Every Saturday afternoon, Iris Ngo can be found at Judith Umbach Library, volunteering for Math Quest. The Library buzzes as kids complete numeracy challenges throughout the building, with assistance from family members, youth volunteers, and Team Leads like Iris.“I really like working with the younger children, and also getting to know young people in the community who volunteer,” says Iris, a University of Calgary student earning a master’s degree in biochemistry. “I meet new people every week through this program.”Iris started volunteering for Calgary Public Library eight years ago, when she was 15. “I was really shy, so it was difficult for me to converse with people, and I thought volunteering would be a good way for me to get to know other people,” Iris says.For three years, Iris volunteered with the Reading Buddies program, sharing books and literacy games with young students. Initially, she was a nervous new volunteer, but says she quickly felt comfortable and loved witnessing how much her “little buddies” learned over the program.When Iris was 18, she moved into an adult volunteer role. With Math Quest, she acts as Team Lead for the drop-in program’s youth volunteers and participants, a role she greatly enjoys.“Math was the first subject that got me really interested in a science and technology-based career. I like that Math Quest is trying to break down that stereotype that math is hard,” she says.Iris is known as a friendly and fantastic volunteer, always smiling and willing to help. She is skilled at finding ways to keep both students and other volunteers engaged.Iris credits volunteering with helping shape her into who she is today. The formerly shy teenager is hard to recognize now; she excitedly approaches kids and asks if they want to play a math game. “That would never have happened without volunteering,” she says.“You never know how big of an impact volunteering can have on your life, as well as the people around you.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of youth or adult volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Iris Ngo Volunteering has impacted Iris' life in ways she didn't expect"Transformational $1 Million Grant an Investment in Early Learning at Calgary Public Library MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 16, 2017Calgary, AB — Calgary’s youngest citizens gathered at Saddletowne Library today to celebrate the opening of the first of four new Calgary Foundation Early Learning Centres, vibrant and interactive Library spaces for children age zero to five to engage in play-based learning. These new spaces are one of five pillars of the Library’s vision to create a world-leading public library model for early childhood learning.“Education is a key to success that opens doors for all,” said Eva Friesen, President & CEO, Calgary Foundation. “To ensure the health and well-being of the next generation, we’re pleased to support these Early Learning Centres, which will have a transformational impact on youth at a critical stage in their development.”The $1 million investment from the Calgary Foundation and an anonymous donor will establish Calgary Foundation Early Learning Centres (ELCs) at Saddletowne, Signal Hill, Forest Lawn and Crowfoot Libraries, increasing the Library’s number of ELCs from five to 10 by the end of the year. Funding from the Major & Signature Grant also enhanced training for staff and volunteers, providing them with tools to support children and families in our city.“Reaching children aged birth to five sets the course for their future,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, President & CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Libraries have always been huge proponents of early learning, and the Calgary Foundation’s investment will help the Library support families and children across our city—building an even stronger Calgary.”Early Learning Centres are one piece of the Library’s Early Learning Strategy, a comprehensive and transformative model for early childhood learning based on five areas of focus: spaces, people, collections, programs, and research. Guided by existing research and collaboration with various academic and community partners, the strategy aims to support local families and prepare children for lifelong learning and success. The strategy envisions the Library as a global leader in early learning research. View the full Early Learning Strategy at calgarylibrary.ca/publications.The Calgary Foundation is a Founding Partner of Add In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library. Through the Library Foundation, the Library is seeking $20 million of philanthropic investment in early learning as part of the Add In campaign. To support early learning at the Library, visit addin.ca/early-learning.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 600,000+ members, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 15.8 million physical and digital items and with 6.7 million in-person visits last year. Preparations are underway for the awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. New Central Library, to open in late 2018.Calgary Public Library FoundationAdd In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, is the largest public campaign for a public library in Canadian history. The $350 million campaign will enhance and support a system of community libraries across Calgary and is inspired by the New Central Library, which will open its doors to the world in 2018. To learn more about Add In and the Calgary Public Library’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit www.addin.ca.Calgary FoundationSince 1955, Calgary Foundation has been nurturing a healthy, vibrant, giving and caring community that values diversity and supports all people. We build a community where citizens are engaged, and where a strong and sustainable charitable sector serves the current and emerging needs of Calgary and area.- 30 -Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.caTaylor BarrieDirector, CommunicationsCalgary FoundationC: 403.542. 8445TBarrie@calgaryfoundation.org
Read more about "Stories"Easily borrow, place holds, read, listen and learn within the app in just a few taps. Browse thousands of eBooks, audiobooks and magazines from OverDrive instantly and for free with the Libby app. You can also take free online music classes with Artistworks or watch music performances, films and documentaries in Qello Concerts. Find them in the "Extras" section. Install the Libby app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Or, use the Libby app in your browser.
