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.
Caretakers of the Land
Read more about "Learn more about the Caretakers of the Land "For Indigenous people, the land is their mother, providing enough for people, animals, plants, the waters, and the land to live in harmony with each other. It is where their laws, values, and practices come from.
Read more about "What is a land acknowledgment, and why is it important to learn?"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"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"Read full-text and full-colour eBooks for learners of all ages. Students will enjoy the DK Eyewitness book series on everything from animals and weather, to history and technology. All readers will find the information they need to level-up their skills in coding, writing and math. Entrepreneurs will want to explore handbooks for small business, marketing and all aspects of running your business.
Read more about "Educational eBooks. Always available."'\n ', 'The National Geographic Virtual Library', ' gives you access to', '\xa0the complete archive of\xa0', 'National Geographic', '\xa0magazine at your fingertips — every page of every issue — along with a cross-searchable collection of National Geographic books, maps, images and videos.', 'Not sure how to start? Watch the tutorial on Niche Academy: ', 'National Geographic Virtual Library tutorial', '.', '\n '
Read more about "'Explore history through a new lens'"Stories from veterans for readers in Grades 4 – 6.
Read more about "Veterans Week Reads"CALGARY, AB – Calgarians will now be able to borrow musical instruments thanks to the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program – the first of its kind in the region. This innovative program, available at the Calgary Public Library’s Memorial Park location, gives anyone with a valid library card the opportunity to borrow a variety of musical instruments. Earlier this year, Sun Life Financial announced the expansion of its highly successful Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program to more cities across Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday. Calgary is now the fourth city in the country to be part of this innovative program.“Music can have a profound impact on a person’s life and being able to share and make music is something everyone deserves to experience,” said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy and Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. “At Sun Life, we understand the importance of building healthy, sustainable communities and we are thrilled to be able to increase access to music through this program.”Sun Life Financial will be making a $140,000 philanthropic donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation to fund the program operating costs, and is donating 150 instruments and accessories to the Memorial Park Library, including guitars, ukuleles, violins, drums, xylophones and portable keyboards. Sun Life has also created a series of seven short videos to assist individuals with the use, care and enjoyment of the instruments. Whether you’re a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or a seasoned musician, the program is designed for anyone looking to explore the world of music.The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program is a natural extension of Sun Life’s support of music education, one that aligns perfectly with the company’s award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible™ program. Sun Life Financial believes arts and culture should be celebrated within our communities and made available to everyone, regardless of their means.“Music, like reading, is a gateway to the wider world of creativity and ideas,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “The Library, through the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program, is bringing arts and culture to more Calgarians. We are grateful for Sun Life Financial’s continued investment in the Library and to arts and culture in our city. With their investment in innovation, Sun Life Financial is a valued Add In Campaign Founding Partner.”The Library will also be holding a Musical Instrument Donation Drive running from June 1 to July 1. Calgarians may drop off their donations at Memorial Park Library (1221 2 Street SW) and at Long & McQuade (225 58 Ave SE). See the instrument wish list for more information.The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program was first launched at the Toronto Public Library in April 2016, and was later expanded to the Vancouver and Montréal Public Libraries. The program is already an overwhelming success in the first three cities, and all libraries are currently experiencing wait times to borrow an instrument.About Sun Life Financial in the communityAt Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we’re proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More AccessibleTM program. We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 40,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Read more about Sun Life Financial in the community.opens a new windowAbout 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.About 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 Foundation’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit addin.ca.-30-Media Relations Contacts:Alessandra NigroManager, Corporate CommunicationsSun Life FinancialT. 416-979-4884C. 416-859-6918alessandra.nigro@sunlife.com
