You can make up to five suggestions for titles using the suggest for purchase link on our website.
Place a hold online. You can place a hold on an item at another Library location or on an eBook or audiobook by logging into your account. Just find the item in the catalogue and place your hold. You can place up to 50 holds for physical items. Additional holds for eBooks and audiobooks through Libby are managed separately. Once your hold arrives at your Library it will be available for pick up for seven days. You'll be notified by email or phone that it's ready for pickup. You can change your notification settings online. Log in to your account to temporarily pause or deactivate your holds. This is useful if you’re going on vacation, for example, so you don't lose your place on the wait list. Return your items to any Calgary Public Library location. You can return items to any of our 21 locations using the self check-in machine or return chute. You do not have to return your items to the same Library you borrowed them from. Every Library, including Central Library, has an external book chute for after-hours returns. The return chutes for Saddletowne Library at the Genesis Centre, Seton Library at Brookfield Residential YMCA, and Rocky Ridge Library at Shane Homes YMCA are available only when the adjoining recreation facilities are open.
Read more about "Place a hold online. Return your items to any Calgary Public Library location."Free, bookable meeting spaces are flexible for your group’s needs. The Millar Family Learning and Discovery Room includes everything small groups might need to explore and learn. Donor Terry Millar recognized that his sense of discovery, connection to nature, and love of history came from his ancestors, and this room is named to celebrate the Millar family legacy. The Terentiuk Space for Adult Learning is named for donor Robin Terentiuk and her late husband, Fred, who have been long-time supporters of literacy and education. This space recognizes the importance of learning throughout adulthood. Book a free meeting space.
Read more about "Free, bookable meeting spaces are flexible for your group’s needs."Does your student like to know how things work? Let them explore the world of technology and engineering with this curated guide of digital resources for learning, building, and experimenting. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources in our Digital Library. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. Gale Virtual Reference Library eBooks Online Find full-text eBooks for learners of all ages in the Gale Virtual Reference Library on subjects including coding, business, science, and travel. Help your kids learn the tech behind cyber scams to avoid phishing, smishing, identity theft, and other hacks with the eBook Coding for Digital Security by Patricia Harris. (Ages 10+) Data, logic, conditionals, and Raspberry Pi; learn coding and brush up on your computer skills with 36 always-available eBooks in the Coding for Youth section. (Ages 8 – 12) Kanopy Kanopy is a free video streaming app with more than just movies and TV – you'll find lots of courses and educational content for all ages as well. Bridges! Buildings! Cathedrals! Domes! Watch the 24-part series Understanding the World’s Greatest Structures to inspire your budding engineer or architect. (Ages 10 – 12) World Book Online for Kids World Book Online for Kids is an online learning platform developed for young users. Children can explore a variety of topics in easy-to-read articles, images, and videos. You can also solve puzzles while learning fun facts or try out experiments. Make your own aerofoil, vacuum, turbine, or find out how boats float with the science experiments in the Machinery category under Science Projects.
Read more about "Stories Technology/Engineering eResources for ages 8 – 12"You can have up to five active loan requests at one time. Holds are counted against the general 50-item hold limit for Calgary Public Library members.
Read more about "Borrowing items"Audiobooks on CD are available as the DAISY Standard, allowing readers to move around the text efficiently and flexibly.
Read more about "The DAISY Standard"Find the right job for you, build a website, start a business, prepare for college, and more.