Read more about "The easiest way to borrow digital books, audiobooks, and magazines"Award-winning musician Daniel Pelton grew up in a musical household and has been playing saxophone since the age of nine. Studying under Dr. Jeremy Brown at the University of Calgary, Daniel became a versatile performer in classical, jazz, and contemporary music styles. Daniel also studied composition under Juno Award-winning composer Allan Gordon Bell.
Read more about "Meet Daniel Pelton"Stream the world's largest collection of on-demand full-length music performances, concert films, and music documentaries. Find Qello Concerts on the Libby app under the "Extras" section on the home screen. When you open Qello Concerts in Libby, you receive a free 7-day pass for unlimited access. After the pass expires, simply return to Libby to renew access for another week. Download the Libby App from the App Store or Google Play. Or, use the Libby app in your browser.
Read more about "Transform your mobile device into the ultimate live music concert experience"Stories come to life with animated pictures that help young children learn to read.
Read more about "Bookflix"In addition to certain Library Store products, this café sells hot beverages, juice boxes and pre-packaged snacks.
Read more about "Visit the LibraryStore+"Join us for a beginner ukulele lesson at the library. Our experienced music teacher will guide children through the basics of ukulele. This is a perfect choice for children who...
Read more about "My First Music Lesson - Ukulele"The Engine 23 experience Kids ages 0 – 12 will find age-appropriate and fun ways to engage in imaginative play and learning, with a hands-on approach to literacy skill-building and safety education. Our young patrons will be able to: Interact with a real, retired fire engine; listen to pre-recorded, fake emergency calls, lights and sounds Climb inside the back of the cab to interact with real switches and levers Explor e the upper level of the truck with a large map and small fire truck toys for children to learn navigation and map reading Try and “beat the clock” gett ing dressed up in fire gear Pretend to be firefighters in an imagination area Get Low and Go! Crawl through the tunnel and learn what to do in an emergency Enjoy s torytimes with real Calgary Fire Department firefighters Engine 23 is a partnership between Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Fire Department, and generously supported by the Calgary Public Library Foundation. You can learn more about the plans behind this play and learning experience and help Calgary Public Library get a ladder up on literacy by visiting the Calgary Public Library Foundation online.
Read more about "The Engine 23 experience"Walk into Central Library on a Wednesday morning and you’re likely to be greeted with a warm smile from Jackie Portelance. In her role with the Library’s Early Literacy Volunteer Corps (ELVC), Portelance’s responsibilities include shepherding youngsters to storytime with a firefighter at Engine 23 (the Library’s fire truck exhibit), encouraging safe play, and sharing early learning principles with families.“Volunteering is an uplifting part of my day,” Portelance says. “I think it’s very fulfilling, and I think it’s something everybody should experience.” Jackie started volunteering at the Library in October 2016, after retiring from her job as a chartered accountant. “I never had the time to volunteer when I was working, and I knew I wanted to give back to the community when I retired,” she says.Her lifelong love of reading led her to the Library, and she now volunteers with the ELVC, Computer Technology Coaching, and Special Events. ELVC members volunteer in the Library’s Early Learning Centres, designed to engage children ages five and under in play-based learning.At Central Library, Portelance loves the wide-eyed look from children when they first see Engine 23—or a firefighter—in the library. It’s exhilarating to be around youngsters’ enthusiasm and imagination, Portelance says. “No matter the day, something happens that makes me smile and laugh.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Jackie Portelance Jackie enjoys the enthusiasm and imagination kids bring to her volunteer work"Helping your student with their math homework? We can help take the stress out of studying. Make learning math a breeze with our free eResources that offer content tailored specifically for children and students developing their math skills. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. Bookflix Cuddle up and read with Bookflix! Find your favourite picture book classics paired with related fact books for early readers. Read aloud together or watch and listen to an animated version of the picture book. (Ages 5 – 8) Early readers can listen or read along to the book Everyone Uses Math to see how pilots, firefighters, and cooks use math every day. Then play a Word Match or Fact or Fiction game – they’re so fun, kids won’t even know they’re learning. Gale Virtual Reference Library Find full-text eBooks for learners of all ages in the Gale Virtual Reference Library on subjects including coding, business, science, and travel. Superheroes and surfers are the stars of this 15-title series of easy-to-understand math eBooks, from Funky Fractions and Edgy Equations to Glorious Geometry and Dynamic Denominators. (Ages 8 – 12) Solaro Find course lessons, reviews, and practice tests for students in grades 3 to 12 in Solaro. It follows Alberta curriculum and provides online access to the same information found in The Key study guides. (Ages 9 – 17) Find math lessons, flash cards, quizzes, and pre- and –post-assessments that directly support your child’s learning. For instance, the Grade Five section covers Numbers, Patterns and Equations, Geometry, Measurement, and Probability. brainfuse HelpNow brainfuse HelpNow offers free online tutoring for students studying Alberta curriculum. Students studying math in Grades 2 to 12 can access online help from 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily. Chat live with a tutor and create your own study tools with flashcards and games. 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. Try some fun and simple math and logic puzzles in the “Activities” section, like using math to find the secret code in your name or solving a numbered puzzle square.
