World Book is a collection of online encyclopedias which can teach you all kinds of things. Calgary Public Library has four versions you can choose from in the Digital Library. World Book Online for Kids is great for young readers. World Book Online Student is meant for elementary and junior high students. World Book Advanced is perfect for high school assignments. World Book Timelines is an interactive database of world events.
Watch films, documentaries, animations, and shorts from 1917 to the present. Expand your mind with educational playlists on topics important to Canadians, such as: Diversity and Inclusion, Indigenous Voices and Reconciliation, and Provinces and Territories. Explore more with the interactive websites, apps, installations, and virtual reality built by NFB. Teachers, access exclusive educational resources in CAMPUS. Read the CAMPUS User Guide for more information.
Read more about "Films that take a stand on issues of global importance that matter to Canadians"Search by author, work, or topic to find full-text scholarly journals, biographies, and critiques.
Read more about "Literature Resource Center"For immediate release(CALGARY, AB) As Central Library gets ready to commemorate the second anniversary of its new location in the East Village, there is even more reason to celebrate as the building was recently awarded LEED® Gold certification for the design and construction of the 240,000 square foot downtown location.Since opening on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed 2.3 million visitors and received several awards for architectural design and programming. “Central Library represents the evolution of libraries as vibrant and inclusive community hubs, and I think Calgarians have embraced the building because it also speaks to the future of Calgary and all the potential our city has,” says Mark Asberg, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “Being recognized as a LEED Gold project reflects the hard work of the project team and Calgary’s commitment to thoughtful city planning.” LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The certification is measured through an extensive set of requirements, some of which include electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and healthier environments for visitors and employees who use the facility to work, learn, and play. Designed by Snøhetta and DIALOG, Central Library includes sustainably sourced red cedar wood from nearby British Columbia, a 30% reduction in indoor water use, climate control, and energy efficient upgrades which contribute to more than 26% in energy cost savings. Outside of the building, storm water is stored to irrigate the drought-tolerant plants surrounding the entry plaza and outdoor amphitheatre. “When we first started this project, our aspiration was to design a building that reflected the importance of sustainability both in its design and operations for years to come,” recalls Kate Thompson, President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “This certification reinforces the hard work of the project team to meet this goal and a reflection of the importance of investing in public spaces that continue to hold significance as the environment changes around us.” All Library locations were closed on March 16 due to COVID-19, and some locations began reopening in late June, with all locations reopening at regular hours by July 20. The building’s air filtration and (more)ventilation system is one of the sustainable features that proved significant in the effort to reopen Central Library.“We knew our community needed our locations to reopen, and we’re proud that we reopened quickly and safely to provide much-needed public service. Central Library gave us a special opportunity to utilize its size and ventilation system to provide an optimal location to respond to COVID-19 and safely welcome back Calgarians,” says Asberg.While there will be no physical event to celebrate Central Library’s second birthday, the Library will be launching a week of digital celebrations, including special interviews, retrospectives on the project, and daily giveaways, culminating in hourly giveaways on the Library’s social media platforms from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2. For details, follow @calgarylibrary on your favourite social media channel.The LEED Gold Certification marks a multi-level commitment between the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, The City of Calgary, and Calgary Public Library.To learn more about the Central Library’s building features, LEED certification, and how you can visit it and the other 20 locations across Calgary, visit calgarylibrary.ca. - 30 -Central Library Sustainable FeaturesThe use of energy efficient building upgrades contributes to over 26% energy cost savings. During construction, over 79% of construction waste materials were diverted from landfill. Improved indoor environmental quality with increased outdoor air volume, over and above code minimum. Exceptional connection to public transit network reduces the need for parking and greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle use. Reduced water use by storing stormwater for irrigation and using low demanding fixtures and flush valves. 100% of wood in the project is Forest Stewardship Council certified to indicate best practices in sustainable forestry. Solar shades are positioned in the Oculus skylight to reflect the sun’s heat and mitigate glare. Thousands of small reflective ceramic dots on the exterior windows prevents the sun's glare from heating the building. Secure bicycle storage and commuter facilities are provided to encourage healthy transportation. Fast Facts on Central Library Since Opening2,391,104 visits 100,840 new members 32,675 room bookings 313,830 computer sessions 6,516 programs delivered 135,757 program attendees Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is one of North America’s largest municipal library systems, with Calgarians borrowing more than 15 million physical and digital items and over 7 million in-person visits last year. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City's objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.Media ContactsNina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman1.403.630.6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com Amy CastleSenior Manager, CommunicationsCalgary Municipal Land Corporation587.333.1584ACastle@calgarymlc.