Read more about "Gale Courses"We’ve all been there. You’ve watched everything there is on Netflix, your eyes are tired from scrolling your newsfeed, and even TikTok can get old after the fifth hour in a row. If you’re out of ideas to keep you busy, you‘ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite free boredom-crushing apps and resources to get you through even the longest day of nothing to do. All you need is a Library membership (which just so happens to be free too. Get it online and start trying these apps right away).Take free music lessonsAlways wanted to learn the guitar? Maybe you want to brush up on your piano-playing skills or learn to sing like Ari. ArtistWorks gives you access to a ton of free music lessons that you can do at your own pace and watch on your computer or smartphone wherever, whenever. Learn a new language Start preparing for that future vacation by learning a new language. Guess who gives you access to Rosetta Stone Library Edition for free? We do. Get started now and you’ll be speaking and reading in no time (maybe you can finally watch that anime without subtitles). Can't find a language you're interested in? Check out the new Transparent Language eResource for more options, including Indigenous languages such as Cree, Dakota, Denesuline, Gwich'in, Oji-Cree, Ojibwe, and more. Borrow a book without getting up from the couch Graphic novels, dystopian futures, high school romances — it's all on TeenBookCloud, and titles are always available with no holds. Now you can start reading or listening to that novel you’ve been meaning to get to without having to track down the physical book or worry about getting food stains on the pages. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to try Is “learn animation” on your bucket list? How about photography, creating YouTube content, or Python? We have an app for that too. Check an item off your dream to-do list by learning a new skill or hobby with LinkedIn Learning for Library. It’s got hundreds of expert-led video tutorials on all kinds of skills and topics (that you get access to for free, because we like learning). Listen to a good bookGive your tired eyes a break from screens and borrow an audiobook from Libby. Just download the free app to your smartphone or iPad and start listening to a book while you’re doing chores, making a snack, or winding down before bed. Find something new to watchSo you’ve already seen everything on Netflix and you’re running out of movie streaming ideas. Have you checked out Kanopy yet? Besides being free, it has tons of movies the other platforms don’t. From indie film festival favourites to popular Oscar-winners, we’re pretty sure you’ll discover a new gem. Start with our librarians’ recommendations of Must-See Movies About Growing Up or documentaries about video gaming and tech culture. Stream and download music for freeFind that perfect bop to dance or sing along to. Listen to ad-free music and download five free songs per week to your smartphone with Freegal Music. They have 15 million songs from over 40,000 labels, so you can grab your headphones and get lost in some good music. Want more free things to do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for other resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card online and start using it immediately.
Read more about "Stories Seven Boredom-Crushing Ideas for Teens"We’ve all been there. You’ve watched everything there is on Netflix, your eyes are tired from scrolling your newsfeed, and even TikTok can get old after the fifth hour in a row. If you’re out of ideas to keep you busy, you‘ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourite free boredom-crushing apps and resources to get you through even the longest day of nothing to do. All you need is a Library membership (which just so happens to be free too. Get it online and start trying these apps right away).Take free music lessonsAlways wanted to learn the guitar? Maybe you want to brush up on your piano-playing skills or learn to sing like Ari. ArtistWorks gives you access to a ton of free music lessons that you can do at your own pace and watch on your computer or smartphone wherever, whenever. Learn a new language Start preparing for that future vacation by learning a new language. Guess who gives you access to Rosetta Stone Library Edition for free? We do. Get started now and you’ll be speaking and reading in no time (maybe you can finally watch that anime without subtitles). Can't find a language you're interested in? Check out the new Transparent Language eResource for more options, including Indigenous languages such as Cree, Dakota, Denesuline, Gwich'in, Oji-Cree, Ojibwe, and more. Borrow a book without getting up from the couch Graphic novels, dystopian futures, high school romances — it's all on TeenBookCloud, and titles are always available with no holds. Now you can start reading or listening to that novel you’ve been meaning to get to without having to track down the physical book or worry about getting food stains on the pages. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to try Is “learn animation” on your bucket list? How about photography, creating YouTube content, or Python? We have an app for that too. Check an item off your dream to-do list by learning a new skill or hobby with LinkedIn Learning for Library. It’s got hundreds of expert-led video tutorials on all kinds of skills and topics (that you get access to for free, because we like learning). Listen to a good bookGive your tired eyes a break from screens and borrow an audiobook from Libby. Just download the free app to your smartphone or iPad and start listening to a book while you’re doing chores, making a snack, or winding down before bed. Find something new to watchSo you’ve already seen everything on Netflix and you’re running out of movie streaming ideas. Have you checked out Kanopy yet? Besides being free, it has tons of movies the other platforms don’t. From indie film festival favourites to popular Oscar-winners, we’re pretty sure you’ll discover a new gem. Start with our librarians’ recommendations of Must-See Movies About Growing Up or documentaries about video gaming and tech culture. Stream and download music for freeFind that perfect bop to dance or sing along to. Listen to ad-free music and download five free songs per week to your smartphone with Freegal Music. They have 15 million songs from over 40,000 labels, so you can grab your headphones and get lost in some good music. Want more free things to do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for other resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card online and start using it immediately.
