You can make up to five suggestions for titles using the suggest for purchase link on our website.
Answers customer questions using a variety of information and online sources. Assists with Library programs and community outreach. A two-year diploma plus experience or a bachelor's degree plus experience is required.
Read more about "Library Experience Facilitator "Nellie Befus has volunteered with Calgary Public Library for 44 consecutive years. At age 90, she holds the distinction of being the Library’s oldest volunteer, and one of the Library’s longest-serving volunteers.Her dedication to the Library was sparked on a warm fall day in 1974, when Nellie bumped into her brother-in-law on a downtown street. “How are things with you?” he asked.Nellie was feeling bored; with her four children now grown, she found herself with a lot of free time. Her brother-in-law had an idea. The oil and gas company where he worked had recently received a letter from the Library, recruiting volunteers for a new program.The program, called Homebound Readers, would see volunteers deliver Library items to people who could not visit the Library because of mobility or health concerns. Nellie was intrigued. She had never volunteered before, but something about the letter caught her eye.“I read the letter, then I marched right down to the Library,” she remembers. “I went straight up to the fifth floor and I went to somebody and I said, ‘I would like to be a volunteer.’”‘An Amazing Volunteer’Nearly a half-century later, Nellie continues to volunteer with Calgary Public Library.“Nellie is an amazing volunteer,” says Azmin Poonja, Manager, Volunteer Resources. “She is one of those volunteers that every organization dreams about. She is reliable, committed, and most importantly, she cares about people and has a passion for literacy. Nellie is a perfect fit for the Library, and her dedication to volunteering is exceptional.”Nellie, however, is quick to shrug off any praise. She’s matter-of-fact about why she has volunteered for decades: “There’s just something it does to you when you can do something for somebody else, you know?”Books by Bus and BicycleNellie started volunteering with the Homebound Readers program at its outset. She took city buses — and occasionally rode her bicycle — to deliver books to readers. She travelled across the city, between libraries and various residences. “These people needed reading, and they couldn’t get out,” she says. “Yes, some of the books were heavy, but I wasn’t an old lady then.”Along the way, Nellie, who had never been much of a reader, started to spend her bus rides reading.Nellie has warm memories of the people she befriended through Homebound Readers and the moments they shared: the stories eagerly told over tea, the “melt in your mouth” shortbread cookies she ate (and got the recipe for), the pet bird who could say “pretty Nellie.”Nellie continued to volunteer with the program into her 80s. When carrying books on the bus became challenging, she started helping with Libraries in Residence. Program volunteers display mini libraries of items, selected by Library staff, in seniors’ residences or continuing care facilities. ‘A Very Good Idea’Today, Nellie proudly runs the Library in Residence at the retirement home where she lives, helping fellow residents sign out books. She stays in close touch with Library staff, who deliver fresh titles to the residence every few months.“Nellie goes to great lengths to ensure that the program is running smoothly and to promote the program to new residents,” says Luke Gray, who oversees the Libraries in Residence program in his role with the Library’s Special Services department.“Nellie’s commitment to volunteering is unwavering. I really appreciate her no-nonsense demeanor, her genuine sense of humour, and her passion for literacy. Nellie sincerely recognizes the importance of the Library in the community.”In her seniors’ home and throughout Calgary Public Library, Nellie has become well-known for her optimistic attitude and cheerfulness. “Be nice. See what happens,” she says.Now a great-grandma, Nellie enjoys playing “silly games” on her iPad and working on jigsaw puzzles. She likes to read and lists Catherine Cookson and Mary Higgins Clark as her favourite authors.Looking back, Nellie says joining the Library as a volunteer in the ’70s was “a very good idea.” She plans to continue volunteering for as long as she can. And when she’s no longer able to get her own books, Nellie hopes there will be a Library volunteer to bring books to her.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘There’s Just Something Volunteering Does to You’ Our longest serving volunteer Nellie Befus has seen a lot over the course of her Library Story"Celebrate the launch of “Olya & Olena Escape the Invaders” with author readings and an instrumental concert by Volodymr Shyba streamed from Ukraine. The book is about two young...
Read more about ""Olya & Olena Escape the Invaders" Launch Party"Join us for for a conversation with Nita Prose, includes an audience Q&A and book signing. Use promo code CPLMPL22 at link below to secure your ticket.
Read more about "IMAGINARIUM by wordfest: A Clean Start with Nita Prose"We can’t think of a better book (and author) for our special Sunday morning conversation in the stunning TD Great Reading Room on the top floor of Central Library. This...
Read more about "IMAGINARIUM by wordfest: A Morning with Marsha Lederman"In her writings, Anna Barth’s book captures the long-term effects of child sexual abuse, specifically when children don’t have the tools to understand and share their experiences...
Read more about "Using Literature to Discuss Child Sexual Abuse: Annabelle’s Secret - Discussing the Impacts of Isolation"Calgary Public Library now has five mobile libraries that are rolling into communities around the city!Three vehicles are Book Trucks, bringing books, movies, and other Library services directly to the community. Our Book Trucks stop at regularly scheduled locations, and are also available to visit school or community events. Come aboard the Book Truck to get a free Library card, browse and borrow items, return items, or attend seasonal children’s programs.The fleet of libraries on wheels also includes two Story Trucks. These vehicles are designed to bring literacy activities directly to young children at day homes in select neighbourhoods. Library staff share stories, songs, and rhymes with children, through the Library Month at Your Day Home program.For our newest Story Truck, the Library worked with Mo Willems, children’s author and creator of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and many other beloved titles.“The fact that the Story Truck team is leaving the building and going directly to the kids means they rock that much more!” Mo Willems says.Want the Story Truck to visit your day home? Requests can be made via this form. You can also request a Book Truck visit for your community event or school.
Read more about "Stories Meet the Library’s Newest Story Truck"Join us for storytime, where we'll feature some of Mo Willems' silly, crazy and fabulous picture books.
Read more about "Mo Willems Mayhem"Storytelling is an essential part of Truth and Reconciliation. The following books mix genres and formats to tell Indigenous stories.
Read more about "Indigenous Reads"Young readers can enjoy the latest summer titles from WilderFutures and Owl’s Nest Books with…
Read more about "Love, Identity and Pride Live-Reading"These books embody the strength and resilience of women facing impossible choices, insurmountable challenges, and heartbreaking dilemmas—and rising stronger.
Read more about "Here's To Strong Women"Learn about home safety and the life of a firefighter with colouring sheets, puzzles, and games in the new Fire Safety Activity Book.
Read more about "Fire safety starts with you"Hear author and illustrator Lyndsay Wasko read from her book, "Best Nest."
Read more about ""Best Nest" Read-A-Long"