You can make up to five suggestions for titles using the suggest for purchase link on our website.
'\n ', 'This Early Learning Centre promotes early literacy, giving the youngest visitors a dedicated place to read, learn, and explore. Reading nooks, spots for storytime, play areas, lots of books, and a Nursing Room make up this incredible 12,200-square-foot space.', '\n '
Read more about ""The Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children's Library""Visit the Library this March Break to discover fun for the whole family.
Read more about "You deserve a break"Want to be a March Break Maker? Whether you love coding, enjoy baking fabulous cupcakes, or have always wanted to build a robot, this list is full of books that will inspire the maker in all of us!
Read more about "March Break Makers"C. L. Polk is the award-winning author of “Witchmark” and the Canada Reads finalist “The Midnight Bargain.” They live in Calgary with too many books, not enough cats, and a yarn stash that could last a decade.
Read more about "C.L. Polk"Materials can be returned inside when the Library is open. Exterior book return chutes also remain open during and after open hours at most Library locations.
Read more about "Returns, Holds, and Fines"Elders are available for drop-in discussions at the Elders' Guidance Circle during the dates and times listed. Visitors are not guaranteed a private visit during drop-in hours, so we recommend booking a meeting if you have a specific request.
Read more about "March open office hours with the Elders"Taking some time to pursue new career goals? You can kickstart your learning and planning right from home with these free resources from our Digital Library.All of these resources are available with your free Library card. Don’t have a membership yet? It’s free to sign up online, and you can start using your card immediately!Career CruisingAre you looking for a new career or interested in going back to school, but aren't sure where to start? Create a personalized plan with Career Cruising. Answer questions about your goals and ambitions to find career paths that play to your interests. You can then explore schools that offer programs matching your career suggestions. Build your resume, learn effective job search techniques, and get tips for your first day on the job all here.Learning ExpressRefreshing your resume is easy with Learning Express. This resource can help you learn to write better cover letters and resumes and provides interview tips. If you’re interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law enforcement, firefighting, cosmetology, nursing, or real estate, you can also find practice tests to help you study for certification exams.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam by coaching you through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in language learning and follow a personalized study planner to stay on track.LinkedIn Learning for LibraryWhether you're looking to improve your skills in your existing field, or want to branch out and try something new, LinkedIn Learning for Library is full of expert-led video courses that can help you grow professionally. Learn helpful workspace skills like project management, time management, conflict resolution and leadership skills, or get instruction on specific software like Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Creative Cloud. You get a certificate of completion for every self-guided course you finish!Gale CoursesIf you’re a fan of interactive instruction, Gale Courses delivery style is right for you. You can receive feedback from your course instructor during and after instruction on this platform. Classes are led by industry experts, and you receive a certificate of completion at the end of each new course. Choose from over 300 courses in topics like Mastering Public Speaking, Troubleshooting PCs, Grammar Refreshers, GED preparation, and more. Your free Library membership grants you access to two, six-week courses every year.
Read more about "Stories Career Advancement Resources"Taking some time to pursue new career goals? You can kickstart your learning and planning right from home with these free resources from our Digital Library.All of these resources are available with your free Library card. Don’t have a membership yet? It’s free to sign up online, and you can start using your card immediately!Career CruisingAre you looking for a new career or interested in going back to school, but aren't sure where to start? Create a personalized plan with Career Cruising. Answer questions about your goals and ambitions to find career paths that play to your interests. You can then explore schools that offer programs matching your career suggestions. Build your resume, learn effective job search techniques, and get tips for your first day on the job all here.Learning ExpressRefreshing your resume is easy with Learning Express. This resource can help you learn to write better cover letters and resumes and provides interview tips. If you’re interested in pursuing careers in the fields of law enforcement, firefighting, cosmetology, nursing, or real estate, you can also find practice tests to help you study for certification exams.Road to IELTSNewcomers to Canada can expand their verbal and written communication skills with this resource. Road to IELTS can help you prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam by coaching you through Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing courses. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in language learning and follow a personalized study planner to stay on track.LinkedIn Learning for LibraryWhether you're looking to improve your skills in your existing field, or want to branch out and try something new, LinkedIn Learning for Library is full of expert-led video courses that can help you grow professionally. Learn helpful workspace skills like project management, time management, conflict resolution and leadership skills, or get instruction on specific software like Microsoft Office (including Microsoft Teams) and Adobe Creative Cloud. You get a certificate of completion for every self-guided course you finish!Gale CoursesIf you’re a fan of interactive instruction, Gale Courses delivery style is right for you. You can receive feedback from your course instructor during and after instruction on this platform. Classes are led by industry experts, and you receive a certificate of completion at the end of each new course. Choose from over 300 courses in topics like Mastering Public Speaking, Troubleshooting PCs, Grammar Refreshers, GED preparation, and more. Your free Library membership grants you access to two, six-week courses every year.