Read more about "Stories Seven Boredom-Crushing Ideas for Teens"February 9 marks 100 days since the opening of the new Central Library. To celebrate this milestone, read on for 100 features — in no particular order — that you can enjoy. 1. The ArchwayThe gorgeous outdoor archway that welcomes everyone into the Library is built with western redwood cedar. The wooden soffit’s design is inspired by the chinook arch cloud formations common to Calgary’s skies.2. Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery As you enter Central Library, you’ll find yourself in the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery. The warm and beautiful gallery is the centre of the Library, bringing all the floors together.3. A Space for Celebration Opening Weekend celebrations at the Central Library attracted over 52,000 visitors in just four days, and at two months old, the new location played host to the City of Calgary’s New Year’s Eve bash. There has been so much to celebrate at Central in the first 100 days, and more festivities are always just around the corner.4. The BMO Financial Group Community Room A free, bookable community space, the BMO Financial Group Community Room is a vibrant hub for the sharing of knowledge among Calgarians.5. TRIO TRIO is the public art piece located outside of the building. Whimsical and colourful, the three moving pieces by artist Christian Moeller add a pop of fun to the landscape.6. Outdoor SpacesCentral Library is lucky to be surrounded by outdoor spaces for all to enjoy. An outdoor gathering space and amphitheatre was designed to be a vibrant and welcoming place for outdoor activities in the warmer months.7. Library Express Conveniently located on the main floor, here’s the spot to pick up your holds, find popular new titles, and browse through books recommended by Library staff.8. Laptop BarsThe Library experience has gone digital. Laptop bars overlooking the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery offer patrons a stunning view as they check out Library materials online and work remotely.9. More Charging Stations You can browse for hours, thanks to the increase in power outlets scattered throughout the building. Keep your phone or laptop topped up and tap into the Library’s collection of Digital Resources during your visit, or on your way to your next destination.10. Storied Location The confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers is known to the Blackfoot as Moh’kinsstis. Before it was Fort Calgary — the birthplace of the modern city of Calgary — it was a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Throughout Central Library, artwork and installations by Indigenous artists acknowledge this storied land and the narratives of the people who call it home. 11. Welcome Kiosks You can book meeting rooms, see what’s happening at the Library on the day you’re visiting, and more when you use the Welcome Kiosks.12. Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall The Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall is a stunning space, with a warm wooden ceiling that’s mirrored on the walls by vertical slats. You’ll want to linger after the performance you’re watching is over just to enjoy the natural warmth of the space.13. Michael Green Green RoomThis is a place where speakers and performers can prepare prior to entering the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall. It’s named in honour of Michael Green, a driving force and visionary for Calgary’s arts community.14. Bow River Connection CMLC, the master developer of the East Village and Central Library, is working on a streetscape improvement project for about five city blocks of 3rd Street SE. This project will connect Central Library with the beautiful Jack and Jean Leslie RiverWalk — an award-winning pathway with dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes — and the Bow River.15. Windows of Opportunity Many people have left their mark on Central Library by purchasing group or personal windows and having a short message inscribed. Proceeds from the Windows of Opportunity campaign support the entire Calgary Public Library system.16. Indigenous Placemaking Permanent art by local Indigenous artists is placed in three areas throughout Central Library. The collaborative pieces reflect the vast cultures and communities in Treaty 7 territory.17. Engineering