Your free Calgary Public Library card is an important step in finding support in Calgary. At the Library, you can borrow books, movies, and music, use computers and Wi-Fi, print documents, attend programs to practise your English skills, and get connected to newcomer services agencies who can help you. It’s all free!
Check out 99 items or access countless eBooks and audiobooks, including languages other than English and access hundreds of free services and resources, online and in person. Sign up today.
Visit one of our locations, excluding Prototype: Skyview, to pick up or return books and use services like computers, Chromebooks, room bookings, and more.
Get $5 free printing per month, book meeting rooms, use desktop computers or borrow a laptop, attend programs to practice English with other newcomers, or get help with job searches — explore the free services available.
Drop in to the Library to get support from newcomer-serving organizations. Meet with staff for needs assessment and referrals, language training, child support, education and skills training, employment, community connections and more.
Newcomers Desk is presented in partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and La Cité des Rocheuses, who connect recent immigrants to government agencies, organizations, and community members to help them build new lives in Canada. La Cité des Rocheuses provides settlement information and resources for French-speaking individuals new to Calgary.
Newcomers Desk is generously supported by the RBC Foundation.
Mondays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Tuesdays: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (ISC)
Wednesdays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Thursdays, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (La Cité des Rocheuses)
Fridays: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (CCIS)
Central Library Newcomers Desk is located in room 3-19B.
Tuesdays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS)
Wednesdays: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (ISC)
Mondays: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (CCIS)
Practice speaking and listening in English while connecting with new people — in person or online. Friendly volunteers will guide small groups in interesting conversations.
Learn more about Drop-In English Practice
Enhance your English conversation skills and build your confidence in communication by joining this drop-in program. Advanced English Practice will help you refine your grammar while giving you the opportunity to practice speaking more like a native English speaker. A strong intermediate level of English is required to participate.
Learn more about Advanced English Practice
Newcomers and English language learners can visit Central Library to explore its unique features and learn about Library services and resources.
Choose from in-person tours, virtual orientations, or sessions focused on language, employment, and learning resources designed to support settling into a new community.
Information from Government of Alberta, including immigration information, jobs, health, education, and more.
City of Calgary resources to help you and your family get settled in the city. Find transit information, local numbers, and more.
Information on how to access healthcare, doctors, and medical advice in Calgary.
Low-income Calgarians can apply for programs, services, and fee assistance.
Find free practice tests for the Canadian citizenship exam and driving exam, as well as English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL.
Build their vocabulary, practice their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and maintain what they learn. With courses and supplemental resources in 140+ languages,
Road to IELTS helps newcomers and students prepare for the International English Language Testing System exam — and can also be used by learners who just want to improve their English.
Learn in-demand skills with thousands of online courses taught by real-world industry experts.
Learn the basic English skills you need to open a bank account, talk to a doctor, go shopping, or find a job. You will find English practice, vocabulary, study guides and study tips. Arrivals in English teaches beginner level English: Pre-A1 to A1.
Free online tutoring for students and support for adult learners, whether you are going back to school, switching jobs, or improving your skills.
Read and listen to picture books in 65+ languages, including English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Punjabi, Tagalog, Arabic, German, and Russian.
Improve your English, brush up on your computer skills, prepare for college, and more.