Read more about "Stories Career Advancement Resources"As Central Library approaches its second birthday on November 1, 2020, six Central Library patrons, visitors, and staff share their stories of the space, and reflect on how the community has made it their own in the two years since opening. Want to share your own Library Story with us? Submit it here.John Warkentin “Central is important to me because I read a lot of fiction and it’s a convenient location for me. Going to a public place for free and finding knowledge or finding a quiet moment and rest — lots of people come here just for a quiet moment and that’s a beautiful thing.” Elizabeth Cheme “Central Library is a really nice location. I love the architecture and how they mixed wood at the entrance. This is great place for me to meet my clients because I don’t work out of an office. I have also used one of its recording studios to record a video for a client because he didn’t have a budget to pay for a professional videographer and studio, so we made the video using the resources here. "The Library is important to me because it made me feel like I was not alone. When I came to Canada five years ago, I was still learning English, but the Library felt welcoming and safe. I was able to meet new people and find new ways to be creative. I even took a small business program which inspired me to become an entrepreneur. Right now, I’m running my own business as a marketing consultant and I’m here today doing some marketing research through the Central Library. The Library provides you with the tools to improve yourself. I like to check out DVDs that cover topics like self-awareness and empowerment, especially for women. This is the best place to get involved and even learn about Canadian culture.” René Kamguem “I visited the first day that Central opened, or maybe a few days before the opening, because I was volunteering with the Library. The architecture is very good, I really like it. The new Library is bigger and there is more space for people. There are lots of activities and events for everyone.” Hailey Mckevitt “I didn’t know about Central Library until I started nannying and the need sort of came. I started looking for nearby libraries and which locations were near the train line. I visit with the kids to help them choose their books — it’s become a big part of our time together. The kids really enjoy it. Books are a huge part of their learning and of their life. It allows them to generate their imagination and it’s nice to be able to have a new selection of books for them to enjoy.” Yusra Said “My first visit was actually two weeks ago. Central Library is very beautiful, has a lot of open space and open light so it doesn’t feel crowded, especially during this pandemic. And I really like the services. It’s a really supportive environment. I don’t have a printer at home so that’s one of the main services I use here. The other thing I use the Library for is sitting in this open space — it’s a different environment from working from home online. It’s really nice to be in an open space with other people. And Central has this beautiful view of the city from inside the Library.” Mark Schultz “I’d say Central Library has improved a lot and we are always working on new programs and different ways to serve the public. There was a bit of an adjustment with the move but it’s a beautiful space and has good people. I love the people here; the staff members and the patrons are wonderful. And we have some lovely art pieces around the Library!”
Read more about "Stories Six Library Patrons Reflect on Central Library ahead of Second Birthday"Four years ago, Henry Bastidas left his home in Venezuela and moved to Canada. Henry sought a safer place; he lived near the capital city Caracas, one of the most dangerous cities in the world.An engineer in Venezuela, Henry arrived in Calgary speaking only Spanish. He soon started an ESL program at the University of Calgary, where a friend recommended he also attend drop-in ESL classes at the Calgary Public Library. Eager to improve his English, he decided to check out the free newcomer programs.That little tip from a friend spurred Henry to get a Library card, instantly connecting him to his new city. “Back home, we don’t have libraries like this. There, a library is just storage for books,” Henry says. “Here, I love how dynamic the libraries are, all the activities they do. People are engaged and involved and I think that’s a very good thing.”The ESL classes at the Library helped Henry gain confidence in speaking English. Next, he tried out other free Library programs, including small business programs to work on his resumé and LinkedIn profile and technology programs to learn Excel and PowerPoint.Giving BackIn early 2015, less than a year after arriving in Canada, Henry applied to volunteer at Calgary Public Library. “The Library helped me a lot,” Henry says. “After I finished my courses, I decided to try to give back to this community that now I call home.”Henry began volunteering for kids’ math and coding programs, first at Central Library. “I just wanted to try and help kids a little bit with the things I know, like math,” he says. The experience helped him land his first job in Canada; with no work history here, he says the volunteer gig on his resumé was crucial.As Henry has moved throughout Calgary, he’s continued to volunteer at the Library closest to him, including Forest Lawn, Village Square, Fish Creek, and Sage Hill libraries.Today, Henry studies energy asset management at SAIT and works part-time. He continues to volunteer with Math Quest, helping students in Grades 1 to 6 use math to complete challenges throughout the Library. The after-school program makes numeracy fun — for the students, and for Henry.Energizing Experience“The kids get so excited every time they read a card and accomplish any of the quests,” he says. “I like how energetic they are. Every time I leave the Library, I feel like I did something good here. Instead of draining your energy, this gives you more energy.”