MarvelDid you know Central Library was built over top of the existing CTrain line? This unique foundation greatly influenced the building’s stunning design.18. The Bookscalator Return your books on the bookscalator, a giant escalator just for books! It allows titles to be transported to the Level 2 sorting room, plus it’s really fun to watch.19. A Library For YouThe input of 16,000 Calgarians, gathered during two years of public engagement, informed the spaces and programs in the Central Library. Over 52,000 people visited during Opening Weekend along, and since then, this location has seen over 500,000 patrons come through its doors.20. New Programs Calgary Public Library offers hundreds of in-person programs for everyone: babies, toddlers, preschoolers, families, kids, parents, teens, newcomers, small business owners, job seekers, and anyone looking for learning and enrichment. We’re working with new community partners to offer fresh programs at Central Library; watch our program guide Library Connect to learn what’s new. 21. Natural Light Hello, natural light! The building’s outer shell is made of 465 hexagonal panels, allowing plentiful sunlight to cascade throughout the building.22. High Ceilings High ceilings coupled with expansive windows give a sense of openness throughout the five levels at the Library.23. Stunning Interior Architecture Wood slat walls and ceilings, endless windows, and intricate staircases are just a few of the striking interior features. You’ll have to visit to see it all!24. Landscaping A beautiful green space lush with flowers and plants will make for the perfect outdoor reading spot.25. Indigenous Languages Resource CentreThe Indigenous Languages Resource Centre will help protect, preserve, and promote Indigenous culture, thanks to $1 million in funding from the Government of Alberta.26. LUKES Gareth Lukes, the third-generation owner of Lukes Drug Mart, and Chef Eric Hendry, of the award-winning Calgary restaurant Bar Von Der Fels, come together to bring not one but two cafés to Central Library. In the new spaces, visitors can experience food with an emphasis on local ingredients and flavours.27. Oculus SkylightLook up! The beautiful oculus skylight allows plenty of natural light to enter the core of the building.28. Shape of the Building If it weren’t for the challenging site Central Library is located on — bisected by a curving LRT line — the building would likely look a lot different. But instead of a boxy building, the Central Library is shaped like a graceful ship, sailing into the future.29. Short Story Dispenser Find this magical machine near the interior LUKES cafe on Level 1, offering original stories by local authors at the push of a button.30. Recommendations for Kids Can’t decide what your little learner should read next? Visit the Questionarium to discover orange lockers full of books sorted by topic, like “Creatures,” or “Underwater.” 31. The InfluencersThis display in Library Express features books recommended by influential people.32. Early Learning CentreEarly Learning Centres are vibrant and interactive spaces designed for young children to learn through play. At Central Library, the focus is on full-body play, meaning plenty of space for kids to climb, crawl, explore, and imagine.33. Reading NooksAmidst all the vibrant energy and excitement of Central Library, there are still quiet spaces too, like cozy reading nooks designed just for kids.34. Features for Families In addition to an Early Learning Centre, the new Library is home to a toddler nook, the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library, and nursing room.35. Moms’ Stairway Named to honour all moms past, present, and future, the Moms’ Stairway connects the first-floor café with the Early Learning Centre. It’s a space to grab a coffee, sit on the steps, watch your kids play, and relax.36. Nearby AmenitiesJack and Jean Leslie RiverWalk, St. Patrick’s Island, and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, are all nearby. Spend a day in the East Village, an area undergoing an exciting transformation.37. LEED Gold Certification Central Library was built to be as sustainable as it is beautiful and functional. Designed to LEED gold certification, it meets a wide range of tough, specific criteria for green building practices.38. Library Residency ProgramsDuring the move to the Central Library, our