Calgary’s First Express Library Opens in New YMCA

Rocky Ridge Library at Shane Homes YMCA opens January 15. This express Library is focused on convenience; think grab and go, library style. The new Library — located in a northwest City of Calgary recreation facility — is the first of its kind in Calgary to operate on a self-service model. Join us for the Grand Opening of Shane Homes YMCA Thursday, February 1, 10 am – 12 pm.

At Rocky Ridge Library, you can pick up hold items from an innovative system of self-service lockers, browse popular collections, including 4,000 books for kids and 2,500 adult books, and use self-checkouts to borrow materials.

Mark Asberg, Director, Service Delivery at Calgary Public Library, says the express model is based on years of learning at Calgary Public Library about which services can be offered in a self-service format. The new approach helps to bring the Library into more people’s lives, Asberg says.

“We want to be in spaces where our resources are as available as possible to as many people as possible,” he says. The opening follows Calgary Public Library’s 2016 move into the Westbrook CTrain Station, with Nicholls Family Library, and the new Quarry Park Library located in the Remington YMCA.

Rocky Ridge Library is an open, active 3,000-square-foot space within the 284,000-square-foot YMCA. The beautiful new building, designed to complement the neighbouring landscape, is nestled between a reconstructed wetland and an existing hill that offers city and mountain views.

The Library’s features include public seating, a children’s area, a study space, and free Wi-Fi. Staff will be on-site daily to attend to the Library collection and deliver free programs, including Drop-In Storytime, Words and Wiggles, and Career Coaching.

As the rhythm of the new recreation centre develops, it will inform what Library programs are offered when. Already, demand for Library services at the new location is expected to be strong. The growing northwest quadrant of the city is home to Calgary’s busiest community library based on circulation, Crowfoot Library.

Rocky Ridge Library at Shane Homes YMCA is located at 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW. The Library is open from 5:30 am to 10:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 7:00 am to 8:30 pm on weekends. Not yet a Library member?  Join online for free today. See you at Rocky Ridge Library!