Our 21 libraries are all welcoming and accepting spaces, and the Library is proud to host Reading with Royalty at a different location each month. This family-friendly storytime program, supported by ATB Financial, celebrates inclusion and diversity. Local drag queen and king performers read books to children and families, sharing messages of acceptance and respect. "What I hope that kids take away from these things is just to be myself, not to treat my friend who might be different differently, and to have that respect that we are all the same, but we are all different," said Shane Onyou, a drag king perfomer for Reading with Royalty. Clayton, a 10-year-old who performs in the all-ages drag scene as Summer Cadence, comes to the program with his mom, Beckie."The fact that it teaches acceptance and like, there's drag performers actually reading, and not just, same-day-here Library staff. It makes it, like ... I don't know what the word is," said Clayton. "Fabulous?" Beckie offered. Reading with Royalty is offered in various Library locations throughout the year. No registration is required; visit the programs page to find an upcoming storytime.
Read more about "Stories Library Stories: Meet Summer Cadence A Reading with Royalty performer and a Calgary family share what this program means to them"We can’t wait to show you Calgary’s newest Library! The Seton Library at the Brookfield Residential YMCA opens January 14, 2019, and we want you to join us for our BIG opening weekend!January 19 is the official opening of the Hopewell Early Learning Centre, a space for kids built around a real helicopter courtesy of The Hangar Flight Museum. The celebration, from 10 am to 1 pm, will also include a special family storytime at 11 am, free crafts and activities, treats, games, door prizes, and more.The new 25,000 square foot Seton Library has plenty to offer the growing south Calgary community, such as a Teen Centre, bookable meeting rooms, automated Chromebook lending lockers, and lots of programs and services for children and families, including the Questionarium and the Hopewell Early Learning Centre.Access everything at Seton Library (and our 20 other locations) for free with your free Library card! Get a membership online today or visit any Library location to become a member.See you at Seton Library!
Read more about "Stories Seton Library Opens in the New Brookfield Residential YMCA"Walk into Central Library on a Wednesday morning and you’re likely to be greeted with a warm smile from Jackie Portelance. In her role with the Library’s Early Literacy Volunteer Corps (ELVC), Portelance’s responsibilities include shepherding youngsters to storytime with a firefighter at Engine 23 (the Library’s fire truck exhibit), encouraging safe play, and sharing early learning principles with families.“Volunteering is an uplifting part of my day,” Portelance says. “I think it’s very fulfilling, and I think it’s something everybody should experience.” Jackie started volunteering at the Library in October 2016, after retiring from her job as a chartered accountant. “I never had the time to volunteer when I was working, and I knew I wanted to give back to the community when I retired,” she says.Her lifelong love of reading led her to the Library, and she now volunteers with the ELVC, Computer Technology Coaching, and Special Events. ELVC members volunteer in the Library’s Early Learning Centres, designed to engage children ages five and under in play-based learning.At Central Library, Portelance loves the wide-eyed look from children when they first see Engine 23—or a firefighter—in the library. It’s exhilarating to be around youngsters’ enthusiasm and imagination, Portelance says. “No matter the day, something happens that makes me smile and laugh.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Jackie Portelance Jackie enjoys the enthusiasm and imagination kids bring to her volunteer work"Calgary, AB – To thank its members, supporters and community, the Calgary Public Library is throwing a birthday bash for the Central Library on Saturday, November 2. Since the doors opened on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed more than 1.74 million visitors, checked out nearly 754,000 items and delivered an astounding 5,100 programs.“This past year has been an incredible year in the history of the Calgary Public Library,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to our community for helping to create this dynamic hub in the heart of the city while continuing to connect our members to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insights.”Celebrations will run from 9 am – 4 pm and feature pop-up performances and activities, free tours, a special storytime with Mayor Nenshi, a Friendship Round Dance and much more! Below are a few highlights of the celebrations:First 500 people to arrive at 9:00 am will receive a free gift Special Storytime with Mayor Nenshi at 10:30 am Friendship Round Dance takes over the building from 12 – 12:30 pm Buskers, performers, art installations throughout the building from 10 am – 4 pm Family activities and craft stations all day A surprise treat from Lukes Sneak peek of the new Indigenous Languages Resource Centre and Elder’s Storytime Visit with our Artist in Residence and Author in Residence Food trucks, outdoor street hockey (weather permitting), and giveaways courtesy of East Village For full details visit calgarylibrary.ca.The Central Library has become a go-to destination signing up 61,300 new Library members, offering 860 free tours and providing over 5,100 programs to 107,600 attendees since opening one year ago. The 240,000 square foot architectural icon has also been recognized for its inspiring design, designated as a ‘library of the future’ by the prestigious Architectural Digest and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.For those wishing to celebrate the one-year birthday party and give the Library a gift, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is accepting donations through its website. By the numbers since opening on November 1, 2018:1.74 million visitors 61,300 new members 754,000 items checked out 860 tours given 203,000 print jobs 21,000 room bookings 5,100 programs delivered to 107,600 attendees -30-Calgary Public Library Calgary Public Library, with 738,000+ members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Central Library Celebrates First Birthday"Join us on August 6 to discover your superpower
Read more about "Superhero Day 2022"The Story Truck visits day homes in select neighbourhoods with the Library Month at Your Day Home program.