Author in Residence program was joined by two more Residencies – Artist and Historian in Residence. Each of these in-house experts have their own office in the Central Library to offer hours for community workshops and discussion. The Residents also deliver free programming across the system during their stay at the Library.39. A new Central Connection The site where Central Library sits is a key connection between east and west downtown. Thanks to an open outdoor passageway, there’s a new visual and pedestrian connection between East Village and Calgary’s downtown!40. New Books Your to-read list just got a lot longer! When we moved from the previous Central Library to our new home, we added over 100,000 items to our collection, bringing the total up to 450,000 books. 41. More ComputersBetween the Digital Commons and extra Chromebook lockers, the new Central Library has 100 more computers than the previous Central Library did.42. Volunteer Lounge Volunteers at Central Library have access to a volunteer lounge on the second level.43. Terentiuk Space for Adult LearningAdult learners have a special space in Central Library to attend courses and collaborate.44. Collective Gaming Area Gaming? In a Library? Yes, on Level 3 at Central Library, there’s a space just for this!45. CNOOC North America Digital CommonsThis technology-based collaborative environment is modeled on information commons and open design studios.46. Idea Lab The Idea Lab is getting bigger and better. Unleash your creativity and access tons of resources.47. Audio Video Editing Suites Are you the next big YouTube, IGTV, or podcast creator? Access Audio Recording, Video Recording, and Post-Production Studios — all for free.48. FISH Have you ever stared at a goldfish inside of a bowl? Well, now we’re in the bowl and the fish is staring back. FISH is artist Christian Moeller’s public art piece inside Central Library, made of nearly 11,000 custom books with spines in 12 different colours.49. StaircasesAdmit it, we’ve all imagined getting lost in winding staircases in large libraries. Well, your dreams will come true here. Beautiful wood staircases that climb up — toward the stunning skylight — are a defining feature in this building.50. Teen Space The Teen Space in the new Central Library is 2,100 square feet bigger than the one in the old Central Library. Featuring video game consoles, board games, the Teen Tech Lab, and a dedicated space for completing school work, this is the perfect after school or weekend hangout. 51. Career Services Need help perfecting your cover letter? Looking to access career resources in Calgary? Central Library has an area dedicated to career services.52. Services for Newcomers There’s a new home for Services for Newcomers, on Level 3. Staff on this floor can help you with your resumé, learn a new language, or adjust to your new life in Canada.53. Free Printing and CopyingDid you know that you receive $5 per month of free printing with your Library card? There are even more printers in Central Library!54. Cenovus Campus Calgary Library School At Library School supported by Cenovus Energy, students, their teacher, and parent volunteers use the Library and its five floors of stories as their classroom for a week of hands-on inquiry learning. Talk about a cool place to go to school!55. Cenovus Classroom There’s a dedicated classroom inside Central Library, just for Library School students and teachers.56. Silent CTrain Did you know that the CTrain runs under the Library, coming out on the north end and weaving its way into downtown? You can’t tell when you’re inside Central Library, thanks to some serious soundproofing.57. Meeting RoomsThere are more than 30 free meeting rooms for Library members to book, ranging in capacity from four to 50 people. While most rooms can be booked up to two months in advance, some are reserved just for same-day bookings.58. Instagrammable Spots If you feel like your Instagram feed has been flooded with photos of the Central Library since opening day, there’s a good reason for it. From photos of the iconic stairwell to selfies using FISH as a backdrop, this space has no shortage of picture-perfect places to snap a great shot.59. Rosza Arts at the Library This new program at the Library supports emerging artists in the community.60. The ProwEach section of the prow of the building, overlooking 7 