You can read all about and register for our programs online here. Calgary Public Library programming is currently happening online, with plans to begin some in-person programs at select locations April 4.
Volunteer Qualifications Strong computer technology skills Strong listening and communication skills Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills Able to work effectively with diverse populations Volunteer Responsibilities Attend an orientation and training session Help participants learn and practice basic computer skills Participate in the program for a minimum of one year
Read more about "Volunteer Qualifications Volunteer Responsibilities"What will you do? Bring stories and reading to life for students in Grades 1 through 3! Reading Buddies volunteers share books and play fun literacy games with their “little buddy” in a group setting that’s facilitated by a staff member. Volunteers encourage children to read, and make reading fun! This is a youth volunteer opportunity for Grades 7-12. Program Length: 1.5 hours weekly, six-week program What’s in it for you? Meet new people and explore new opportunities Have fun and contribute to your community Develop inter-personal, leadership, problem-solving, communication, and time management skills
Read more about "What will you do? What’s in it for you?"Help your students learn the difference between fact and fiction. This 60-minute interactive program introduces students to the concepts of misinformation and disinformation in online media. Students are guided to evaluate, identify, and verify information sources using lateral reading and reverse image searching. Using fun and relevant examples from social media, current events, and pop culture, this program also develops critical thinking skills and introduces students to trusted Digital Library resources that can support their schoolwork. Students will work in groups and need access to a tablet or laptop device to fully participate during this workshop. Further instructions will be provided in an email before the workshop.
Read more about "Help your students learn the difference between fact and fiction."As Central Library approaches its second birthday on November 1, 2020, six Central Library patrons, visitors, and staff share their stories of the space, and reflect on how the community has made it their own in the two years since opening. Want to share your own Library Story with us? Submit it here.John Warkentin “Central is important to me because I read a lot of fiction and it’s a convenient location for me. Going to a public place for free and finding knowledge or finding a quiet moment and rest — lots of people come here just for a quiet moment and that’s a beautiful thing.” Elizabeth Cheme “Central Library is a really nice location. I love the architecture and how they mixed wood at the entrance. This is great place for me to meet my clients because I don’t work out of an office. I have also used one of its recording studios to record a video for a client because he didn’t have a budget to pay for a professional videographer and studio, so we made the video using the resources here. "The Library is important to me because it made me feel like I was not alone. When I came to Canada five years ago, I was still learning English, but the Library felt welcoming and safe. I was able to meet new people and find new ways to be creative. I even took a small business program which inspired me to become an entrepreneur. Right now, I’m running my own business as a marketing consultant and I’m here today doing some marketing research through the Central Library. The Library provides you with the tools to improve yourself. I like to check out DVDs that cover topics like self-awareness and empowerment, especially for women. This is the best place to get involved and even learn about Canadian culture.” René Kamguem “I visited the first day that Central opened, or maybe a few days before the opening, because I was volunteering with the Library. The architecture is very good, I really like it. The new Library is bigger and there is more space for people. There are lots of activities and events for everyone.” Hailey Mckevitt “I didn’t know about Central Library until I started nannying and the need sort of came. I started looking for nearby libraries and which locations were near the train line. I visit with the kids to help them choose their books — it’s become a big part of our time together. The kids really enjoy it. Books are a huge part of their learning and of their life. It allows them to generate their imagination and it’s nice to be able to have a new selection of books for them to enjoy.” Yusra Said “My first visit was actually two weeks ago. Central Library is very beautiful, has a lot of open space and open light so it doesn’t feel crowded, especially during this pandemic. And I really like the services. It’s a really supportive environment. I don’t have a printer at home so that’s one of the main services I use here. The other thing I use the Library for is sitting in this open space — it’s a different environment from working from home online. It’s really nice to be in an open space with other people. And Central has this beautiful view of the city from inside the Library.” Mark Schultz “I’d say Central Library has improved a lot and we are always working on new programs and different ways to serve the public. There was a bit of an adjustment with the move but it’s a beautiful space and has good people. I love the people here; the staff members and the patrons are wonderful. And we have some lovely art pieces around the Library!”
Read more about "Stories Six Library Patrons Reflect on Central Library ahead of Second Birthday"Morrigan is from Secwepemc First Nation, but resides in Calgary. She primarily works in multimedia painting and digital forms, and enjoys creating art to relieve stress. A recent graduate from high school, Morrigan is now attending culinary school.
Read more about "Morrigan Caldwell"Tace is from Waterhen Lake First Nation and Canoe Lake Cree Nation. She enjoys drawing and painting on canvas. She creates art because she likes being able to convey feelings and thoughts visually. She hopes to become an ophthalmologist.