Read more about "A mobile Library just for kids."Calgary, AB – To thank its members, supporters and community, the Calgary Public Library is throwing a birthday bash for the Central Library on Saturday, November 2. Since the doors opened on November 1, 2018, Central Library has welcomed more than 1.74 million visitors, checked out nearly 754,000 items and delivered an astounding 5,100 programs.“This past year has been an incredible year in the history of the Calgary Public Library,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to our community for helping to create this dynamic hub in the heart of the city while continuing to connect our members to ideas and experiences, inspiration and insights.”Celebrations will run from 9 am – 4 pm and feature pop-up performances and activities, free tours, a special storytime with Mayor Nenshi, a Friendship Round Dance and much more! Below are a few highlights of the celebrations:First 500 people to arrive at 9:00 am will receive a free gift Special Storytime with Mayor Nenshi at 10:30 am Friendship Round Dance takes over the building from 12 – 12:30 pm Buskers, performers, art installations throughout the building from 10 am – 4 pm Family activities and craft stations all day A surprise treat from Lukes Sneak peek of the new Indigenous Languages Resource Centre and Elder’s Storytime Visit with our Artist in Residence and Author in Residence Food trucks, outdoor street hockey (weather permitting), and giveaways courtesy of East Village For full details visit calgarylibrary.ca.The Central Library has become a go-to destination signing up 61,300 new Library members, offering 860 free tours and providing over 5,100 programs to 107,600 attendees since opening one year ago. The 240,000 square foot architectural icon has also been recognized for its inspiring design, designated as a ‘library of the future’ by the prestigious Architectural Digest and being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.For those wishing to celebrate the one-year birthday party and give the Library a gift, the Calgary Public Library Foundation is accepting donations through its website. By the numbers since opening on November 1, 2018:1.74 million visitors 61,300 new members 754,000 items checked out 860 tours given 203,000 print jobs 21,000 room bookings 5,100 programs delivered to 107,600 attendees -30-Calgary Public Library Calgary Public Library, with 738,000+ members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Central Library Celebrates First Birthday"We can’t wait to show you Calgary’s newest Library! The Seton Library at the Brookfield Residential YMCA opens January 14, 2019, and we want you to join us for our BIG opening weekend!January 19 is the official opening of the Hopewell Early Learning Centre, a space for kids built around a real helicopter courtesy of The Hangar Flight Museum. The celebration, from 10 am to 1 pm, will also include a special family storytime at 11 am, free crafts and activities, treats, games, door prizes, and more.The new 25,000 square foot Seton Library has plenty to offer the growing south Calgary community, such as a Teen Centre, bookable meeting rooms, automated Chromebook lending lockers, and lots of programs and services for children and families, including the Questionarium and the Hopewell Early Learning Centre.Access everything at Seton Library (and our 20 other locations) for free with your free Library card! Get a membership online today or visit any Library location to become a member.See you at Seton Library!
Read more about "Stories Seton Library Opens in the New Brookfield Residential YMCA"We can’t wait to show you Calgary’s newest Library! The Seton Library at the Brookfield Residential YMCA opens January 14, 2019, and we want you to join us for our BIG opening weekend!January 19 is the official opening of the Hopewell Early Learning Centre, a space for kids built around a real helicopter courtesy of The Hangar Flight Museum. The celebration, from 10 am to 1 pm, will also include a special family storytime at 11 am, free crafts and activities, treats, games, door prizes, and more.The new 25,000 square foot Seton Library has plenty to offer the growing south Calgary community, such as a Teen Centre, bookable meeting rooms, automated Chromebook lending lockers, and lots of programs and services for children and families, including the Questionarium and the Hopewell Early Learning Centre.Access everything at Seton Library (and our 20 other locations) for free with your free Library card! Get a membership online today or visit any Library location to become a member.See you at Seton Library!