Read more about "Stories"Library Donors Invest in Local History and Invite Calgarians to Do the Same MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 24, 2018Calgary, AB—Local history supporters and cultural philanthropists Walt and Irene DeBoni announced a $1 million gift to Calgary Public Library in support of the Library’s local history collection today."Walt and Irene are passionate advocates of Calgary’s history, and have supported the Library’s local history collection for a number of years," said Christine Gingerick, Donor Relations Manager at the Calgary Public Library Foundation. "As we enter Historic Calgary Week, we are delighted to share that the Library has chosen to honour the DeBoni’s with the naming of Calgary’s Story at the new Central Library."Calgary’s Story, presented by Walt and Irene DeBoni, brings Calgary’s and Southern Alberta’s history and heritage to life. Through collections, programs and a digital kiosk, visitors will be able to dive into some of the many stories from Calgary’s past, explore their family history and see photographs of what Calgary looked like at the turn of the century. The feature area will be located on the fourth level of the new Central Library, which Calgarians can explore when the new Central Library opens on November 1, 2018."The Library is a community resource accessible to all, and as history-lovers, it means so much to us to share our story within its newest location," says Walt DeBoni. "We want to invite Calgarians to share their stories by leaving their mark on the new Central Library as a part of the Windows of Opportunity Campaign."Calgarians can choose from three distinct levels of supporting the Library through the Windows of Opportunity Campaign; $100, $2,018 and $5,000. Each level offers different benefits, and all three include adding an inscription to a new Central Library window frame. All donations will support life-changing programs and services at libraries across Calgary. For more information, visit mylibrarywindow.ca.Walt and Irene DeBoni are Founding Partners of Add In — the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, a bold, audacious vision to take a great library system and transform it into the best in the world. The Calgary Public Library Foundation has surpassed $326 million of its $350 million goal for Add In.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 addin.ca.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 in November 2018.–30 –Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"$1 Million Donation Supports Entrepreneurial Innovation and Lifelong Learning at the Library MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 24, 2018Calgary, AB—A $1 million donation from the Arthur J. E. Child Foundation announced today will support Calgarians with free, accessible business resources and programs to establish a strong, entrepreneurial ecosystem in our city.“Arthur J.E. Child was dedicated to excellence and discipline in business, and kindness and generosity in philanthropy throughout his lifetime. His private charitable Foundation is honoured to promote this legacy through the support of the New Central Library business library and programs, which is especially fitting given Mr. Child’s love of literature. He was a voracious reader, an acquirer of a substantial personal library collection, and an avid promoter of business education, all of which will be reflected in our proud partnership with Add In,” said Lorne Jacobson, lead Trustee of The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation.In recognition of this transformational gift, the Library will name the Arthur J. E. Child Business Library at Central Library when it opens on November 1, 2018. Additionally, the Arthur J. E. Child Careers & Small Business series can be accessed by Calgarians and members of First Nations with a free Library card at calgarylibrary.ca.“Economic downturns require many to re-skill or expand their skills, and often inspires the creation of new small businesses,” says Ellen Humphrey, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Public Library Foundation. “Arthur J. E. Child Foundation’s investment will provide free resources and practical knowledge for all Calgarians and aspiring entrepreneurs, which in turn, supports our city’s prosperity and resilience. This gift is a wonderful testament to Arthur James Edward Child’s business and philanthropic legacy.”The Arthur J. E. Child Foundation is a Founding Partner of Add In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, a bold, audacious vision to take a great library system and transform it into the best in the world.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 addin.ca.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 in November 2018.- 30 -Media Contacts:Rachael TernerManager of CommunicationsCalgary Public Library FoundationC: 403.680.0626rachael@addin.caMary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public LibraryP: 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories"This Early Learning Centre promotes early literacy, giving the youngest visitors a dedicated place to read, learn, and explore. Reading nooks, spots for storytime, play areas, lots of books, and a Nursing Room make up this incredible 12,200-square-foot space.
Read more about "The Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children's Library"Nellie Befus has volunteered with Calgary Public Library for 44 consecutive years. At age 90, she holds the distinction of being the Library’s oldest volunteer, and one of the Library’s longest-serving volunteers.Her dedication to the Library was sparked on a warm fall day in 1974, when Nellie bumped into her brother-in-law on a downtown street. “How are things with you?” he asked.Nellie was feeling bored; with her four children now grown, she found herself with a lot of free time. Her brother-in-law had an idea. The oil and gas company where he worked had recently received a letter from the Library, recruiting volunteers for a new program.The program, called Homebound Readers, would see volunteers deliver Library items to people who could not visit the Library because of mobility or health concerns. Nellie was intrigued. She had never volunteered before, but something about the letter caught her eye.“I read the letter, then I marched right down to the Library,” she remembers. “I went straight up to the fifth floor and I went to somebody and I said, ‘I would like to be a volunteer.’”