“Henry’s strong commitment to helping students learn is a real gift to our youth volunteers that he mentors and to the children participating in our programs,” says Muneerah Vasanji, Volunteer Resources Coordinator at Calgary Public Library. “Henry stands out for his solid work ethic, patience, dedication, and leadership. Henry genuinely cares about making a tangible difference in our community and we are so fortunate to have him as an integral part of our volunteer team.”Henry had never volunteered before; it’s not really part of the norm in Venezuela, he says. “But here, I feel like it’s very important to do. Even though sometimes I have a very busy schedule, going to school and working, I always find when I make time to come volunteer I have fun.,” Henry says.Henry continues to be a dedicated Library member, recommending free programs to others and taking time to look around and pick up a new book. “The Library is my happy place,” he says. “There is always something going on, and you can find everything you are into.”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 is My Happy Place’ Henry Bastidas helps others learn as part of his Library Story"As Calgary Public Library moves into the new Central Library in East Village, we’re also saying goodbye to Central Library, our beloved downtown home for more than 50 years. In this month’s Library Stories, longtime staff, volunteers, and patrons reflect on their favourite memories and spots at Central Library. What’s your favourite memory of Central Library? Share in the comments at the bottom.Maureen Proctor, Library VolunteerPictured at Engine 23 on the main floor“This fire truck is my favourite part of Central Library. It’s just such a welcoming thing for children, for people of all ages. It’s always the first thing I look at when I come to Central. I come here to volunteer, mostly with the Library’s Special Events team, including events at the John Dutton Theatre. I’ve volunteered at various libraries since 2002, starting with the TD Read with Me Program. I still volunteer with the program and am mentoring an eight-year-old girl."I started volunteering because I wanted to give back. I like the fact the Library is open to everyone, people from all walks of life. The Library provides really incredible services — and the price is right! I’m excited about everything at the new Central Library, especially the Maureen Proctor Reading Nook. I’m volunteering to lead tours at the new Central Library, and I can’t wait.”Susanna Hartmann, Customer Services ClerkPictured at her desk on the third floor“This move, it’s like when you give up a family home. This has been my home for 35 years. This was my first job in Canada when I came from Hungary, and my only job since, my life. So, this is really like leaving a family home — the only home you’ve ever known, behind, and starting all over again. It’s very exciting, but you know, it’s just as sad at the same time."There are so many memories. We had so many friendships develop here. We had parties, we had baby showers, and welcomed new family members. We had retirement parties and Christmas celebrations. I built my life here. If I could say just one thing to this building, it would just be ‘I love you.’ I love you, I love you! I will never forget you. It is very sad for me to leave this place, but I know it will be good, and I know our new home will awe everybody."Jerry Fawcett, Civic Literacy LibrarianPictured in the Law section on the third floor“The third floor at Central has been my home for much of my Library career [since the fall of 1989, after starting at what is now Judith Umbach Library]. Many patrons come to the Library trying to deal with difficult life circumstances, which frequently touch on legal matters. Providing basic information or informed referrals often can get them started towards resolution."I am frequently reminded how simply listening, showing compassion, and making appropriate referrals can make a difference in someone’s day. I hope the new Central Library will continue to be a place where people who need help feel welcome and safe.”Gerry Burger-Martindale, Senior Transition LeadPictured near the east windows on the third floor“I’ve worked on the third floor since 1982, and it used to be such a dark floor. On the east side there were what we always assumed were fake window frames, with horrible 40-year-old Mylar covering the glass. The old Remand Centre and courtrooms were smack up against the east side, so you’d think it was one building. Then, when they were removing those buildings (moving to the new courthouse and renovating for Bow Valley College), they removed those buildings and left us standing — and suddenly there was light!"Morning light is so amazing in Calgary. In short order we started picking off the Mylar … and we could see out to the east. Now the seats in the east windows are the most popular."Unfortunately, only the third floor benefitted in this way, as we were the only floor with the “fake” windows, except for the women’s washroom on the north side — from where you could see beautiful sunrises, but someone was concerned about our modesty and covered it up with Mylar!”Bill Dyck, PatronPictured at his favourite reading nook on the third floor“I come to the library just about every day. It’s quiet, it’s a place to go — plus, I mean, books! I usually finish one or two a day, but always at least one. I read