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary's Central Library celebrates two years of operation and a LEED Gold Certification"In a time when we’re being called to stay home, there are still plenty of ways to spend time together. In addition to your favourite online Library resources, patrons of all ages can find fun, at-home learning opportunities from educators and organizations offering innovative solutions for staying connected. Science Get a Daily Dose of the Calgary Zoo on their YouTube channel, where they share short, behind-the-scenes videos with their critters. Explore the surface of Mars from the eyes of NASA’s Curiosity rover, or check out their Image of the Day gallery for a high-definition intergalactic image, with fun facts about what you’re seeing. Kids can also tune in for science-themed stories read by astronauts on the International Space Station with Storytime from Space. Art You might know acclaimed children’s author Mo Willems for his books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Elephant and Piggy (and this beloved illustrator also designed the Library’s Story Truck). Now you can learn to draw at home with his Lunch Doodles series. Interested in classic artworks? Follow along with #GlenbowFromHome, which includes online gallery tours and other free at-home activities from the Glenbow Museum. Music Freegal is our favourite way to stream contemporary tunes, but if you’re craving a live concert, look no further than the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. They have countless hours of concert footage saved to their YouTube channel, ready for you to have a night out at home. Tours You might not be able to leave your house, but you can still go on an at-home adventure with these online tours. Check out these 12 museums you can visit online to experience their exhibits from your couch. Feel like going for a hike? Visit Yellowstone National Park, make the trek along the Great Wall of China, or browse the botanical gardens of the Cincinnati Zoo. Relaxing Want to kick back and chill out during this time at home? Take some time to unwind and listen to Canadian authors share readings of their work. Create some quality time with your family with cooking lessons with Food Network Kitchen chef Michael Symon — or if your board game cupboard is a little empty, play games together online. Looking for more fun to be had at home? Check out the Digital Library for more free resources.
Read more about "Stories"MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 13, 2018Calgary, AB — The Library is the place to be this summer. Calgary Public Library invites kids, families, and teens to join the Ultimate Summer Challenge, involving more than 500 free programs at 20 libraries.Visit a Library this summer and you might be surprised at what you find: concerts, wandering magicians, exploding science experiments, dance classes, drumming circles, splatter painting, bunny obstacle courses, family yoga, tiny book making, puppy rooms, gardening, and much more. Calgary Public Library is partnering with nearly 40 local artists and community organizations to deliver free workshops, performances, demonstrations, and large-scale installations from now until September 7.The Ultimate Summer Challenge provides fun and educational experiences for everybody. The Library knows not all families can afford camps or lessons while school is out, so all 500+ programs are free. In addition to attending programs at libraries, kids and families can track their reading on Challenge Maps, while teens can complete online challenges. Everybody who registers for Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered to win awesome prizes, including iPads, Library Boss for a Day, and Chromebooks.“This year’s edition of our annual summer learning program is unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead, Calgary Public Library. “We’re offering free science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math programs. Kids are sure to be surprised, delighted — and learn something new — when they visit the Library this summer.”The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids held by Canadian public libraries. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for a full list of community partners, upcoming programs (including dates and descriptions), and registration details.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 630,000+ members and 20 locations, 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 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library403.774.7256Mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"CALGARY, AB – Today, Linda and Mike Shaikh, local philanthropists and community-builders, announced a gift to support school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic and over the summer months when school is out.“When schools closed mid-March, thousands of parents in our city found themselves home-schooling. Education is deeply important to our family, and we want to ensure Calgary’s children have the tools they need to continue their life-long learning journey, whether they’re learning remotely or out of school during the summer,” says Mike Shaikh.Summer Slide refers to the annual challenge for school-aged children to retain learning achievements from the previous school year over the summer months. Summer Slide can disproportionately affect students from lower-income households, creating gaps amongst peers and a harder return to school in September.“Summer Slide is something the Library addresses every year through our Ultimate Summer Challenge, but this year due to COVID-19, the program had to move to a virtual environment,” says Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead for school-age programming at the Calgary Public Library. “This funding allows us to create more online engagement opportunities and provide students with fun, curriculum-connected resources to prepare them for school success and help families navigate this challenging time.”The Shaikh’s gift will support programs and resources for school-aged children at the Library, including: Collections; Beanstack, a free app that encourages children to read with customized reading lists and challenges; and the Ultimate Summer Challenge, the Library’s popular annual summer kids program. Last year, Calgary kids and teens recorded nearly 300,000 hours of reading over the summer.Ultimate Summer Challenge registration is free and can be completed online or at any reopened Library location. In addition to tracking reading hours with a printable Challenge Map, kids can now earn digital badges through Beanstack by completing reading goals and learn at home activities.Teens can complete online challenges and creative projects to earn more chances at winning a prize. Everyone who registers for the Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered into the grand prize draw for amazing items, including iPads, Chromebooks, or customized picture books.The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids in Canadian public libraries. The Ultimate Summer Challenge is also supported by J K L MacLachlan Family Fund. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for more information and to register.In 2015, Linda and Mike Shaikh made a $1 million leadership donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which was recognized with the naming of the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery in Central Library.- 30 -Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. 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 million physical and digital items and with over 7 million in-person visits last year.Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Media Contacts:Nina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman403.630.6055Nina.Rehill@edelman.comRachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543rachael@libraryfoundation.ca