‘An Amazing Volunteer’Nearly a half-century later, Nellie continues to volunteer with Calgary Public Library.“Nellie is an amazing volunteer,” says Azmin Poonja, Manager, Volunteer Resources. “She is one of those volunteers that every organization dreams about. She is reliable, committed, and most importantly, she cares about people and has a passion for literacy. Nellie is a perfect fit for the Library, and her dedication to volunteering is exceptional.”Nellie, however, is quick to shrug off any praise. She’s matter-of-fact about why she has volunteered for decades: “There’s just something it does to you when you can do something for somebody else, you know?”Books by Bus and BicycleNellie started volunteering with the Homebound Readers program at its outset. She took city buses — and occasionally rode her bicycle — to deliver books to readers. She travelled across the city, between libraries and various residences. “These people needed reading, and they couldn’t get out,” she says. “Yes, some of the books were heavy, but I wasn’t an old lady then.”Along the way, Nellie, who had never been much of a reader, started to spend her bus rides reading.Nellie has warm memories of the people she befriended through Homebound Readers and the moments they shared: the stories eagerly told over tea, the “melt in your mouth” shortbread cookies she ate (and got the recipe for), the pet bird who could say “pretty Nellie.”Nellie continued to volunteer with the program into her 80s. When carrying books on the bus became challenging, she started helping with Libraries in Residence. Program volunteers display mini libraries of items, selected by Library staff, in seniors’ residences or continuing care facilities. ‘A Very Good Idea’Today, Nellie proudly runs the Library in Residence at the retirement home where she lives, helping fellow residents sign out books. She stays in close touch with Library staff, who deliver fresh titles to the residence every few months.“Nellie goes to great lengths to ensure that the program is running smoothly and to promote the program to new residents,” says Luke Gray, who oversees the Libraries in Residence program in his role with the Library’s Special Services department.“Nellie’s commitment to volunteering is unwavering. I really appreciate her no-nonsense demeanor, her genuine sense of humour, and her passion for literacy. Nellie sincerely recognizes the importance of the Library in the community.”In her seniors’ home and throughout Calgary Public Library, Nellie has become well-known for her optimistic attitude and cheerfulness. “Be nice. See what happens,” she says.Now a great-grandma, Nellie enjoys playing “silly games” on her iPad and working on jigsaw puzzles. She likes to read and lists Catherine Cookson and Mary Higgins Clark as her favourite authors.Looking back, Nellie says joining the Library as a volunteer in the ’70s was “a very good idea.” She plans to continue volunteering for as long as she can. And when she’s no longer able to get her own books, Nellie hopes there will be a Library volunteer to bring books to her.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘There’s Just Something Volunteering Does to You’ Our longest serving volunteer Nellie Befus has seen a lot over the course of her Library Story"At the opening ceremony for Central Library on November 1, five special members joined Library CEO Bill Ptacek and Mayor Naheed Nenshi on stage. Instead of a ribbon-cutting, these people were presented with the first five Library cards issued at the new building. The five members represent more than 670,000 active Library members across Calgary.Alex Grinwis is a 17-year-old Grade 11 student who has been using Calgary Public Library since a very young age. Alex loves reading, and is also passionate about music — playing piano, guitar, ukulele, and currently learning violin. When asked what they’re looking forward to about the new building, they said: “I’m just looking forward to having such a cool space to be able to go and do homework or find new books.”Nikki Brule is the proud owner of Yummy Yogis, a small business she helped develop and grow by using the Library. Nikki does a lot of research for her business at the Library, and often brings along her six-year-old daughter. As an entrepreneur who works from home, she enjoys having a space to come to, surrounded by books, where she can work and connect with others.Mirna Khaled arrived in Calgary from Lebanon in 2015, in search of better opportunities for her children: nine-year-old twins Jalal and Julia. Mirna appreciates the accessibility of the Library as Julia has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. In Calgary, Mirna and her children visit the Library two to three times a week; they like to read, play, and meet new friends. There’s even a book about Julia, written by Mirna and Julia’s aunt, on library shelves!Frank O’Keeffe is a longtime Library member who first got his Calgary Public Library card about 50 years ago. Frank, who is originally from Ireland, is a former teacher who has written and published eight young adult novels. He recently published his first adult novel that staff members at Shawnessy Library helped to review. Frank visits the Library several times a week and brings his wife — who has Alzheimer’s — to the ESL Coffee and Conversation program, for some chitchat and good company. “As an older patron, what I get out of the Library now is companionship,” he says.Felix McLeod Saunders is just two and a half years old and is ready for his first Calgary Public Library card! His mother Maranda is excited to have a new, public space in Calgary where she and her young children can connect with their Indigenous culture and learn together. Plus, Felix is really into books.Special thanks to these five members and to everyone who joined us for the opening ceremony of Central Library!