Read more about "Stories Seton Library Opens in the New Brookfield Residential YMCA"MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2020Calgary, AB – The Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Public Library are proud to announce a new joint project to help all children in Calgary learn about fire safety. Starting Tuesday, January 21, 2020, all library locations and fire halls in Calgary will begin distributing a new Fire Safety Activity Booklet.“Knowing about fire safety is critical for children,” says Steve Dongworth, Chief, Calgary Fire Department. “We are very grateful to the Calgary Public Library for their support in this initiative. Both their credibility with parents and accessibility to all Calgarians makes them an ideal partner in fire safety.”The Fire Safety Activity Booklet teaches kids all about home safety and the life of a firefighter through colouring sheets, puzzles, and games designed to engage school-aged learners. While a popular teaching tool, the activity book previously had not been updated in over 12 years. Calgary Fire approached the Library to help them update the booklet in early 2019.“Calgary Fire has been a great partner to the Library and we were eager to help them update this important fire safety tool,” says Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, "Linking safety and literacy with accessibility ensures that this resource will create safer homes across Calgary."The fire safety campaign will kick off with a Special Firefighter Storytime at Central Library on January 21 at 10:00 am. Visitors can enjoy a special firefighter storytime, meet real-life firefighters, and pick up a copy of Calgary's new Fire Safety Activity Book!Thanks to generous support from the Calgary Public Library Foundation, over 75,000 booklets will be made available to Calgarians this year.For more information on fire safety, please visit calgary.ca/fire For more information on the new activity book and event details, please visit Calgary Public Library. -30-Firefighter Storytime Media Event Details:Date: Tuesday, January 21 | 10 am – 11 am Where: Central Library, 800 3 Street SE What: Fire Safety Booklet Launch 9:30 am Media check-in 10:00 am Welcome and remarks (Fire Chief and Library CEO) 10:15 am Firefighter Storytime 10:45 am RefreshmentsPhoto opportunities will be available throughout the event. Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, and Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department Chief, will be available for interviews on January 21.Fire Safety Facts:The Calgary Fire Department connects with over 1 in 9 Calgarians each year, providing fire safety information through station visits, educational programs and fire safety campaigns, and community events. Calgarians are at greatest risk for fires in their homes, which are most often due to careless behaviours, cooking or defective electrical appliances. House fires can double in size every 30 to 60 seconds. The greatest cause of indoor fire in Calgary happens in the kitchen: an average of 1.2 cooking fires occur every day in our city. Smoke alarms can save you when you are sleeping: in 2016, an estimated one-third of all fires in Calgary happened between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in half in reported home fires. Smoke and toxic gases emitted from household contents on fire can make a person confused, disoriented or even unconscious after just a few short breaths. How fast does fire move? Very fast. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), you could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely after a smoke alarm sounds. Calgary Fire DepartmentServiced by 41 fire stations, The Calgary Fire Department is dedicated to health, safety and vitality of Calgarians, and we deliver our services through an integrated program of emergency fire and medical response, fire prevention, education and enforcement. Our service encompasses responding to fire incidents, critical medical interventions, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous conditions, specialized technical rescues including water rescues, calls for public service assistance, and providing community risk reduction through fire prevention activities.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary Kapusta Director, Communications Calgary Public Library 403.774.7256 mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caMary Ann Houston Communications Planner Calgary Fire Department 587.227.2058 MaryAnn.Houston@calgary.ca