Read more about "Stories Math eResources for ages 5 – 17"When Susan Calder’s husband was transferred to Calgary for work in 1996, she was happy to make the move with her young family. But, unfamiliar with her new city, she struggled to find reasons to get out of the house.“I wasn’t working when we first moved here — I was just writing, and spending time with the kids. So I really needed something to keep me active, keep me social,” she says.Her solution came during a trip to Fish Creek Library, when she picked up a copy of the Library’s program guide and noticed a listing for a book club. “I’d never been in a book club before, but I’d always been interested in the concept. It seemed the logical thing to do as a book lover,” she says.Susan fell in love with the club immediately. Not only did it give her a way to make new friends in Calgary, but she discovered that the group was full of people who shared her interest in and love of stories. They offered her a different way of looking at the written word, which helped her to improve her craft as an aspiring author.“It’s been incredibly useful to me as a writer,” she says, “because it’s a look at writing from the reader’s perspective. I can see how almost no book is loved by everybody — no matter how well written. You start to understand that it's really all a matter of taste, and you feel a lot better when people don’t like your work.”At 23 years, Susan is one of the longest-attending members of the book club. While her book club has since become too popular to accept new members, the Library offers other book discussion groups. “What’s really nice about the group is that we often disagree heartily, but there’s never any ill-will about it,” she says of her tight-knit reading community. “We respect each other, and the divergence of opinions is quite lovely. People come away with a bit more of an appreciation for the book, and each other's point of view. You feel like you’ve stretched a bit, and grown, for having read outside of your comfort zone."A New Book Club MemberLittle did Susan realize that her passion for the club wasn’t going unnoticed. Although her husband was an avid reader, she never would have imagined him wanting to join a book club. It came as a total shock when, shortly after he retired in 2007, he asked her if he could tag along to a meeting. “I’d go out on book club day, come home and tell him about some of the discussions — the people, what they had to say. I didn’t really realize that all these years I had basically been selling the book club to him.” Unsure if her husband, who mostly read murder-mystery novels, would be on the same page as her literary-loving friends, Susan was hesitant to allow him to join her, but eventually, she gave in. Luckily for both Susan and her husband, her fears never materialized. Her husband has been a member of the club for over a decade now, even volunteering to lead discussions on the occasion that the group pursues a murder-mystery.“We don’t often talk about the books before the club meets, because we don’t want to influence each other’s opinions,” she says, “We’re able to approach it as individuals. But we do sometimes like to talk about them after, and it’s a social event as well, so it gives us something extra in common that we can do together.”More PossibilitiesThe Library is about much more than books for Susan and her family. “When we moved to Calgary, the opportunities just opened up. There were more possibilities for me to engage with the Library. There was more offered to me,” she says.Aside from attending her monthly book club, she also sharpens her writing skills with workshops and writing programs, attending several each month. She and her husband frequently borrow DVDs and CDs to watch movies and listen to music, and once attended Tech Mentors for three weeks in a row to get help fixing their computer.“Right now, we’re planning a trip to Italy,” she says, “so I’ve just taken out a series of audiobooks and things to try to learn a few essential words of Italian before we go.”Susan also likes to give back to the Library, and frequently shares her talents through panel discussions and readings of her work. Now an accomplished local author, Susan discussed her latest book, To Catch a Fox, in May at the Writing as Medicine program, and will discuss her contributions to the literary art exhibit Print(ed) Word: The Salon Series, which is displayed in the Central Library's TD Great Reading Room, in August.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 Opportunities Just Opened Up' A book club at the Library was the beginning of Susan Calder's Library Story"100L, H, 4.6…OMG! Understanding Reading Levels Did you know that the children’s collection at Calgary Public Library includes thousands of books? With so many options, it can be intimidating to choose books for your growing reader.One way to choose reading material is based on a book’s reading level. Reading levels are common in a school setting but can be confusing for caregivers wondering how reading levels apply to their child’s learning-to-read journey.What are reading levels?Schools may use a variety of leveling systems to help guide the book choices children make when reading. “Leveled readers” allow students to be challenged enough by the book that they are growing as readers, but not so challenged that they have lost all meaning and enjoyment from it. Books organized by reading levels are a classroom tool, meant for schools and the school market. In some cases, leveled-readers series can only be purchased by schools and the rights are not available for public libraries.Using leveled readers is just one way for students to experience books and to support the learning-to-read journey. Reading levels do not always align with a child’s age or ensure that a reader at that level will be personally interested in the topic.