Read more about "Stories Introducing the new Central Library’s First Five Members"Name Ceremony Takes Place at Crowfoot Library Following Consultation with Crowfoot Family On May 2, the Calgary Public Library hosted a private ceremony at Crowfoot Library to formally receive permission from the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name. Elder Herman Yellow Old Woman led the ceremony, which was attended by Bert Crowfoot on behalf of the Crowfoot Family, Library staff, and Blackfoot Elders who work closely with the Library.“I would like to thank you for naming this lodge of knowledge in honour of our great-great-grandfather and Crowfoot ancestors,” said Bert Crowfoot, following the ceremony. “This morning we talked about how there are a lot of issues in the world right now due to ignorance, and places like this institution are going to help bridge that gap between different worlds and different societies.”Crowfoot Library is one of the Calgary Public Library’s busiest locations, receiving nearly 500,000 visits annually. As part of the Library’s ongoing work to become more culturally aware and to honour Truth and Reconciliation, the Library acknowledges that it failed to ask the permission of the Siksika Nation or the Crowfoot family for the use of the Crowfoot name when the Library opened in 2003.In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Calgary Public Library recognizes that traditional Blackfoot Protocol was not followed when the Crowfoot Library was named. Following consultation with the Crowfoot Family, the Library is honoured to have been given permission to use the name.“On behalf of the Calgary Public Library, I am very happy to be a part of this beautiful celebration that is long overdue,” said Bill Ptacek, CEO for Calgary Public Library. “As one of the busiest libraries in all of Canada, it is important for us to honour the history behind the Crowfoot name and I can assure you that going forward we will always think of Chief Crowfoot and his legacy when we visit this Library.”Learn more about Indigenous Programs and Services at the Calgary Public Library.
Read more about "Stories Crowfoot Library Hosts Name Ceremony"When Calgary mom Mirna Khaled’s young daughter Julia felt she could not relate to picture books because none of the characters were in a wheelchair like her, Mirna helped write Julia her own book.Julia is an eight-year-old who has cerebral palsy. Her mother Mirna wanted people to "see her, not the wheelchair," so she and Julia’s aunt, Rawan Khaled, wrote and illustrated a book about Julia and her cousin Annabella, called Julia and Bella.The story is about Julia getting bullied at school and her headband being stolen. Annabella helps Julia feel better, including buying her a new headband.Mirna hopes the story will educate other kids about why Julia is in a wheelchair, and teach them that a wheelchair is "not something to be ashamed of.""I wanted her to see someone like her," Mirna said.Julia and Bella is on the shelves at libraries throughout Calgary, including Forest Lawn Library, where the Khaled family frequently visits. Julia personally put copies on the shelves at Forest Lawn Library last fall."I couldn’t believe it," Mirna said when she learned that Julia’s book would be on Library shelves.Mirna, Julia, and Jalal, Julia’s twin brother, moved to Calgary in June 2015 from Lebanon. Mirna, a single mother, wanted a better education and more opportunities for her children.In Lebanon, Julia was not allowed to go to school because the school didn’t have the resources to support her, even though Mirna was an assistant principal. Mirna said people in Lebanon would look at Julia with pity, but in Canada they smile at her and encourage her.The mother and daughter have a close bond, and Jalal loves to help his mother take care of Julia. "My brother is strong, nice, and he helps," Julia said.Julia’s personality changed drastically after the family moved to Canada. Before moving to Canada, Julia was non-verbal. Mirna said she will never forget the day that Julia started speaking to strangers and having a conversation with them.Now Julia initiates conversation with people and always has a smile on her face. She can string together full sentences, in both Arabic and English, and she loves to read books. "Education is her weapon to face the problems in life," Mirna said.The Forest Lawn Library was a big part of Julia’s advancement in reading and learning, Mirna said. Since they moved to Calgary, Julia and her family regularly visit the Library."[The Library] is a safe place to educate and play with your kids," Mirna said. "The Library is the perfect place to meet your neighbours and friends. It’s easy to come here, it’s accessible."Moving to Canada, Mirna had a dream to raise awareness about cerebral palsy. She wants people to know that Julia "can do everything that you do but in her own special way."Mirna created a Facebook page to get the word out about Julia. She is now selling the book, Julia and Bella, and handmade headbands at markets around the city to raise money for a future surgery to enable Julia to walk.Mirna has always had faith in Julia advancing. "I know that she is a smart girl," she said. "I know she can do it. I know she can learn."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 Perfect Place to Meet Your Neighbours’ Julia Khaled is breaking down barriers with her Library Story"