a variety of recycled materials, including steel for the fencing and benches, recovered wood for safety surfacing and tree stump seating that would have otherwise become firewood.Since 2016, Calgary Public Library has opened Early Learning Centres at five libraries. The Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground is its first outdoor Early Learning space. For more information on how you can support early learning and the creation of spaces like the Forest Lawn Library Nature Playground, visit www.libraryfriends.ca.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 600,000+ members, 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 15.8 million physical and digital items and with 6.7 million in-person visits last year. Preparations are underway for the awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. New Central Library, to open in late 2018.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.-30-Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.ca
Read more about "Stories"CALGARY, AB – Today, Linda and Mike Shaikh, local philanthropists and community-builders, announced a gift to support school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic and over the summer months when school is out.“When schools closed mid-March, thousands of parents in our city found themselves home-schooling. Education is deeply important to our family, and we want to ensure Calgary’s children have the tools they need to continue their life-long learning journey, whether they’re learning remotely or out of school during the summer,” says Mike Shaikh.Summer Slide refers to the annual challenge for school-aged children to retain learning achievements from the previous school year over the summer months. Summer Slide can disproportionately affect students from lower-income households, creating gaps amongst peers and a harder return to school in September.“Summer Slide is something the Library addresses every year through our Ultimate Summer Challenge, but this year due to COVID-19, the program had to move to a virtual environment,” says Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead for school-age programming at the Calgary Public Library. “This funding allows us to create more online engagement opportunities and provide students with fun, curriculum-connected resources to prepare them for school success and help families navigate this challenging time.”The Shaikh’s gift will support programs and resources for school-aged children at the Library, including: Collections; Beanstack, a free app that encourages children to read with customized reading lists and challenges; and the Ultimate Summer Challenge, the Library’s popular annual summer kids program. Last year, Calgary kids and teens recorded nearly 300,000 hours of reading over the summer.Ultimate Summer Challenge registration is free and can be completed online or at any reopened Library location. In addition to tracking reading hours with a printable Challenge Map, kids can now earn digital badges through Beanstack by completing reading goals and learn at home activities.Teens can complete online challenges and creative projects to earn more chances at winning a prize. Everyone who registers for the Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered into the grand prize draw for amazing items, including iPads, Chromebooks, or customized picture books.The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids in Canadian public libraries. The Ultimate Summer Challenge is also supported by J K L MacLachlan Family Fund. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for more information and to register.In 2015, Linda and Mike Shaikh made a $1 million leadership donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which was recognized with the naming of the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery in Central Library.- 30 -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 15 million physical and digital items and with over 7 million in-person visits last year.Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Media Contacts:Nina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman403.630.6055Nina.Rehill@edelman.comRachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543rachael@libraryfoundation.ca
Read more about "Stories Gift from Local Philanthropists Help Calgary Students Learn Over the Summer Funds support Calgary Public Library programs to address learning challenges during COVID-19"What will you do? Volunteers help in a creative technology space at Central Library. Volunteers share their own expertise through one-on-one or small group mentoring for teens (ages 13-17). This space supports connected, social learning and is guided by the HOMAGO model (Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out) developed by Dr. Mizuko Ito. An evidence-based approach incorporates research on teen development and learning, and best practices developed by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its partners. The technology in the room — ranging from sewing machines to robots — is there to support teens' innate creativity and can be used in many ways. The volunteer role is to inspire and engage, and to give teens a positive adult role model — someone who cares about them and what they're interested in and is always willing to lend a hand. The volunteer’s own creative or technology skills are a foundation to build from, but they will find themselves doing a wide variety of activities in this role. Program Length: Three- hour shift maximum What’s in it for you? Develop interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, communication, and time management skills Gain experience in facilitation Meet new people Have fun and contribute to your community
Read more about "What will you do? What’s in it for you?"Flowers for My Ancestors: A Métis Story Sarah Houle Seton Library (2021) In this ceramic printing on glass, the artist honours the story of her great-grandparents. Floral motifs take the place of their features to represent the Métis as “the flower beadwork people.” A slideshow of digital art and photographs outlines their story with an accompanying soundtrack by Sarah's band, Cîpayak ᒌᐸᕀ. This artwork reflects on the journey of her ancestors and parallels Houle’s own story of setting down roots in Calgary, Mohkinstsis, with its existing rich Métis history. Louis Houle was a young man and about the best violin player in town. He played at all the dances. That is where I used to see him. I never really met him. He said to someone, ‘There's the girl I'm going to marry.’ Louis was a trapper and Emilie the mother of eight children.” — Excerpt from an article written by Emilie Houle, in the Athabasca newspaper About the Artist Sarah Houle is a multidisciplinary Métis artist based in Calgary, Mohkinstsis. She is from the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement in Northern Alberta. Her work is autobiographical with an interest in technology, fantasy, and craft. Cultural identity in the age of digital technology is important in her work, as elements of physical and digital space come together to conjure nostalgic imagery. Modern-day fantastical legends express the artist’s social commentary on identity from the perspective of Métis culture and heritage. Centering on family, Houle’s work showcases the resiliency present in everyday Indigenous life.