“A level is a teacher’s tool, not a child’s label.” (Fountas and Pinnell) There are several reading level book series you may come across, including these common systems:Fountas and Pinnell is one of the most widely used leveled reader series in the classroom. This publisher assesses the text of a book on criteria including word count, high frequency words, and sentence complexity. There are 27 Fountas and Pinnell reading levels.The Accelerated Reader (or AR) program was developed by Renaissance Learning, Inc. and uses quizzes to assess a reader’s skill. Their system of leveling books is called the ATOS® reading formula, which evaluates the text of a book based on average sentence length, average word length, vocabulary grade level, and number of words in the book. ATOS levels are numerical — the lower the ATOS® score, the easier the text should be.The Lexile Framework measures both an individual’s reading ability and a text’s readability. The Lexile levels are based on reading comprehension tests taken by students across the United States. The Lexile ranges change when new test scores are reported. Generally, the lower the number, the simpler the text. The letters before the Lexile numbers are “Lexile codes,” two-letter designations to give more information about the book. For example, AD stands for Adult-Directed, which is for books meant to be read to children by an adult.Publisher leveled readers are usually a series of books with their own system of leveling that vary from publisher to publisher. These books can be purchased at a bookstore or found at the Library and may also be used in a classroom. At Calgary Public Library, these books are called “X Books” or “Easy Readers.” For example, HarperCollins produces the popular “I Can Read!” series, which has six levels. The title Batman: Dino Dilemma is a level 2 reader, which the publisher says is geared towards kids who can read on their own but still need a little help.Should I use reading levels at home?While it may be helpful to understand what reading levels mean, recent best practice in education and public libraries is to focus on fostering a love for reading first. Children learn to love reading when they are allowed to read what they want and families read together often in English and/or in their home language. Public libraries have books published in a wide range of world languages.Reading above or below the level that corresponds with the student’s grade or age is fine and often encouraged. A reader may be drawn to a challenging or “stretch” book if it’s about a particular topic that they enjoy. This is a great workout for their reading brain and an opportunity to share a good book together. A reader may also find it enjoyable and relaxing to read a book that is easier and familiar. Building positive associations with reading can help a child become a reader for life.Tip to Try When Choosing A New Book:Have your child choose a book that they will enjoy. Invite them to read the second page. Together, hold up a finger for each word they are not sure of or do not know. If there are five or more words they did not know, consider an easier book. If your child needs support to help them become a stronger reader, consult an education professional.Where should I start?The Library’s children’s collection complements kids that are learning to read and aims to support them by encouraging a love of reading. While the X Book or “Easy Reader” collection is targeted for kids learning to read, there are other collections that children enjoy, such as Z picture books, audio books, and nonfiction. Choose books with high interest characters, great illustrations, and humour to help keep readers engaged. An interested reader who is having fun is more likely to keep reading.The most important thing to do is to encourage any reading. All reading is good reading, whether fiction, nonfiction, comic books, chapter books, audio books, or picture books. Library staff are happy to help recommend amazing stories that are a great fit for your growing reader, whether in print or digital format. See a list of staff recommendations of Easy Readers for every reader.Easy readers and other collections are also available in digital format through OverDrive and TumbleBook Library, with audio options and accessibility features. Exploring a variety of formats helps children experience the joy of reading in different ways.Additional Resources:Reading Rockets Scholastic Family Literacy Brochure from the Calgary Board of Education 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 Programs page to register for the next live online workshop in the series, coming up in January.