Read more about " Tace Ens-Buchacher"Artists, community groups, and organizations are invited to submit their work (all mediums including photography) for consideration to be displayed at community libraries. Artwork provides educational and cultural enrichment, encourages lifelong learning, and connects communities. Display space is available without charge. Preference is given to artists who live or work in Calgary. Selected artists are given one-month showings.
Read more about "Bring beauty to the Library"Supported by Mary Rozsa de Coquet, Rozsa Arts at the Library is an initiative that brings artists to Library locations for free performances and workshops. These artists work in genres that include music, dance, puppetry, drama, oratory and circus arts, and more.
Read more about "Connecting patrons to ideas, experiences, and inspiration"Learn the true history from Indigenous perspectives, shared through maps, art, and culture.
Read more about "Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada"Volunteer Qualifications Fluent in English Human resources and/or career planning background preferred Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to work effectively with diverse populations Volunteer Responsibilities Attend an orientation and training session Help participants with career development Participate in the program for a minimum of one year
Read more about "Volunteer Qualifications Volunteer Responsibilities"An exhibit featuring miniature red felt dresses is visiting five libraries across Calgary in 2020. Hosted in partnership with Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, this exhibit is a collaboration of community in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada.Indigenous and non-Indigenous people were invited to sit and create a red dress at Central Library in fall 2019, and in other communities throughout the province. Each dress represents a missing or murdered loved one.“The Library strives to be a safe space where meaningful conversations take place and community happens. I applaud Awo Taan for their Red Dress Campaign and we are proud to partner with them in the hope that it will promote cross-cultural awareness, provide healing and comfort, and help fight racism,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library.The exhibit can be viewed at five libraries throughout March and early April. In addition to the exhibit being available while the Library is open, there will also be a presentation at each location, with personal stories guided by elders and discussions about the importance and support for this national crisis. No registration is required for the exhibit or the accompanying presentation.View the Red Dress Exhibit at these Library locations, and join us for a presentation and discussion at each location. Central Library: March 1 – 7, 2020Memorial Park Library: March 8 – 14, 2020Forest Lawn Library: March 15 – 21, 2020Crowfoot Library: March 22 – 28, 2020Bowness Library: March 29 – April 4, 2020About the Awo Taan Healing Lodge SocietyThe Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society is dedicated to supporting the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing and wellbeing of women during their time of crisis and beyond. The shelter offers a full range of in-house crisis and outreach crisis, healing, prevention programs, Youth programs, Parent Link, Family Wellness Centre. Awo Taan provides wholistic support and guidance to women and children and families from all cultures.About the Red Dress CampaignOriginating from The REDress Project, as an aesthetic response, the Red Dress has become an international symbol for MMIWG. The Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society launched the Red Dress Campaign earlier this year to provide support and awareness workshops to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Community outreach has included providing trained support workers to help those affected to share their stories in the hope that it will create a stronger call to action for all Canadians to address this urgent crisis.About MMIWGMMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) is a national crisis that requires the public’s awareness and engagement. Indigenous women and girls are at higher risk and over-represented in sexual exploitation and trafficking compared to non-Indigenous populations.The plight of Indigenous women and girls in Canada has gained international attention and in 2015, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women called on Canada to launch an inquiry and noted its “failure to provide adequate and effective responses” to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.An RCMP report, released in 2014 determined there were 1,017 homicides of Indigenous women between 1980 and 2012, revealing a rate of about 2.6 deaths a month. However, the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls noted that the 2014 RCMP report likely underestimated the true number. The inquiry also noted that Alberta had the highest number of MMWIG cases between 2015-2019.
Read more about "Stories The Red Dress Exhibit in Calgary Libraries"Join as at Confluence Plaza on St. Patrick's Island for an outdoor concert by keyboardist and songwriter Cam Buie, and singer-songwriter Justine Giles.