Read more about "Flowers for My Ancestors: A Métis Story"Helping your child learn from home? Check out these free resources for help guiding their studies. These online options for young children and teens can all be easily accessed from the comfort of your home.BrainfuseThis online tutoring resource is aligned with the Alberta curriculum for students in Grade 2 to Grade 12. Get expert online help with your homework from 2 pm to 11 pm daily. Support for adult learners is also available.SolaroUse this online resource to access course lessons, reviews, and practice tests for students in Grade 3 to 12. Prepare for tests and final exams in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English, through study guides and practice questions aligned to the Alberta curriculum.Study BuddyStudy Buddy is perfect for kids ages six and up. It allows students to find eBooks and articles by searching multiple digital resources at once, including OverDrive for Kids, World Book Kids, National Geographic Kids, Flipster, and Gale Virtual Reference Library. Study Buddy also offers premade searches on popular topics, like Alberta history or nature.TumbleBookLibraryTumbleBooks offers unlimited access to a collection of eBooks for young children, their parents, and teachers, including more than 250 animated, talking picture books, Spanish and French books, read-along chapter books, non-fiction books, and games.Plus Much MoreAre you an adult who wants to learn from home? Check out our Digital Library for free access to learning resources like LinkedIn Learning for Library, Gale Courses, Rosetta Stone, and Pronunciator. Use your free Calgary Public Library card to access all these resources, plus more like eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers online for free.
Read more about "Stories 8 Resources to Help Students Learn from Home"Calgary, AB – To thank its members, supporters and community, the Calgary Public Library is throwing a birthday bash for the Central Library on Saturday, November 2. Since the doors opened on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed more than 1.74 million visitors, checked out nearly 754,000 items and delivered an astounding 5,100 programs.“This past year has been an incredible year in the history of the Calgary Public Library,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to our community for helping to create this dynamic hub in the heart of the city while continuing to connect our members to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insights.”Celebrations will run from 9 am – 4 pm and feature pop-up performances and activities, free tours, a special storytime with Mayor Nenshi, a Friendship Round Dance and much more! Below are a few highlights of the celebrations:First 500 people to arrive at 9:00 am will receive a free gift Special Storytime with Mayor Nenshi at 10:30 am Friendship Round Dance takes over the building from 12 – 12:30 pm Buskers, performers, art installations throughout the building from 10 am – 4 pm Family activities and craft stations all day A surprise treat from Lukes Sneak peek of the new Indigenous Languages Resource Centre and Elder’s Storytime Visit with our Artist in Residence and Author in Residence Food trucks, outdoor street hockey (weather permitting), and giveaways courtesy of East Village For full details visit calgarylibrary.ca.The Central Library has become a go-to destination signing up 61,300 new Library members, offering 860 free tours and providing over 5,100 programs to 107,600 attendees since opening one year ago. The 240,000 square foot architectural icon has also been recognized for its inspiring design, designated as a ‘library of the future’ by the prestigious Architectural Digest and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.For those wishing to celebrate the one-year birthday party and give the Library a gift, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is accepting donations through its website. By the numbers since opening on November 1, 2018:1.74 million visitors 61,300 new members 754,000 items checked out 860 tours given 203,000 print jobs 21,000 room bookings 5,100 programs delivered to 107,600 attendees -30-Calgary Public Library Calgary Public Library, with 738,000+ 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 Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Central Library Celebrates First Birthday"Playing “Gallery Games” is a great way to make viewing art a fun and engaging process for children and can help foster visual literacy skills. Many of these games can be played one-on-one as well as in a group. Try playing them while viewing art in person, reproduced in books, or in an online exhibition. All Ages Shape DetectiveNotice and draw the shapes and symbols you see in an artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs to find shapes in the artwork. For younger children, this activity can be done as a large group to find simple geometric shapes, such as circles and triangles. Line HuntNotice and draw specific lines from the artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs. Ask a volunteer to act out his or her line through body movement while the rest of the group tries to figure out which line in the artwork is being represented. Painting in ActionAn artist (one of the children) arranges the other children to become the artwork. Children use their bodies to become lines, shapes, colours, as well as objects in the work like rocks, trees, buildings and figures. The artist can guide them to where they need to stand and make suggestions for how to move their body. This is a great activity to learn about space in a painting, like the foreground, middle-ground, and background. Ages 6-9 ArtWordA caregiver or educator writes descriptive words on small cards, one word per card. Some descriptive words examples are smooth, rough, warm, gloomy, bounce, surprise, lonely, etc. Have children choose one card from the pile and try to find a piece of artwork that best matches their word. Encourage them to explain their choice. What will you choose?Divide children into groups and assign a space to each group of children. For example, laundromat, grocery store, school, museum, kitchen, office, restaurant, library, hospital, etc. Each group then must choose five pieces of artwork that they believe would best fit in their assigned space. For example, a group assigned “kitchen” might choose a painting of a bowl of fruit. The group presents their choices and explains why those were chosen above the others. Amazing Shrink Machine Imagine shrinking down to the size of your thumb. You are now able to enter right into the artwork. Where would you enter the picture? Where would you travel? How far could you go? What would get in your way? What sounds can you hear? What can you taste? What can you smell? Art CharadesA child chooses an artwork without telling the group which one. Without speaking, they describe the artwork (lines, shapes, colours, and objects) through movements and actions. The rest of the group tries to guess the work. Older Children and Teens (9 – 17) EliminationImagine that the next place this group of artworks will be exhibited is very small and one of the artworks must be removed. Which one would you choose and why? Be prepared to defend your choice and explain your reasoning. Personal TasteChoose one of the artworks that would appeal to each of the following characters and describe why it would attract them: an elephant, a mosquito, a dancer, a baby, or a teacher. Curator GameAsk children if they know what a curator is. Explain the job of a curator, which is to select and defend artworks to be exhibited in a gallery. In small teams, children are assigned a work of art (or to be more challenging, they choose one they already like). Children then place themselves in the role of the curator and write down some positive statements about the artwork and a statement on why it is included in the gallery. The 33rd annual Children’s Art Exhibition, created by students at Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre, is online at the Calgary Public Library! Enjoy art created by nearly 100 students, ages 3 to 17, in sculpture, drawing, and mixed media.
Read more about "Stories Gallery Games for Caregivers and Educators"