Avenue SE, is over 2,000 square feet. The top floor, with the best views, features a community living room. 61. Tried-and-True Features Calgary Public Library is piloting new programs and services at libraries across the city, in anticipation of launching them at Central Library. This testing helps ensure all our libraries are imaginative and innovative spaces, while simultaneously giving us an opportunity to prepare for our newest building.62. Quiet Reading Spaces As you make your way up inside the building, you’ll notice the floors get quieter. You’ll easily find a peaceful spot to read a book, study, write, and more.63. Gender Neutral Bathrooms Central Library will have more bathrooms, including gender neutral bathrooms for everyone.64. More Space The new Central Library is 75,000 square feet bigger than the old Central Library.65. Furniture We’ve tested, piloted, and selected amazing furniture for every area of the building. You’ll find lounge chairs for reading, study seating with access to power, chairs of all sizes for children, café chairs, and more — all chosen with flexibility, durability, and accessibility in mind.66. Plentiful TablesThere are 2,266 chairs and seats and 446 tables in Central Library, meaning plenty of space for you to read, study, collaborate and relax.67. Flexible Spaces Spaces in Central Library were designed to be flexible, with features including partition walls that can separate large rooms.68. Williams & Harris Shared History CentreThis space comprises a story studio and vintage media lab, ensuring our city’s stories are collected and told.69. All the Windows The hexagonal panels that form Central Library’s outer shell give the building a distinctive exterior, plus amazing natural light and views inside.70. Window Finish The clear, glazed, or fritted finish of the glass panels is about more than just curb appeal. The panels were strategically placed to help prevent heat build-up inside. Triple-glazed glass reduces heat loss and solar gain, while also reducing the costs of cooling the building. 71. TD Great Reading RoomAre you looking for a quiet place to read and study? Head to the top level, where you can sit in pure reading bliss in the TD Great Reading Room. It’s the perfect spot for quiet study, contemplation, and reflection.72. Elders’ Guidance CircleDuring community consultations, Calgary Public Library heard about the need for a space to access elders in an urban setting. This room, featuring furniture and art by Indigenous artists, allows anyone to do just that. Come visit Indigenous Elders, prepared to share, listen, and learn.73. Interfaith Room This welcome space on Level 4 is intended for people to take a moment to meditate, refresh, and pray.74. Simmons-Harvie Community Living RoomThis prime spot on Level 4 is a place where you can read, study, and connect with others, all while taking in the extraordinary view.75. Create SpaceThe Create Space is a place for community members to collaborate, expand their understanding, and engage in dialogue with others. The features inside change frequently, providing people with whimsical and playful experiences. Come create at Central Library!76. The Millar Family Learning & Discovery Room The name says it all — come learn and discover in this room on Level 2.77. The Norrep Foundation Tech Connect StudioLevel 3 at Central Library is a hub for innovation and digital technology, especially in this studio space.78. Arthur J.E. Child Foundation Business Library New Central Library’s business Library and programs are named after Arthur J.E. Child, a Canadian businessman. Here, entrepreneurs can access resources, programs, and support.79. Amazing Customer Service Across the Library system, staff tested enhanced customer service processes in preparation for Central Library opening. Staff at Central Library can more easily interact with patrons where they are.80. New Room Bookings SystemYou can book and access meeting rooms easily with your Library card. New devices outside rooms allow you to easily secure space for your next group study room, business meeting, or book club. 81. A Stronger Wireless NetworkThe new Central Library is home to approximately twice the number of wireless access points the previous Central Library had. This means the Library’s robust and well-used free wireless system can continue to meet demand.82. Calgary’s