Read more about "Stories New Fire Safety Activity Books Now Available Across Calgary"MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 20, 2020Calgary, AB – The Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Public Library are proud to announce a new joint project to help all children in Calgary learn about fire safety. Starting Tuesday, January 21, 2020, all library locations and fire halls in Calgary will begin distributing a new Fire Safety Activity Booklet.“Knowing about fire safety is critical for children,” says Steve Dongworth, Chief, Calgary Fire Department. “We are very grateful to the Calgary Public Library for their support in this initiative. Both their credibility with parents and accessibility to all Calgarians makes them an ideal partner in fire safety.”The Fire Safety Activity Booklet teaches kids all about home safety and the life of a firefighter through colouring sheets, puzzles, and games designed to engage school-aged learners. While a popular teaching tool, the activity book previously had not been updated in over 12 years. Calgary Fire approached the Library to help them update the booklet in early 2019.“Calgary Fire has been a great partner to the Library and we were eager to help them update this important fire safety tool,” says Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, "Linking safety and literacy with accessibility ensures that this resource will create safer homes across Calgary."The fire safety campaign will kick off with a Special Firefighter Storytime at Central Library on January 21 at 10:00 am. Visitors can enjoy a special firefighter storytime, meet real-life firefighters, and pick up a copy of Calgary's new Fire Safety Activity Book!Thanks to generous support from the Calgary Public Library Foundation, over 75,000 booklets will be made available to Calgarians this year.For more information on fire safety, please visit calgary.ca/fire For more information on the new activity book and event details, please visit Calgary Public Library. -30-Firefighter Storytime Media Event Details:Date: Tuesday, January 21 | 10 am – 11 am Where: Central Library, 800 3 Street SE What: Fire Safety Booklet Launch 9:30 am Media check-in 10:00 am Welcome and remarks (Fire Chief and Library CEO) 10:15 am Firefighter Storytime 10:45 am RefreshmentsPhoto opportunities will be available throughout the event. Mark Asberg, CEO of Calgary Public Library, and Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department Chief, will be available for interviews on January 21.Fire Safety Facts:The Calgary Fire Department connects with over 1 in 9 Calgarians each year, providing fire safety information through station visits, educational programs and fire safety campaigns, and community events. Calgarians are at greatest risk for fires in their homes, which are most often due to careless behaviours, cooking or defective electrical appliances. House fires can double in size every 30 to 60 seconds. The greatest cause of indoor fire in Calgary happens in the kitchen: an average of 1.2 cooking fires occur every day in our city. Smoke alarms can save you when you are sleeping: in 2016, an estimated one-third of all fires in Calgary happened between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in half in reported home fires. Smoke and toxic gases emitted from household contents on fire can make a person confused, disoriented or even unconscious after just a few short breaths. How fast does fire move? Very fast. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), you could have less than 2 minutes to get out safely after a smoke alarm sounds. Calgary Fire DepartmentServiced by 41 fire stations, The Calgary Fire Department is dedicated to health, safety and vitality of Calgarians, and we deliver our services through an integrated program of emergency fire and medical response, fire prevention, education and enforcement. Our service encompasses responding to fire incidents, critical medical interventions, motor vehicle collisions, hazardous conditions, specialized technical rescues including water rescues, calls for public service assistance, and providing community risk reduction through fire prevention activities.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 740,000 members and 21 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.4 million physical and digital items and with 6.9 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opened on November 1, 2018.Media Contacts:Mary Kapusta Director, Communications Calgary Public Library 403.774.7256 mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.caMary Ann Houston Communications Planner Calgary Fire Department 587.227.2058 MaryAnn.Houston@calgary.ca
Read more about "Stories New Fire Safety Activity Books Now Available Across Calgary"Share your skills with one of these programs Coding Buddies & Code Club Help students in Grades 1 to 6 learn the basics of coding and to create their own game, or design a website. Math Quest Help students and their families as they complete numeracy quests throughout the Library. School Support: Math Help students in Grades 5 to 9 with their homework, and foster good study habits to inspire lifelong learning. Make it Messy: Science Help students ages six to 12, with hands-on STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Library staff lead the program which uses household items so children can re-create the activities at home and reinforce learning. Volunteers must be 15 years old and up. Make it Messy: Art Help children aged six to 12 conduct arts & crafts activities. Library staff leads the program including storytime and team games. This program is for volunteers ages 15 and up. Reading Buddies Provide one-on-one reading support and fun literacy activities for young readers in Grades 1 to 3. Creative Writing Club Foster a love of literacy with students ages eight to 14 by playing literacy games and working on creative writing projects and school writing assignments. Special Events Help greet guests, provide information, and complete other tasks at special events at the Library.