Read more about "Stories Gift from Local Philanthropists Help Calgary Students Learn Over the Summer Funds support Calgary Public Library programs to address learning challenges during COVID-19"For immediate release(CALGARY, AB) As Central Library gets ready to commemorate the second anniversary of its new location in the East Village, there is even more reason to celebrate as the building was recently awarded LEED® Gold certification for the design and construction of the 240,000 square foot downtown location.Since opening on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed 2.3 million visitors and received several awards for architectural design and programming. “Central Library represents the evolution of libraries as vibrant and inclusive community hubs, and I think Calgarians have embraced the building because it also speaks to the future of Calgary and all the potential our city has,” says Mark Asberg, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “Being recognized as a LEED Gold project reflects the hard work of the project team and Calgary’s commitment to thoughtful city planning.” LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The certification is measured through an extensive set of requirements, some of which include electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and healthier environments for visitors and employees who use the facility to work, learn, and play. Designed by Snøhetta and DIALOG, Central Library includes sustainably sourced red cedar wood from nearby British Columbia, a 30% reduction in indoor water use, climate control, and energy efficient upgrades which contribute to more than 26% in energy cost savings. Outside of the building, storm water is stored to irrigate the drought-tolerant plants surrounding the entry plaza and outdoor amphitheatre. “When we first started this project, our aspiration was to design a building that reflected the importance of sustainability both in its design and operations for years to come,” recalls Kate Thompson, President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “This certification reinforces the hard work of the project team to meet this goal and a reflection of the importance of investing in public spaces that continue to hold significance as the environment changes around us.” All Library locations were closed on March 16 due to COVID-19, and some locations began reopening in late June, with all locations reopening at regular hours by July 20. The building’s air filtration and (more)ventilation system is one of the sustainable features that proved significant in the effort to reopen Central Library.“We knew our community needed our locations to reopen, and we’re proud that we reopened quickly and safely to provide much-needed public service. Central Library gave us a special opportunity to utilize its size and ventilation system to provide an optimal location to respond to COVID-19 and safely welcome back Calgarians,” says Asberg.While there will be no physical event to celebrate Central Library’s second birthday, the Library will be launching a week of digital celebrations, including special interviews, retrospectives on the project, and daily giveaways, culminating in hourly giveaways on the Library’s social media platforms from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2. For details, follow @calgarylibrary on your favourite social media channel.The LEED Gold Certification marks a multi-level commitment between the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, The City of Calgary, and Calgary Public Library.To learn more about the Central Library’s building features, LEED certification, and how you can visit it and the other 20 locations across Calgary, visit calgarylibrary.ca. - 30 -Central Library Sustainable FeaturesThe use of energy efficient building upgrades contributes to over 26% energy cost savings. During construction, over 79% of construction waste materials were diverted from landfill. Improved indoor environmental quality with increased outdoor air volume, over and above code minimum. Exceptional connection to public transit network reduces the need for parking and greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle use. Reduced water use by storing stormwater for irrigation and using low demanding fixtures and flush valves. 100% of wood in the project is Forest Stewardship Council certified to indicate best practices in sustainable forestry. Solar shades are positioned in the Oculus skylight to reflect the sun’s heat and mitigate glare. Thousands of small reflective ceramic dots on the exterior windows prevents the sun's glare from heating the building. Secure bicycle storage and commuter facilities are provided to encourage healthy transportation. Fast Facts on Central Library Since Opening2,391,104 visits 100,840 new members 32,675 room bookings 313,830 computer sessions 6,516 programs delivered 135,757 program attendees Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is one of North America’s largest municipal library systems, with Calgarians borrowing more than 15 million physical and digital items and over 7 million in-person visits last year. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City's objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.Media ContactsNina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman1.403.630.6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com Amy CastleSenior Manager, CommunicationsCalgary Municipal Land Corporation587.333.1584ACastle@calgarymlc.