As a vital community connection to the world of information and ideas, Calgary Public Library is committed to providing access to knowledge, thought, and creativity for the purposes of learning, inspiration, and enjoyment.
To accomplish this, we provide a broad range of print and digital resources for users of every age and ability. The Library offers a wide range of books, movies, music, magazines, and more.
We want to make sure the books you're interested in are available on Library shelves. If you don't see an item you're looking for in our collection, let us know!
Calgary Public Library reviews suggestions for purchase for books, eBooks and eAudiobooks in consideration of popularity, budget, availability, and currency.
Have you ever wondered how a book gets added to our collection? Learn more about our Selectors as we show you just how a book gets on our shelves.
Calgary Public Library is committed to the principles of intellectual freedom and to ensuring that we provide the widest possible access to information and resources, to encourage informed discussions, diverse opinions, and learning in our communities.
Intellectual Freedom is defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
The Canadian Federation of Library Associations affirms:
That all persons in Canada have a fundamental right, subject only to the Constitution and the law, to have access to the full range of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, and to express their thought publicly.
The availability of an item within our collection does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of its content. Some content in our collection may be seen as controversial, unconventional, or unpopular, and perhaps contrary to the mission and values of the Library, but its presence in our collection reflects our commitment to intellectual freedom.
The Library endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ Statement on Libraries and Intellectual Freedom.
The ultimate right and responsibility for the choice and use of Library materials rests with the individual. Responsibility for children's or teens' choice and use of resources rests with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Read the Calgary Public Library Board policy on Intellectual Freedom
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees. It combats censorship while championing freedom of expression and access to information.
The Library observes this event annually through programming, displays, and resource lists to promote the principles of intellectual freedom and raise awareness of books that have been challenged or censored.
We welcome patron feedback and are committed to following up on all questions and concerns. Your insight helps us make more informed decisions on how best to serve our communities.
If you have a question or concern about an item in the collection, reach out to us directly.
If you have already provided your concern through the above process and are not satisfied, you may wish to proceed with a Request for Reconsideration. This is a formal materials review process that ensures a case-by-case review of individual titles when requested by a Library member.
A Request for Reconsideration can be made in writing, to the Chief Executive Officer and dropped off at any Library location or emailed to reconsideration@calgarylibrary.ca.
A team of Library staff will then review the request and provide a written response within one month. A Request for Reconsideration may lead to an item being retained, reclassified, or removed from the collection.
The Library is committed to providing a range of specialized materials in our collection. For more information on our commitment to accessible formats, visit Accessibility at the Library.
