Calgary Public Library Foundation Launches The Fifth Book Campaign to Keep Stories Accessible for All

Calgarians can help bring more stories to life as book prices rise by nearly 20%

Imagine reaching the final book in a beloved series, only to find it missing. A mystery without its reveal. An unsolved cliffhanger. This is the reality facing Calgary Public Library as book prices continue to increase. 

Today, Calgary Public Library Foundation (the Foundation) launched The Fifth Book, a new fundraising initiative addressing a critical challenge facing Calgary Public Library (the Library). Over the past five years, book prices in Canada have risen by an average of 20%, while demand for Library services has reached an all-time high. This means that for every five books the Library could previously afford, it can now only afford four.

In 2024 alone, Calgary Public Library users borrowed more than 15 million physical and digital items, spanning early literacy resources to lifelong learning materials. As membership and visitor numbers continue to rise each year, the Library remains a vital hub for knowledge, connection, and imagination.

"Donor support is essential in shaping the future of Calgary Public Library,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of Calgary Public Library Foundation. “The Fifth Book is an opportunity for Calgarians to invest in literacy, learning and access to information for all – ensuring no story is missing.”

To bridge the funding gap, The Fifth Book aims to raise $1 million in 2025 to expand the Library’s collection with books, digital resources, audiobooks, and other materials for the public. Additionally, The Fifth Book launches a journey not only to meet immediate needs, but to prepare for the future with a goal to create a collections endowment, ensuring the Library is always well-supported in meeting the emerging needs for books.

“Your Library is busier than ever, and we are facing new challenges in providing collections that meet the needs and aspirations of our city,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “The Fifth Book is about more than just adding books to shelves (both digital and physical) – it’s about raising awareness around how public libraries are struggling with rising costs and how that impacts our ability to ensure everyone has access to the book they need to dream and succeed.”

Join the Library Foundation in adding the fifth book to the Library’s shelves. Thanks to an anonymous donor, gifts will be matched up to $50,000. To learn more visit https://libraryfoundation.ca/thefifthbook/.