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary's Central Library celebrates two years of operation and a LEED Gold Certification"For immediate release(CALGARY, AB) As Central Library gets ready to commemorate the second anniversary of its new location in the East Village, there is even more reason to celebrate as the building was recently awarded LEED® Gold certification for the design and construction of the 240,000 square foot downtown location.Since opening on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed 2.3 million visitors and received several awards for architectural design and programming. “Central Library represents the evolution of libraries as vibrant and inclusive community hubs, and I think Calgarians have embraced the building because it also speaks to the future of Calgary and all the potential our city has,” says Mark Asberg, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “Being recognized as a LEED Gold project reflects the hard work of the project team and Calgary’s commitment to thoughtful city planning.” LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. The certification is measured through an extensive set of requirements, some of which include electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and healthier environments for visitors and employees who use the facility to work, learn, and play. Designed by Snøhetta and DIALOG, Central Library includes sustainably sourced red cedar wood from nearby British Columbia, a 30% reduction in indoor water use, climate control, and energy efficient upgrades which contribute to more than 26% in energy cost savings. Outside of the building, storm water is stored to irrigate the drought-tolerant plants surrounding the entry plaza and outdoor amphitheatre. “When we first started this project, our aspiration was to design a building that reflected the importance of sustainability both in its design and operations for years to come,” recalls Kate Thompson, President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. “This certification reinforces the hard work of the project team to meet this goal and a reflection of the importance of investing in public spaces that continue to hold significance as the environment changes around us.” All Library locations were closed on March 16 due to COVID-19, and some locations began reopening in late June, with all locations reopening at regular hours by July 20. The building’s air filtration and (more)ventilation system is one of the sustainable features that proved significant in the effort to reopen Central Library.“We knew our community needed our locations to reopen, and we’re proud that we reopened quickly and safely to provide much-needed public service. Central Library gave us a special opportunity to utilize its size and ventilation system to provide an optimal location to respond to COVID-19 and safely welcome back Calgarians,” says Asberg.While there will be no physical event to celebrate Central Library’s second birthday, the Library will be launching a week of digital celebrations, including special interviews, retrospectives on the project, and daily giveaways, culminating in hourly giveaways on the Library’s social media platforms from noon to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 and Monday, November 2. For details, follow @calgarylibrary on your favourite social media channel.The LEED Gold Certification marks a multi-level commitment between the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, The City of Calgary, and Calgary Public Library.To learn more about the Central Library’s building features, LEED certification, and how you can visit it and the other 20 locations across Calgary, visit calgarylibrary.ca. - 30 -Central Library Sustainable FeaturesThe use of energy efficient building upgrades contributes to over 26% energy cost savings. During construction, over 79% of construction waste materials were diverted from landfill. Improved indoor environmental quality with increased outdoor air volume, over and above code minimum. Exceptional connection to public transit network reduces the need for parking and greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicle use. Reduced water use by storing stormwater for irrigation and using low demanding fixtures and flush valves. 100% of wood in the project is Forest Stewardship Council certified to indicate best practices in sustainable forestry. Solar shades are positioned in the Oculus skylight to reflect the sun’s heat and mitigate glare. Thousands of small reflective ceramic dots on the exterior windows prevents the sun's glare from heating the building. Secure bicycle storage and commuter facilities are provided to encourage healthy transportation. Fast Facts on Central Library Since Opening2,391,104 visits 100,840 new members 32,675 room bookings 313,830 computer sessions 6,516 programs delivered 135,757 program attendees Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is one of North America’s largest municipal library systems, with Calgarians borrowing more than 15 million physical and digital items and over 7 million in-person visits last year. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City's objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.Media ContactsNina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman1.403.630.6055Nina.rehill@edelman.com Amy CastleSenior Manager, CommunicationsCalgary Municipal Land Corporation587.333.1584ACastle@calgarymlc.ca
Read more about "Stories Calgary's Central Library celebrates two years of operation and a LEED Gold Certification"CALGARY, AB – Today, Linda and Mike Shaikh, local philanthropists and community-builders, announced a gift to support school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic and over the summer months when school is out.“When schools closed mid-March, thousands of parents in our city found themselves home-schooling. Education is deeply important to our family, and we want to ensure Calgary’s children have the tools they need to continue their life-long learning journey, whether they’re learning remotely or out of school during the summer,” says Mike Shaikh.Summer Slide refers to the annual challenge for school-aged children to retain learning achievements from the previous school year over the summer months. Summer Slide can disproportionately affect students from lower-income households, creating gaps amongst peers and a harder return to school in September.“Summer Slide is something the Library addresses every year through our Ultimate Summer Challenge, but this year due to COVID-19, the program had to move to a virtual environment,” says Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead for school-age programming at the Calgary Public Library. “This funding allows us to create more online engagement opportunities and provide students with fun, curriculum-connected resources to prepare them for school success and help families navigate this challenging time.”The Shaikh’s gift will support programs and resources for school-aged children at the Library, including: Collections; Beanstack, a free app that encourages children to read with customized reading lists and challenges; and the Ultimate Summer Challenge, the Library’s popular annual summer kids program. Last year, Calgary kids and teens recorded nearly 300,000 hours of reading over the summer.Ultimate Summer Challenge registration is free and can be completed online or at any reopened Library location. In addition to tracking reading hours with a printable Challenge Map, kids can now earn digital badges through Beanstack by completing reading goals and learn at home activities.Teens can complete online challenges and creative projects to earn more chances at winning a prize. Everyone who registers for the Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered into the grand prize draw for amazing items, including iPads, Chromebooks, or customized picture books.The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids in Canadian public libraries. The Ultimate Summer Challenge is also supported by J K L MacLachlan Family Fund. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for more information and to register.In 2015, Linda and Mike Shaikh made a $1 million leadership donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which was recognized with the naming of the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery in Central Library.- 30 -Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. 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 million physical and digital items and with over 7 million in-person visits last year.Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Media Contacts:Nina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman403.630.6055Nina.Rehill@edelman.comRachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543rachael@libraryfoundation.ca
Read more about "Stories Gift from Local Philanthropists Help Calgary Students Learn Over the Summer Funds support Calgary Public Library programs to address learning challenges during COVID-19"1. Love podcasts? You’re going to love our new speaker series. Podcast Live! features leading podcasters and innovators behind popular shows like “Radiolab” and “Invisible City.” Learn about and register for upcoming free events on our programs page.2. Can you imagine climbing Mount Everest or scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands? A new virtual reality program lets you do just that. VR Explorers is a program that takes kids ages six to 12 on an immersive virtual reality journey with Google Expeditions. It’s offered at Central Library; find out when on our programs page.3. You already know you can use Library resources in-person or online … but did you know the Library can also come to you? We have five mobile libraries rolling into communities around Calgary. Our Book Trucks and Story Trucks bring the Library to schools, community events, and day homes.4. Indigenous Language Revitalization camps are now part of Library programming! In partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, free beginner camps were offered in the fall of 2018, to learn Blackfoot, Cree, and Michif. The Library plans to offer more Indigenous Language programs in 2019.5. There’s fun new places just for Calgary kids! Our Early Learning Centres are designed to encourage young children to learn through play, and now there are now 12 of these Early Learning Centres at libraries around Calgary! Our newest spaces include a real helicopter inside Seton Library, plus a chance to discover dinosaurs at Country Hills Library.6. You can now use your Library card to take online music lessons — the same card that also allows you to borrow musical instruments for free. ArtistWorks for Libraries is an Digital Resource full of step-by-step video music lessons with experts. Watch videos on many instruments, including guitar, banjo, ukulele, trumpet, piano and drums.7. There’s a new way to get your news with Calgary Public Library. Our E-Library, already home to Digital Resources like Newspaper Source Plus and PressReader, now grants access to the New York Times Online. Find all our newsy online resources on this list.8. With exciting new residency programs at the Central Library, you can now learn from an artist and historian. Attend talks, events, and workshops, or schedule office hours with our historian in residence and view art by our artist in residence.PLUS your Library card gives you access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, free meeting rooms, $5 of free printing each month, hundreds of in-person programs, popular magazines, free music, language learning resources, free films, online courses … the list goes on and on! Check out our original list of 15 Library Card Perks to learn more.Not yet a Library card member? Sign up online now or visit any Library location to get your free card.
Read more about "Stories Eight New Library Perks You Need to Know About Now"CALGARY, AB – Today, Linda and Mike Shaikh, local philanthropists and community-builders, announced a gift to support school-aged children during the COVID-19 pandemic and over the summer months when school is out.“When schools closed mid-March, thousands of parents in our city found themselves home-schooling. Education is deeply important to our family, and we want to ensure Calgary’s children have the tools they need to continue their life-long learning journey, whether they’re learning remotely or out of school during the summer,” says Mike Shaikh.Summer Slide refers to the annual challenge for school-aged children to retain learning achievements from the previous school year over the summer months. Summer Slide can disproportionately affect students from lower-income households, creating gaps amongst peers and a harder return to school in September.“Summer Slide is something the Library addresses every year through our Ultimate Summer Challenge, but this year due to COVID-19, the program had to move to a virtual environment,” says Kate Schutz, Service Design Lead for school-age programming at the Calgary Public Library. “This funding allows us to create more online engagement opportunities and provide students with fun, curriculum-connected resources to prepare them for school success and help families navigate this challenging time.”The Shaikh’s gift will support programs and resources for school-aged children at the Library, including: Collections; Beanstack, a free app that encourages children to read with customized reading lists and challenges; and the Ultimate Summer Challenge, the Library’s popular annual summer kids program. Last year, Calgary kids and teens recorded nearly 300,000 hours of reading over the summer.Ultimate Summer Challenge registration is free and can be completed online or at any reopened Library location. In addition to tracking reading hours with a printable Challenge Map, kids can now earn digital badges through Beanstack by completing reading goals and learn at home activities.Teens can complete online challenges and creative projects to earn more chances at winning a prize. Everyone who registers for the Ultimate Summer Challenge is entered into the grand prize draw for amazing items, including iPads, Chromebooks, or customized picture books.The Ultimate Summer Challenge is part of the TD Summer Reading Club, which is a national program for kids in Canadian public libraries. The Ultimate Summer Challenge is also supported by J K L MacLachlan Family Fund. Visit calgarylibrary.ca/summer for more information and to register.In 2015, Linda and Mike Shaikh made a $1 million leadership donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which was recognized with the naming of the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery in Central Library.