about 300 books a year, and if I were to buy them, they’d be hugely expensive. And if you buy it, so what? Then you own a book, but you only really read it once, maybe twice if it was really good. You can always check out a book again if you want to. Or come sit and read."This is just a really nice, quiet, private spot where you can sit and nobody bothers you. You can relax. It’s peaceful. It’s consistent. You know when it’s open, no surprises. And when I finish the books, I like going to [listen to] the author speak. Just about anybody can write a book, but why did you write this book? Why did you need to tell this story? Why write about aliens? What were you thinking? As a reader, you wonder. That’s the kind of stuff I want to know.”Kevin Allen, Incoming Historian in ResidencePictured in the Local History Room on the fourth floor“I started work here in 1989 when I was 18 as a Sunday circulation employee. I worked here all throughout my university years and early career — always part time. I eventually gravitated toward the magazine and newspaper department, stored in the basement, that was tragically flooded back in 2013. That was heartbreaking for me because I had spent so many years walking through those stacks."When I started Calgary Gay History Projectopens a new window in 2012, I went back to magazines and newspapers and luckily pulled a bunch of citations before they were washed away. These included old issues of Macleans and Chatelaine magazines from the 1960s, as they were among the first publications to feature articles sympathetic to gay and lesbian people. Of course, I spent a lot of time in this Local History Room."I think there’s something really important in large urban centres about the big, downtown library as a repository for researchers and access to information in general. I feel like the Central Library historically, and hopefully into the future, will be that place for Calgarians.”David Plouffe, Library VolunteerPictured at the Idea Lab on the fifth floor“My relationship to Central Library has been that of a living book, a volunteer, and as an Idea Coach. Central Library is also the place I pick up my books when I work downtown."As an Idea Coach, I always ask this question: what seed might we plant together today that can make the most difference to your idea? Planting that seed and encouraging the minds of Calgarians is what being an Idea Coach is all about."Moving from this space over to the new Central Library, I think people will not only be drawn into the space, but in awe of it. Even better is that it’s a space for patrons, whether they’re reading, using the computers, or visiting the Idea Lab. Being an Idea Coach, I think the space will help stimulate new thoughts and ways of thinking.”Richmond N’goran, PatronPictured on the fifth floor“I come here three times a week, sometimes more. I come here to use a Chromebook, or sometimes I take books from the third floor. If you’re looking for a certain book, people are always there to help you find it. And if it’s not in, they’ll let you know about other books. I like to do homework here, because there’s all the necessary things I need."I usually come here from school. I’m studying English now at SAIT, and in the winter I will start my main program, Architectural Technologies. I came to Calgary almost three years ago, from Ivory Coast, and did not know any English. I like all the services provided at the Library. If you can’t get a Chromebook here on the fifth floor, you can go to the third floor and use a computer for two hours. I also read eBooks online, and I like that too.”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 Are So Many Memories' Patrons, volunteers, and staff talk about their favourite spots in the old Central Library building"International Women's Day is Monday, March 8. It's a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and consider what more needs to be done to achieve gender parity.Calgary Public Library staff pulled together some of our favourite books and movies featuring strong female characters and stories to get you started. Read and watch them this International Women's Day and any day you are interested in stories of perseverance, creativity, and celebration.Biographies and Autobiographies of Incredible WomenThese ten books center around a compelling woman who overcame obstacles and influenced history. Read about a contemporary businesswoman, a Second World War radio operator, a resistance fighter, and a tennis coach. Their stories will take you around the world and through history.See the listBooks by Indigenous WomenFemale Indigenous writers provide stories that echo the timeless wisdom of Elders while encapsulating the modern challenges experienced by women and girls. Celebrate the spirit and intent of International Women's Day by learning more about Indigenous women with these compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful reads.See the list20 Films About Extraordinary WomenSome of these movies are full of joy, while others are more dramatic. They are all by or about women. From the award-winning documentary Young Lakota to the lush biopic Paula, these films are all available on Kanopy.See the listBooks for KidsThese books for kids celebrate the strength and creativity of women and girls. From the picture book Franny’s Father is a Feminist by Rhonda Leet, to the collection of 100 stories in Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli, this list includes recommendations for kids from three to 12 that will also delight the adult reading with them.See the list
Read more about "Stories What to Read and Watch to Honour International Women's Day Our recommendations to celebrate women this Monday, March 8 and everyday"