Read more about "Rozsa Arts at the Library & Alberta Culture Days: Performance at Confluence Plaza by Cam Buie & Justine Giles"An exhibit featuring miniature red felt dresses is visiting five libraries across Calgary in 2020. Hosted in partnership with Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, this exhibit is a collaboration of community in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada.Indigenous and non-Indigenous people were invited to sit and create a red dress at Central Library in fall 2019, and in other communities throughout the province. Each dress represents a missing or murdered loved one.“The Library strives to be a safe space where meaningful conversations take place and community happens. I applaud Awo Taan for their Red Dress Campaign and we are proud to partner with them in the hope that it will promote cross-cultural awareness, provide healing and comfort, and help fight racism,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library.The exhibit can be viewed at five libraries throughout March and early April. In addition to the exhibit being available while the Library is open, there will also be a presentation at each location, with personal stories guided by elders and discussions about the importance and support for this national crisis. No registration is required for the exhibit or the accompanying presentation.View the Red Dress Exhibit at these Library locations, and join us for a presentation and discussion at each location. Central Library: March 1 – 7, 2020Memorial Park Library: March 8 – 14, 2020Forest Lawn Library: March 15 – 21, 2020Crowfoot Library: March 22 – 28, 2020Bowness Library: March 29 – April 4, 2020About the Awo Taan Healing Lodge SocietyThe Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society is dedicated to supporting the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing and wellbeing of women during their time of crisis and beyond. The shelter offers a full range of in-house crisis and outreach crisis, healing, prevention programs, Youth programs, Parent Link, Family Wellness Centre. Awo Taan provides wholistic support and guidance to women and children and families from all cultures.About the Red Dress CampaignOriginating from The REDress Project, as an aesthetic response, the Red Dress has become an international symbol for MMIWG. The Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society launched the Red Dress Campaign earlier this year to provide support and awareness workshops to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Community outreach has included providing trained support workers to help those affected to share their stories in the hope that it will create a stronger call to action for all Canadians to address this urgent crisis.About MMIWGMMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) is a national crisis that requires the public’s awareness and engagement. Indigenous women and girls are at higher risk and over-represented in sexual exploitation and trafficking compared to non-Indigenous populations.The plight of Indigenous women and girls in Canada has gained international attention and in 2015, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women called on Canada to launch an inquiry and noted its “failure to provide adequate and effective responses” to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.An RCMP report, released in 2014 determined there were 1,017 homicides of Indigenous women between 1980 and 2012, revealing a rate of about 2.6 deaths a month. However, the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls noted that the 2014 RCMP report likely underestimated the true number. The inquiry also noted that Alberta had the highest number of MMWIG cases between 2015-2019.
Read more about "Stories The Red Dress Exhibit in Calgary Libraries"MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 18, 2019Calgary Public Library is proud to host Red Dress Day at Central Library on Tuesday, November 19 in partnership with Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society. The day is to raise awareness of the ongoing national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Event attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Awo Taan staff and community advocates with a personal connection to MMIWG and be invited to take part in a Red Dress Workshop."This event will bring people from across all cultures to engage in meaningful conversations and promote awareness,” says Josie Nepinak, Executive Director, Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society.A Red Dress Workshop invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to sit and create a small felt doll with a red dress. Each red dress is made is to represent a missing or murdered love one. A red dress can also represent one’s support of immediate action to address this crisis. The red dress dolls are part of a growing exhibition that will be displayed at select Calgary Public Library locations in 2020.“The Library strives to be a safe space where meaningful conversations take place and community happens. I applaud Awo Taan for their Red Dress Campaign and we are proud to partner with them on this event in the hope that it will promote cross-cultural awareness, provide healing and comfort, and help fight racism,” says Mark Asberg, CEO, Calgary Public Library.Event Schedule11:00 am Opening Prayer and Remarks12:00 – 2:00 pm Red Dress WorkshopRed Dress Day at Central Library is a free, drop-in event. While the event is all-ages, there may be some sensitive subject matter. Emotional support staff will be on-site and trained facilitators will lead the workshop. Event details are available here.For more information on the Red Dress Campaign, visit awotaan.org.About Awo TaanThe Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society is dedicated to supporting the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing and wellbeing of women during their time of crisis and beyond. The shelter offers a full range of in-house crisis and outreach crisis, healing, prevention programs, Youth programs, Parent Link, Family wellness centre. Awo Taan provides wholistic support and guidance to women and children and families from all cultures.About MMIWGMMIWG (Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and Girls) is a national crisis that requires the public’s awareness and engagement. Indigenous women and girls are at higher risk and over-represented in sexual exploitation and trafficking compared to non-Indigenous populations.The plight of Indigenous women and girls in Canada has gained international attention and in 2015, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women called on Canada to launch an inquiry and noted its “failure to provide adequate and effective responses” to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.An RCMP report, released in 2014 determined there were 1,017 homicides of Indigenous women between 1980 and 2012, revealing a rate of about 2.6 deaths a month. However, the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls noted that the 2014 RCMP report likely underestimated the true number. The inquiry also noted that Alberta had the highest number of MMWIG cases between 2015-2019. About the Red Dress CampaignOriginating from The REDress Project, as an aesthetic response, the Red Dress has become an international symbol for MMIWG. The Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society launched the Red Dress Campaign earlier this year to provide support and awareness workshops to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Community outreach has included providing trained support workers to help those affected to share their stories in the hope that it will create a stronger call to action for all Canadians to address this urgent crisis.The Calgary Public Library has partnered with Awo Taan on the November 19 public workshop and will display the final red dress exhibition in 2020. The Red Dress Campaign is funded by Alberta Culture and Tourism.Calgary Public Library Calgary 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.- 30 -Media Contact:Mary KapustaDirector, CommunicationsCalgary Public Library 403.774.7256mary.kapusta@calgarylibrary.ca
Read more about "Stories Red Dress Day Comes to Central Library on November 19"