- 30 -Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. 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 million physical and digital items and with over 7 million in-person visits last year.Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation empowers people to make a difference in their community. All donations received through the Library Foundation cultivate innovation and bring the Library to those who need it most. Our 21,500 donors are helping to build a stronger Calgary.Media Contacts:Nina RehillAccount ExecutiveEdelman403.630.6055Nina.Rehill@edelman.comRachael TernerCommunications ManagerCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543rachael@libraryfoundation.ca
Read more about "Stories Gift from Local Philanthropists Help Calgary Students Learn Over the Summer Funds support Calgary Public Library programs to address learning challenges during COVID-19"When it comes to learning the alphabet, preschoolers benefit from repeated exposure and varied practice with letters. If you’re looking for fun ways to incorporate the alphabet into your child’s day, these simple indoor games are easy to replicate at home and provide a variety of ways to engage with the alphabet.You’ll find both calm, quiet activities to keep them occupied, and more active games that will help them burn off energy. Ready? Let’s have fun with letters!Alphabet Connect-the-DotsThis simple activity promotes letter recognition and gets little bodies moving.What you’ll need: A long roll of art or butcher paper, or sheets of paper taped together, and crayons or markersWhat to do:To start, choose five or six letters to focus on (aim for a mix of letters they know well and letters that are more of a challenge). Using a long roll of paper and some crayons or markers, write the first letter you’ve chosen in random spots on the paper. Then move on to the next letter and do the same thing, until all the letters are written. Each letter should repeat about eight to ten times on the paper. Hand your preschooler a crayon and ask them to draw a line connecting the letters which are the same. For example, they may choose to start with the letter “G” and connect all of the “Gs” they see with their crayon. Source: Hands On As We Grow website Secret LettersWho doesn’t love receiving a secret message? This exciting activity combines the delight of revealing a hidden message with letter recognition practice. What you’ll need: White paper, white crayon, watercolour paint (or homemade paints made of jello powder or fruit juice), and a paintbrush What to do:Use a white crayon to write hidden letters or words on the paper. Hand the note to your child to paint over with watercolours. As they paint, the white wax of the crayon is revealed. See if they can read your message or tell you what letters they see appearing. Note: the message can be adapted to your child’s age and reading level. For toddlers, pictures and squiggles are fun to discover, while older children may be ready for words, phrases, or sentences.Source: Busy Toddler website At-Home Alphabet HuntLetters are everywhere: the cover of a book, a bottle of dish soap, the side of a box. This simple activity reminds little learners that there are letters all around them and promotes everyday reading. What you’ll need:Marker, pad of paper, pencil What to do: On a pad of paper, write out the entire alphabet with a marker in the style of a grocery list, with one letter on each line. Pass your little one the pad and pencil and go on a hunt around your house (or even your neighbourhood) together and have them check off the letters they find on their search. Can they find them all?Source: No Time for Flashcards website Fishing for LettersThis engaging activity fosters the imagination and helps preschoolers learn to recognize letters outside of their alphabetized order. What you’ll need: alphabet fridge magnets, extra magnet, string or yarn, cloth or fabric to act as “water," popsicle stick or wooden spoon, baking sheet (optional)What to do: Create a pretend fishing rod by tying an extra magnet to a piece of yarn at the end of a popsicle stick or wooden spoon, so that the magnet dangles like the hook on a fishing rod. Spread alphabet magnets over some cloth (using blue fabric is a fun touch to represent water) and go fishing for magnets! Tell your child to “stay on the shore” and pick up magnets without walking on the cloth. Each time they “catch” a letter, say the letter out loud together and put it on the fridge or a baking sheet. Once all the letters are caught, see if they can arrange them in order. Writing TrayWriting trays are a wonderful way to help children learn to write letters and practice fine motor skills.What you’ll need:Cookie sheet or a large, shallow container, flour or sprinkles, writing tool such as a spoon or cotton swab (optional)What to do:Spread a layer of flour or sprinkles over the tray and have your child write letters in the tray using either their fingers or a writing tool. Gently shake the tray to erase the letters and start again. This activity also works well for drawing shapes and numbers — or simply let them be creative and draw all kinds of pictures! Musical LettersThis activity is perfect for burning off energy while promoting gross motor co-ordination and quick letter recognition. Plus, who doesn’t love dancing to great music?What you’ll need:Painter’s tape, paper or card stock, marker, music your kids will dance toWhat to do:Using your painter’s tape, create letters on the floor in a random pattern. You don’t need to include every letter but can pick and choose which ones to focus on. Next write out the same letters individually on pieces of paper or card stock. To start, play the music (choose a song that will get your child dancing). As the music plays, let them move around the room and dance like crazy! Stop the music and hold up a letter. They must run to find the letter on the floor that matches the letter you’re holding up. Play the music again and repeat. Source: No Time for Flashcards website Have fun with these wonderful alphabet-learning games! 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 online for your free Library card to get access to the Library's online activities and Digital Library immediately.