Read more about "Stories"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up our favourite sensory activities for preschoolers who love to paint — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love getting a little messy?Sensory Spice Painting This simple activity engages the senses with fragrant spices and encourages your little one’s fine-motor skills as they mix and paint with brushes. What you’ll need:Paper, washable white paint, four small containers, four paint brushes, and four kinds of ground spices like cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, and cardamomWhat to do:Pour washable white paint into four small containers or bowls, then add one spice to each bowl. The more spice you add, the deeper the colour. Use paint brushes to mix the spices into the paint until blended. Watch your preschooler paint with the beautiful and fragrant earth-toned shades. Be mindful that spice paints have the potential to stain clothes. Sensory tip: ask them which spice they like the smell of best, and why. Shaving Cream Finger Painting Soft, cool, and fluffy, shaving cream is a sensory delight for little hands to play in — you don’t even need paint brushes for this activity. What you’ll need: Shaving cream, kitchen table or tray, rags for cleaningWhat to do: Spray shaving cream on your kitchen table (or a cookie tray) and let children spread it all over with their hands. They can squish it between their fingers, draw pictures in it, or practice their letters. Give them wet rags to clean it up with after, and you’ll have a sparkling clean table. Snow PaintingIf there’s snow outside, this is a great way to engage in outdoor sensory play with preschoolers. What you’ll need:Spray bottles, food colouring, snow What to do:Fill spray bottles with water and add food colouring to each bottle. Spray the coloured water on the snow to write letters, create pictures, or turn your backyard into a snowy rainbow. Your preschooler’s creativity will shine with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:Craftulate: Sensory Spice PaintingLittle Rock Family: 6 Sensory-Stimulating Activities using Common Household ItemsFive Minute Fun: Five-minute Sensory Play Ideas
Read more about "Stories Three Sensory Activities for Preschoolers Who Love to Paint"Did you know that sensory play lays an important foundation for your child’s learning? It encourages brain development, open-ended thinking, fine motor skill building, and even language learning. We’ve rounded up our favourite sensory activities for preschoolers who love to paint — all you need are a few household objects. Besides, who doesn’t love getting a little messy? Sensory Spice Painting This simple activity engages the senses with fragrant spices and encourages your little one’s fine-motor skills as they mix and paint with brushes. What you’ll need:Paper, washable white paint, four small containers, four paint brushes, and four kinds of ground spices like cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, and cardamomWhat to do:Pour washable white paint into four small containers or bowls, then add one spice to each bowl. The more spice you add, the deeper the colour. Use paint brushes to mix the spices into the paint until blended. Watch your preschooler paint with the beautiful and fragrant earth-toned shades. Be mindful that spice paints have the potential to stain clothes. Sensory tip: ask them which spice they like the smell of best, and why. Shaving Cream Finger Painting Soft, cool, and fluffy, shaving cream is a sensory delight for little hands to play in — you don’t even need paint brushes for this activity. What you’ll need: Shaving cream, kitchen table or tray, rags for cleaningWhat to do: Spray shaving cream on your kitchen table (or a cookie tray) and let children spread it all over with their hands. They can squish it between their fingers, draw pictures in it, or practice their letters. Give them wet rags to clean it up with after, and you’ll have a sparkling clean table. Snow PaintingIf there’s snow outside, this is a great way to engage in outdoor sensory play with preschoolers. What you’ll need:Spray bottles, food colouring, snow What to do:Fill spray bottles with water and add food colouring to each bottle. Spray the coloured water on the snow to write letters, create pictures, or turn your backyard into a snowy rainbow. Your preschooler’s creativity will shine with these simple but engaging sensory activities. Want even more great early literacy activities you can do at home? Be sure to check out our Library at Home section for more resources like these.Not yet a member? Sign up for your free Library card.Sources:Craftulate: Sensory Spice PaintingLittle Rock Family: 6 Sensory-Stimulating Activities using Common Household ItemsFive Minute Fun: Five-minute Sensory Play Ideas
Read more about "Stories Three Sensory Activities for Preschoolers Who Love to Paint"