Story, Presented by Walter and Irene DeBoni This space on Level 4 celebrates our local history and brings it to life with engaging displays, and even a digital kiosk that explores archival images of Calgary.83. Tipi Previously housed at Fish Creek Library, a tipi featuring traditional Blackfoot designs now makes its home on Level 4 of the Central Library.84. Strong WindowsThe glass curtain wall of Central Library is both iconic and durable. The unique panels, fabricated by Calgary-based manufacturer Ferguson Corporation, underwent rigorous testing.85. Time Capsule of SteelPrior to the placement of the final steel beam within Central Library, nearly 700 Library lovers of all ages inscribed the 9,000-kilogram beam with messages of congratulations and inspiration for future generations. The mighty steel time capsule is now a permanent part of Central Library.86. Proximity to Fabulous RestaurantsIn addition to two cafés by LUKES, the East Village neighbourhood is bursting with great flavours. The nearby Simmons Building is home to Charbar, Sidewalk Citizen Bakery, and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. The community is growing, and so is our appetite!87. Colour Expect playful pops of colour throughout the new building, from the furniture to the washroom tiles.88. Podcast Live!The Central Library is proud to host a series of leading podcasters in 2019 for our new event series, “Podcast Live!” These talks are designed to spark new ways of thinking by bringing eclectic voices to the Library, like the hosts of the popular “Invisible City” and “Radiolab” podcasts. It’s free to register for these talks with your Library card.89. ToursWe can’t wait to show you around. Guided and self-guided tours of the Central Libray are available on a regular basis.90. Morning LightThe golden hour takes on new meaning at Central Library. As morning light reflects off neighbouring City Hall, cascading through the west side of the building, the entire Library is awash with natural light. 91. Strong FloorsWhile a typical office building is engineered to support a live load of 4.8 kilopascals on its floors, the floors at Central Library are engineered to support a live load of 7.2 kilopascals. Why? Because of the anticipated weight of the books.92. Functional MaterialsAt Central Library, it’s not just about aesthetics. Every material used has a specific function, like the western red cedar that defines the entrance. The wood is naturally resistant to decay, making it perfect for the exposed, outdoor archway.93. Sustainable MaterialsAll wood used in Central Library is FSC Certified, meaning that is it harvested from sustainable, responsibly-managed forests.94. ShelvingIt’s all about the little details, right? The shelves in the new Library are functional, sturdy, and well-lit with built-in lighting, while still fitting into the aesthetic of the new space.95. Ceramic Tiles The shape of the Library’s outdoor walls is repeated inside, in the form of hexagonal tiles on the floor and walls of the bathrooms. Yes, we’re even excited about the bathrooms!96. The ViewsEvery floor, window, and side of the landmark building offers a new view to be inspired by. Come visit us to see for yourself.97. Proximity to the CTrain Visiting Central Library is easy and convenient thanks to our location right next to City Hall station. That makes carrying home a bag of books much easier.98. Candy Aisle Kiosk When you’re picking up your holds at Central, be sure to check out the digital displays on the end of the aisles — staff have crafted lists of recommendations that you can pick up or place a future hold on.99. Passing by the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall Travel along 3 Street SE and you’ll be able to glimpse into the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall. When it’s not booked for large-scale events, seminars, conferences, or private bookings, the Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall will be animated with programs, to intrigue people passing by.100. Free Memberships! You’ll have access to all the above features at Central Library with your free Library card. Not yet a member? Register online or visit any Calgary Public Library location to get your free Library card today. See you at Central Library! With photos from Michael Grimm, George Webber, Michael Grondin, and the Calgary Public Library.