Read more about "Stories Six Fun Alphabet Activities for Preschoolers"Playing “Gallery Games” is a great way to make viewing art a fun and engaging process for children and can help foster visual literacy skills. Many of these games can be played one-on-one as well as in a group. Try playing them while viewing art in person, reproduced in books, or in an online exhibition. All Ages Shape DetectiveNotice and draw the shapes and symbols you see in an artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs to find shapes in the artwork. For younger children, this activity can be done as a large group to find simple geometric shapes, such as circles and triangles. Line HuntNotice and draw specific lines from the artwork on small cards. Children can work alone or in pairs. Ask a volunteer to act out his or her line through body movement while the rest of the group tries to figure out which line in the artwork is being represented. Painting in ActionAn artist (one of the children) arranges the other children to become the artwork. Children use their bodies to become lines, shapes, colours, as well as objects in the work like rocks, trees, buildings and figures. The artist can guide them to where they need to stand and make suggestions for how to move their body. This is a great activity to learn about space in a painting, like the foreground, middle-ground, and background. Ages 6-9 ArtWordA caregiver or educator writes descriptive words on small cards, one word per card. Some descriptive words examples are smooth, rough, warm, gloomy, bounce, surprise, lonely, etc. Have children choose one card from the pile and try to find a piece of artwork that best matches their word. Encourage them to explain their choice. What will you choose?Divide children into groups and assign a space to each group of children. For example, laundromat, grocery store, school, museum, kitchen, office, restaurant, library, hospital, etc. Each group then must choose five pieces of artwork that they believe would best fit in their assigned space. For example, a group assigned “kitchen” might choose a painting of a bowl of fruit. The group presents their choices and explains why those were chosen above the others. Amazing Shrink Machine Imagine shrinking down to the size of your thumb. You are now able to enter right into the artwork. Where would you enter the picture? Where would you travel? How far could you go? What would get in your way? What sounds can you hear? What can you taste? What can you smell? Art CharadesA child chooses an artwork without telling the group which one. Without speaking, they describe the artwork (lines, shapes, colours, and objects) through movements and actions. The rest of the group tries to guess the work. Older Children and Teens (9 – 17) EliminationImagine that the next place this group of artworks will be exhibited is very small and one of the artworks must be removed. Which one would you choose and why? Be prepared to defend your choice and explain your reasoning. Personal TasteChoose one of the artworks that would appeal to each of the following characters and describe why it would attract them: an elephant, a mosquito, a dancer, a baby, or a teacher. Curator GameAsk children if they know what a curator is. Explain the job of a curator, which is to select and defend artworks to be exhibited in a gallery. In small teams, children are assigned a work of art (or to be more challenging, they choose one they already like). Children then place themselves in the role of the curator and write down some positive statements about the artwork and a statement on why it is included in the gallery. The 33rd annual Children’s Art Exhibition, created by students at Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre, is online at the Calgary Public Library! Enjoy art created by nearly 100 students, ages 3 to 17, in sculpture, drawing, and mixed media.
Read more about "Stories Gallery Games for Caregivers and Educators"1. Love podcasts? You’re going to love our new speaker series. Podcast Live! features leading podcasters and innovators behind popular shows like “Radiolab” and “Invisible City.” Learn about and register for upcoming free events on our programs page.2. Can you imagine climbing Mount Everest or scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands? A new virtual reality program lets you do just that. VR Explorers is a program that takes kids ages six to 12 on an immersive virtual reality journey with Google Expeditions. It’s offered at Central Library; find out when on our programs page.3. You already know you can use Library resources in-person or online … but did you know the Library can also come to you? We have five mobile libraries rolling into communities around Calgary. Our Book Trucks and Story Trucks bring the Library to schools, community events, and day homes.4. Indigenous Language Revitalization camps are now part of Library programming! In partnership with the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary, free beginner camps were offered in the fall of 2018, to learn Blackfoot, Cree, and Michif. The Library plans to offer more Indigenous Language programs in 2019.5. There’s fun new places just for Calgary kids! Our Early Learning Centres are designed to encourage young children to learn through play, and now there are now 12 of these Early Learning Centres at libraries around Calgary! Our newest spaces include a real helicopter inside Seton Library, plus a chance to discover dinosaurs at Country Hills Library.6. You can now use your Library card to take online music lessons — the same card that also allows you to borrow musical instruments for free. ArtistWorks for Libraries is an Digital Resource full of step-by-step video music lessons with experts. Watch videos on many instruments, including guitar, banjo, ukulele, trumpet, piano and drums.7. There’s a new way to get your news with Calgary Public Library. Our E-Library, already home to Digital Resources like Newspaper Source Plus and PressReader, now grants access to the New York Times Online. Find all our newsy online resources on this list.8. With exciting new residency programs at the Central Library, you can now learn from an artist and historian. Attend talks, events, and workshops, or schedule office hours with our historian in residence and view art by our artist in residence.PLUS your Library card gives you access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, free meeting rooms, $5 of free printing each month, hundreds of in-person programs, popular magazines, free music, language learning resources, free films, online courses … the list goes on and on! Check out our original list of 15 Library Card Perks to learn more.Not yet a Library card member? Sign up online now or visit any Library location to get your free card.