Read more about "Share your skills with one of these programs"My name is Rachel Murphy and I have two boys, Fraser and Anderson, ages three-and-a-half and two. They are growing up with a love of reading and Calgary Public Library is a big reason why.I spent a lot of time at the Library during my maternity leaves. We attended Drop-in Family Storytimes, and signed out each of the six themed Read and Play kits at Quarry Park Library. The Library was a place where I felt very comfortable bringing my boys because kids are encouraged to learn through play.When my oldest was two, I asked him what his favourite place in Calgary was. I assumed he would say an indoor play place but he said the Library, and that made me feel so happy and proud.Now that I’m back at work, the Library continues to be a big part of our lives. I place holds on books online and then pick them up on my lunch break. My boys’ eyes light up when I come home with Library books as if it’s Christmas morning. My oldest even sleeps with Library books at the foot of his bed for the three-week borrowing period.Currently, the boys are very interested in hockey and trains. I love being able to borrow books because as their interests change, so can their selection of books.We also visit several Library locations every month or two to enjoy the Early Learning Centres, as each one is interactive and centered around a different theme. We love the Early Learning Centres at Fish Creek, Shawnessy, and Quarry Park Library, but our favourite is definitely Engine 23 at Central Library.You can’t beat being able to sit inside and pretend to drive a real firetruck. We also love reading firetruck books in the upper reading area. My boys were both firefighters for Halloween because Engine 23 gave them their love of firetrucks.We are SO excited for the new Central Library to open later this year! Calgary Public Library understands that healthy development in early childhood sets kids up for future success. My family and I are so lucky to live in a place where reading is so accessible and lifelong learning is encouraged. Follow Rachel and her boys on Instagram at @newwestmom.We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘My Boys Are Growing up With a Love of Reading’ Rachel Murphy is helping her children write their own Library Story"Walk into Central Library on a Wednesday morning and you’re likely to be greeted with a warm smile from Jackie Portelance. In her role with the Library’s Early Literacy Volunteer Corps (ELVC), Portelance’s responsibilities include shepherding youngsters to storytime with a firefighter at Engine 23 (the Library’s fire truck exhibit), encouraging safe play, and sharing early learning principles with families.“Volunteering is an uplifting part of my day,” Portelance says. “I think it’s very fulfilling, and I think it’s something everybody should experience.” Jackie started volunteering at the Library in October 2016, after retiring from her job as a chartered accountant. “I never had the time to volunteer when I was working, and I knew I wanted to give back to the community when I retired,” she says.Her lifelong love of reading led her to the Library, and she now volunteers with the ELVC, Computer Technology Coaching, and Special Events. ELVC members volunteer in the Library’s Early Learning Centres, designed to engage children ages five and under in play-based learning.At Central Library, Portelance loves the wide-eyed look from children when they first see Engine 23—or a firefighter—in the library. It’s exhilarating to be around youngsters’ enthusiasm and imagination, Portelance says. “No matter the day, something happens that makes me smile and laugh.”If you’d like to join the Library’s team of volunteers, please visit the Volunteers page.
Read more about "Stories Meet our Volunteers: Jackie Portelance Jackie enjoys the enthusiasm and imagination kids bring to her volunteer work"In a time when we’re being called to stay home, there are still plenty of ways to spend time together. In addition to your favourite online Library resources, patrons of all ages can find fun, at-home learning opportunities from educators and organizations offering innovative solutions for staying connected. Science Get a Daily Dose of the Calgary Zoo on their YouTube channel, where they share short, behind-the-scenes videos with their critters. Explore the surface of Mars from the eyes of NASA’s Curiosity rover, or check out their Image of the Day gallery for a high-definition intergalactic image, with fun facts about what you’re seeing. Kids can also tune in for science-themed stories read by astronauts on the International Space Station with Storytime from Space. Art You might know acclaimed children’s author Mo Willems for his books like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Elephant and Piggy (and this beloved illustrator also designed the Library’s Story Truck). Now you can learn to draw at home with his Lunch Doodles series. Interested in classic artworks? Follow along with #GlenbowFromHome, which includes online gallery tours and other free at-home activities from the Glenbow Museum. Music Freegal is our favourite way to stream contemporary tunes, but if you’re craving a live concert, look no further than the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. They have countless hours of concert footage saved to their YouTube channel, ready for you to have a night out at home. Tours You might not be able to leave your house, but you can still go on an at-home adventure with these online tours. Check out these 12 museums you can visit online to experience their exhibits from your couch. Feel like going for a hike? Visit Yellowstone National Park, make the trek along the Great Wall of China, or browse the botanical gardens of the Cincinnati Zoo. Relaxing Want to kick back and chill out during this time at home? Take some time to unwind and listen to Canadian authors share readings of their work. Create some quality time with your family with cooking lessons with Food Network Kitchen chef Michael Symon — or if your board game cupboard is a little empty, play games together online. Looking for more fun to be had at home? Check out the Digital Library for more free resources.
Read more about "Stories"