Read more about "Stories 100 Reasons to Love the new Central Library"In kindergarten, a child’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn are encouraged through purposeful, play-based activities. These activities teach foundational literacy and numeracy skills, while fostering social and emotional development. Kindergarten is a great way for your child to learn what school is like while having fun, making new friends, and becoming part of their larger community. Whether your child has experienced preschool or not, there are lots of things you can do this spring or summer to help them feel kindergarten-confident this fall!Register your child for a FREE Calgary Public Library card. Get started with a Kindergarten Book Bag from your local Library, available in late April. There are no late fines and all Library programs are free. Explore TumbleBook Library to listen and read along to animated story books (in English, French, and Spanish). It also lets you play online games and watch science videos from National Geographic. This and other great eResources for kids are FREE through the Digital Library. Read books, snuggle, and sing together as much as you can. Point out the words, numbers, and letters in the world around you, wherever you are — at the bus stop, in a store, or in the kitchen. Speak, sing, read, and play together in your home language. Use pencils for writing and practice cutting with child-safe scissors. Make art and draw often. Help your child recognize their name in print. Visit your school’s playground this summer to become familiar with the school grounds and entrances. Encourage them to be a big helper at home by putting toys away and doing other simple tasks. Let your child practise dressing themselves, including outdoor clothing. Shoes with Velcro are a great beginner shoe. Let them practise opening and closing snack containers and using a water bottle. Encourage your child to go to the bathroom independently and wash their hands on their own. Practise going to bed early enough to get the recommended nine to eleven hours of sleep each night. Develop a routine of waking up with enough time you’ll need to get to school. Allow twice as much time for free indoor and outdoor play as time spent on screens. Talk about your child’s feelings around starting school. Assure them that it is normal to feel nervous and excited at the same time. Kindergarten is a big change for the whole family! Ready to register for kindergarten?Children entering kindergarten must turn five years old on or before December 31, 2021. All children must register through their designated school. For more detailed information, including where to find your child’s designated school and information for registering children who are not Canadian citizens, please visit:Calgary Board of Education Calgary Catholic School DistrictAlberta Education’s My Child’s Learning: A Parent Resource (Kindergarten)Check out these great reads to get excited and prepare for kindergarten! 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 calgarylibrary.ca/programs to register for the next live, online workshop in the series.
Read more about "Stories Top Tips to Get Ready for Kindergarten The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home"After painting for over a decade, Nada Khatib decided she wanted to turn her hobby into a full-time gig.Originally from Toronto, Nada had spent years working in the corporate sector, most recently in Bahrain, an island in the Persian Gulf. As Nada and her husband contemplated a move to Calgary, it felt like the right time to “take the plunge,” she says, and start anew.“I decided to just pursue what I felt was my dream job. Why not just go for it?” Nada says.Shortly after moving to Calgary in April 2018, Nada began researching the city’s art scene. “I wanted to get my art out there and be able to share it with people and have the community see it,” she says. Through her research online, she learned Calgary Public Library provides free space for art exhibits at eight libraries, and excitedly applied for the program. Selected artists receive one-month showings.New OpportunitiesA self-taught acrylic painter, Nada first exhibited her art at Bowness Library in October 2018. “It has been one of the most significant opportunities I’ve gotten to showcase my work, for free,” Nada says. “It’s something I’m so grateful for.” Nada paints with a palette knife to create lively textures in her pieces. Her vivid work is often inspired by nature, and since moving to Calgary, Nada has found fresh inspiration in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Following that first showing at Bowness Library, Nada’s colourful paintings have also brightened Crowfoot, Louise Riley, Central, and Country Hills libraries.“I love libraries, so it’s really nice to be able to fill such a great space with some artwork and colour,” Nada says. “It’s been a great experience to be at different libraries and in different neighbourhoods, and it’s led to lots of opportunities for me, such as commissions or sales or just general exposure.”Inspiring OthersSince becoming a full-time artist, Nada hasn’t looked back. She has sold over 150 original paintings, teaches painting and drawing, and is building her own company, Expression By Nada. Nada’s new career path breaks from her family’s traditions and expectations. “I always really enjoyed painting, but it didn’t seem possible in my upbringing and culture to do, because it’s not really considered a career,” says Nada, who is a first-generation Canadian.She loves to share her passion for the arts with younger people, showing them what’s possible. This summer, Nada will lead two free art classes at Central Library as part of Ultimate Summer Challenge. At the Acrylic Painting Techniques program, kids can learn about painting with a sponge, palette knife, fingers, and more.“I think libraries are such great places because there’s lots of kids and families here, and for them to be able to see my art and maybe get inspired, it’s exciting,” Nada says. “It’s nice to reach new people with my work.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories 'A Great Experience' Nada Khatib shares her Library Story with her art on display"Explore history in the complete archive of National Geographic.
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