Read more about "Stories Eight New Library Perks You Need to Know About Now"Calgary's Central Library Set to Open in One Month MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 1, 2018Calgary, AB – Today marks the one-month countdown until the new Central Library will open its doors to Calgarians on November 1, 2018. Located in the East Village, the $245-million project boasts 240,000 square feet of striking architecture and functional space, with more than 30 free community meeting areas, performance hall, outdoor plazas and greenery, the 12,000-square foot Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library, dedicated spaces for teens, recording studios, more than 450,000 collection items, and more.To celebrate this momentous occasion for our city, the Calgary Public Library has announced a number of exciting events and ceremonies that will take place during opening week, including a special presentation by the former International Space Station commander and celebrated Canadian astronaut, Col. Chris Hadfield."Literacy underpins everything I do. So, it’s fitting that I get to help open the new Central Library, a place where literacy underpins every visitor’s experience. Calgary's new Central Library is a truly wondrous space, where imaginations will soar," says Col. Chris Hadfield."We’re thrilled to welcome Col. Chris Hadfield on November 1 to celebrate our opening and inspire our members,” says Bill Ptacek, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “The new Central Library will be a cultural hub for learning and innovation and we couldn’t think of a better person to demonstrate what’s possible when we come together and dream big!”Calgary Public Library and Calgary Transit are proud to announce that to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library, all public transit will be free on Saturday, November 3 from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. This day marks the kick-off of the new Central Library’s Opening Family Fun Weekend, which will feature free tours, programming, music, and much more!“The new Central Library belongs to all Calgarians—an unparalleled place with opportunity for everyone. To throw open the doors and make it so easy to be a part of the grand opening is truly special. So on November 3, thanks to my colleagues at Calgary Transit, the Calgary Public Library, and the amazing donors to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, we can all take Calgary Transit downtown to experience our new Central Library,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi.“Like the Library, Calgary Transit is an important and accessible asset for our community. Like all Calgarians, we cannot wait to visit the new library and are happy to have worked with the Calgary Public Library Foundation to celebrate its opening in such a special way,” says Michael Thompson, GM Transportation for the City of Calgary.This unique opportunity to ride free to and from the new Central Library is made possible only through the generous support of donors to Add In– the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, facilitated by the Calgary Public Library Foundation, which has supported the Library’s commitment to accessibility and the successful completion of this project.Here are some of the highlights of the new Central Library’s opening week activities:Thursday, November 1, 2018: Grand Opening Celebration 10:00 am – 8:00 pmBe a part of the historical opening celebration at the new Central Library on November 1 at 10 am. Celebrations will include an opening ceremony, live music, free tours, and special guests.Thursday, November 1, 2018: Opening Night with Chris Hadfield 7:00 pm – 9:00 pmColonel Chris Hadfield — a heavily decorated astronaut, engineer, pilot, author, and musician — headlines new Central Library’s Opening Day celebrations. Listen to the first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station at Calgary’s landmark new Library. Tickets are FREE and registration will open on Tuesday, October 2, at 10:00 am. Register at calgarylibrary.caFriday, November 2, 2018: Lit Gala 7:30 pmA fundraising event unlike any other, the Lit Gala will feature experiences on every level of the new Library, performers, and an array of culinary delights. Proceeds from the event will launch a Spotlight Speaker Series for world-class thought leaders at the new Central Library. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit litgala.ca.Saturday, November 3, 2018 & Sunday, November 4, 2018: Opening Family Fun WeekendExplore the new Central Library from November 3-4 through free programming and tours. Enjoy live music, craft stations, and more.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 660,000+ members and 20 locations, 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 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. the new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256Mary.Kapusta@calgarylibrary.caGemma PasquarelliAccount ExecutiveEdelmanP: 403.817.0622Gemma.Pasquarelli@edelman.com
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