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Read more about "IMAGINARIUM by wordfest: Urban Affairs Book Hub with Leslie Kern"Commercial Filming and Photography Requests As per Library policy, Library facilities cannot be used for commercial uses without advance approval. As a City of Calgary partner, requests for commercial photography in the Library must be submitted to Calgary Economic Development and will be reviewed individually. Filming requests must be submitted five business days in advance. Requests for filming using drones must be submitted 10 business days in advance (drones are not permitted inside the Library). Fees may apply in situations that involve: Commercial projects to promote a business or organizational enterprise Professional photography Reservation of Library space restricting patron or staff use for an extended period Projects requiring set-up and/or the moving of elaborate equipment or furnishings Special event functions Access to the Library facility outside of operational hours
Read more about "Commercial Filming and Photography Requests"Daniel Rankin and his daughter Christina stumbled across Memorial Park Library, and signing up for a Library card only brought them closer together.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories Daniel & Christina Rankin’s Library Story A father and daughter bond in this Library Story"Which is the tallest? Which is the shortest? What is the height difference between the tallest and the shortest?
Read more about "Measure the height of three books."Educators can visit the Library location nearest them with their class.
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Read more about "Find your next great book"My name is Rachel Murphy and I have two boys, Fraser and Anderson, ages three-and-a-half and two. They are growing up with a love of reading and Calgary Public Library is a big reason why.I spent a lot of time at the Library during my maternity leaves. We attended Drop-in Family Storytimes, and signed out each of the six themed Read and Play kits at Quarry Park Library. The Library was a place where I felt very comfortable bringing my boys because kids are encouraged to learn through play.When my oldest was two, I asked him what his favourite place in Calgary was. I assumed he would say an indoor play place but he said the Library, and that made me feel so happy and proud.Now that I’m back at work, the Library continues to be a big part of our lives. I place holds on books online and then pick them up on my lunch break. My boys’ eyes light up when I come home with Library books as if it’s Christmas morning. My oldest even sleeps with Library books at the foot of his bed for the three-week borrowing period.Currently, the boys are very interested in hockey and trains. I love being able to borrow books because as their interests change, so can their selection of books.We also visit several Library locations every month or two to enjoy the Early Learning Centres, as each one is interactive and centered around a different theme. We love the Early Learning Centres at Fish Creek, Shawnessy, and Quarry Park Library, but our favourite is definitely Engine 23 at Central Library.You can’t beat being able to sit inside and pretend to drive a real firetruck. We also love reading firetruck books in the upper reading area. My boys were both firefighters for Halloween because Engine 23 gave them their love of firetrucks.We are SO excited for the new Central Library to open later this year! Calgary Public Library understands that healthy development in early childhood sets kids up for future success. My family and I are so lucky to live in a place where reading is so accessible and lifelong learning is encouraged. Follow Rachel and her boys on Instagram at @newwestmom.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘My Boys Are Growing up With a Love of Reading’ Rachel Murphy is helping her children write their own Library Story"Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is launching an ambitious new fundraising campaign to bring the joy and pride of book ownership to children across Calgary. My First Bookshelf, a one-year pilot program at Calgary Public Library in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will provide one age-appropriate, high-quality book every month to children from birth to age five — for free. The pilot is made possible thanks to The Dollywood Foundation of Canada, Canada Life, Rotary Club of Calgary East, Rotary Partners of Calgary at Stampede Park, and donors of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.“My First Bookshelf is an exciting way for the Library to extend its mission of providing accessible early learning support to children in Calgary,” says Heather Robertson, Director of Service Design for Calgary Public Library. “While children can access a world of information through the Library, having books of their own at home is a powerful way to inspire a lifelong love of reading.”The Calgary Public Library is piloting the program in select communities identified by postal code. The goal is to register 1,000 children for the Calgary program in the first year.Jeanne Smitiuch, Regional Director for The Dollywood Foundation of Canada remarked, “We are delighted this partnership will join 290 other communities across Canada inspiring a lifelong love of books to more than 26,000 children each month.”The Library will review the pilot throughout the year and hopes that additional funding will help to expand My First Bookshelf to more communities in Calgary and surrounding areas. The Calgary Public Library Foundation has a goal of expanding the program to bring a love of reading into the homes of children across Calgary. There are nearly 90,000 children under the age of five in Calgary.“Research shows that having even 20 books at home fosters a love of learning and sets children up for success when they start school,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “COVID-19 has illustrated how critically important this is, and how children are affected when schools and libraries are temporarily closed. We know this program will resonate with Calgarians and we want to invite them to help support this life-changing program for as little as $5.50 a month.”To donate or for more information, visit libraryfoundation.ca/myfirstbookshelf. —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.