Even the smallest moments can leave a big impact. This is especially true for Calgary Public Library volunteers. 

Volunteers at the Library help people learn something new, build important skills, and help us feel connected as a community. There are more than 2,500 Library volunteers who dedicate more than 52,000 hours every year. 

Each of these volunteers has their own story and experience that has inspired them to give back. Meet a few of these incredible people who have positively impacted our community. 

Marian — Math Quest Volunteer  

Before Math Quest begins each week at Crowfoot Library, there are many eager kids that are thrilled to see volunteer Marian. Looking at the smiles on their faces, it would be hard to know that they were excited to learn more about math. However, Marian makes it a fun time with hands-on activities. Card games, music, and fun conversations help build math skills in an engaging and accessible way. 

Marian has been a volunteer for most of her life and has been a Math Quest volunteer for the past three years. She's a retired scientist with extensive expertise in math and science. As a young girl, her love of math wasn't nurtured, so it means a lot to her to be able to help grow that skill in the younger generation. Giving back is very important to Marian and she says it brings her a tremendous amount of hope.  

"The world will be better if we all did something nice for each other," says Marian. 

Every day, Marian is reminded of the impact she has made as a Math Quest volunteer. A young boy from South Korea left her a note before he moved back to his home country. He thanked her for making Math Quest so fun and told her that he would miss her.    

"This is better than any other award that I have ever gotten,” says Marian about the note. 

Aline — Job Desk Support Volunteer  

Aline has always appreciated the magic of libraries. She loves being surrounded by books, knowledge, and people. When she moved to Calgary, getting her Library card was one of the first things that she did. 

"When I found myself feeling the need to reconnect with the community here in Calgary, volunteering at the Library felt like a natural path. It allowed me to give back in a place that had already given me so much,” says Aline. 

Aline has been a Job Desk Support volunteer at Central Library for the past year. As a newcomer herself, Aline has a high level of empathy for people who are trying to find their footing. She understands that finding a job can be daunting for everyone — whether someone is just starting their career, looking for a change, or simply trying to navigate the evolving job market. She says it's humbling and uplifting as a volunteer to be part of that moment when someone feels more hopeful about their path.   

Aline is one of 1,600 volunteers at the Library who speaks more than one language. She has also taught English as a second language for 26 years. This has helped her recognize a wide range of accents and communication styles that allow her to respond and communicate with people in a supportive way.  

"Sometimes, just being able to say, 'you’re not alone' in someone’s own language can ease anxiety and build instant trust." 

Cam — Tech Mentors Volunteer  

Cam is a believer in the power of kindness and connection. He says that a quote from Emma Seppälä, a researcher at Yale University, recently resonated with him: "When you serve others, it serves you." 

With compassion and patience, Cam has helped many people as a Tech Mentors volunteer over the past seven years. Cam never knows what to expect before his shifts at Nose Hill Library, but he always looks forward to solving problems. He helps patrons with everything from applying for jobs online, to using an iPad for the first time, printing, and so much more. Even if someone asks something that is outside of his area of expertise, Cam is always ready to figure things out and lead people in the right direction. 

"You feel good when you help people and build connections. There's a little endomorphin buzz that happens when you help solve a problem,” says Cam. 

Cam sees gratitude from the people he helps. Sometimes it's hearing the words, "thank you" and other times it's simply being given a smile. Cam's time as a Tech Mentors volunteer has served him well and brought him a lot of happiness.  

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, the Library can continue to connect with and reach members of the community who need us most. Volunteering at the Library is a way to give back, build relationships, and be inspired by others. With our volunteers ranging from their teens to their nineties, there’s an opportunity that’s right for anyone.   

Learn more about adult volunteer opportunities. 
Learn more about youth volunteer opportunities.