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. Last year, Calgarians borrowed more than 15 million physical and digital items and visited the Library seven million times.About Dolly Parton’s Imagination LibrarySince launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted well over 140 million free books in Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and the United States. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.7 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring them to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House Canada is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library all across Canada. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.Media Contact:Rachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.680.0626rachael@libraryfoundation.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caJeanne SmitiuchRegional Director, CanadaThe Dollywood Foundation of Canadajsmitiuch@imaginationlibrary.caTracy LongDirector of Marketing & DevelopmentThe Dollywood Foundationtlong@dollyfoundation.com
Read more about "Stories"After years of discrimination, threats, and violence because of their sexual orientation, Boban Stojanovic and his partner fled Serbia in October 2016 and claimed refugee protection in Canada. As they adjusted to life as newcomers in Calgary, they began to hear a common question.“Everyone kept saying ‘have you been to the library?’” says Boban, a prominent Serbian human rights activist and key organizer of the Belgrade Pride Parade. “We were like, ‘OK, but why?’ In our culture, you don’t often go to the library. It’s not such an important institution in the everyday lives of people.”At the time, the couple were anxiously awaiting a government hearing to determine if they would be granted refugee status in Canada. Boban describes that period in their lives as a stressful grey zone. “You are in some kind of limbo,” he says. “You can’t make any concrete plan because you don’t know what will happen with you.”Looking for something to take their minds off the looming hearing, the couple heeded the advice they’d repeatedly heard from insistent Calgarians: visit the library. The newcomers walked to nearby Nose Hill Library and asked about becoming members.Boban remembers nervously unfolding his refugee claimant document, the lone piece of identification he had. To his surprise, a Library employee politely handed the paper back and explained that just his full name and address were required for a free Library card.“In Serbia, everything is very bureaucratic,” Boban says. “Here, this institution is open.”‘I belong here’Boban's new plastic Library card felt significant. “This was the first official proof I belong here. I am part of this system. I have some roots in this country,” he says.The card also made him feel equal. “In that moment, I was like every other Calgarian,” he says. “They became a member the same way I became a member.”In awe of the fact one person could borrow 99 books, Boban began to explore books at Nose Hill Library. “Having the opportunity to find all those books was something that really gave me hope,” Boban says. “You must have something to occupy your mind.”As he waited for the upcoming hearing, Boban found a sense of sanctuary at Nose Hill Library. He’d read coffee table books about Scandinavian design and imagine how he would decorate his future home in Canada.Boban also borrowed autobiographies, feeling solace in the fact people he admired had also experienced ups and downs in their lives. “Reading all these books, I was more comfortable with my life,” he says. “Claiming for refugee status or waiting for the decision, it doesn’t mean something bad. Because all those people had … some very challenging periods in their lives.”An Open and Safe PlaceIn March 2017, Boban and his partner learned their claim for refugee status had been accepted. They could now apply for work permits, social insurance numbers, and to become permanent residents of Canada.Today, Boban's partner is improving his English through LINC classes, while Boban works at the Centre for Newcomers in a new role, as Settlement Practitioner for LGTBQ+ newcomers.“I am very lucky and happy and privileged to work there and to help people from my community who just came here,” he says, noting LGTBQ+ refugees face distinct challenges. Boban is grateful newcomers can turn to the Centre for Newcomers and Calgary Public Library, both open and safe places for all.Boban also worked a seasonal job at Pier 1 Imports, a position that drew on the interior design books he loves to peruse. He continues to regularly visit the Library; following a move downtown, he calls Central Library home.Boban now finds himself repeating to newcomers the line he once heard again and again: visit the library. “I never had that perception before that something called a library could be so important to my life,” he says. “Now I do.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘The Library Gave Me Hope’ Boban Stojanovic’s Library Story made him feel at home as a newcomer to Canada"Borrow books, digital books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines, newspapers, and even musical instruments from our collection of nearly 1.4 million items.
Read more about "Browse and borrow to your heart's content"Indigenous languages have long been underrepresented in literature — especially in children's books. This collection of
Read more about "Indigenous stories from Treaty 7 authors"As per Library policy, Library facilities cannot be used for commercial uses without advance approval. As a City of Calgary partner, requests for commercial photography in the Library must be submitted to
Read more about "Commercial Filming and Photography Requests"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"