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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"Books, government documents, and periodicals on Canadian History.
Read more about "Canadiana"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"Get started using the digital resources in Calgary Public Library's Digital Library with simple video tutorials. Find tutorials for our most popular digital resources, including: Libby, World Book, Learning Express, Gale Courses, Freegal Music, Flipster and more.
Read more about "Learn how to use Calgary Public Library's digital resources the easy way"Stay current with news from almost 500 Canadian publishers updated daily, including the Calgary Herald, Calgary Sun, The Globe and Mail and National Post. Read articles, editorials, columns and wire feeds. Some publication are archived from 1970.
Read more about "Current News from Across the Country"Suncor Energy Foundation invests in cross-cultural learning and connection programs at Calgary Public Library Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a commitment by the Suncor Energy Foundation to support Indigenous programming and cross-cultural learning opportunities. The $1.6 million donation will continue to support the Central Library’s goal of being an inclusive gathering place for all Calgarians. The funding will facilitate the hiring of two Indigenous program interns, roles that will focus on Indigenous engagement to ensure Library services can be designed to meet community needs. Funding will also support collaboration with external Indigenous-led researchers to develop appropriate forms of evaluation for Indigenous services. These meaningful additions to the Calgary Public Library’s Indigenous strategy will ensure that Indigenous community members are involved in decision-making and delivery of services is prioritized.“In the White Goose Flying Report, Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee identifies the Calgary Public Library as uniquely positioned to provide accessible and barrier-free Indigenous inclusion and cross-cultural understanding, learning, and celebration,” says Alayna Many Guns, Indigenous Services Design Lead at the Calgary Public Library. “The Library is excited to work with Suncor Energy Foundation to better fulfil this role.”Additional strategic priorities supported by this investment include Indigenous language resources including an online learning platform, Indigenous cultural initiatives such as a speaker and performance series, and a sustained focus on Indigenous Placemaking and art in libraries across the city.The hub for this initiative is the Elders’ Guidance Circle space in the Central Library, which provides urban Indigenous peoples with access to Elders’ knowledge and guidance. The space will be formally named at a later date through a process established by Indigenous community members and leaders. Learnings from the Circle and feedback from the community will inspire and inform the expansion of Indigenous initiatives across the Calgary Public Library system.“When we have spaces, places and tools to help us come together, celebrate, and learn about each other we can better appreciate the rich diversity that exists in our communities and that is a foundation for the strong and vibrant Calgary we’re all proud to call home,” says Eric Axford, Suncor Energy Foundation Board chair. “We see tremendous value in supporting the Calgary Public Library Indigenous programming and we are hopeful this space will be a special place to connect.” The purpose of Indigenous Placemaking at the Calgary Public Library is to prioritize equity and inclusiveness by listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. These resources, spaces and events provide an open and safe place for Indigenous peoples to learn, share, and create; and for non-Indigenous Albertans to learn the diverse history and cultures of Treaty 7 Nations and Métis Nation Region 3.On April 15, registration opens for free library programming celebrating Indigenous peoples throughout the month of June at calgarylibrary.ca. These programs mark Indigenous History Month, Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, and the International Year of Indigenous Languages.- 30 -About Add In–the campaign for Calgary’s LibraryAdd In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, is the largest public campaign for a public library in Canadian history. The $350 million campaign will enhance and support a system of community libraries across Calgary and is inspired by the New Central Library, which opened its doors on November 1, 2018. To learn more about Add In and the Calgary Public Library’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit addin.ca.About the Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation was created in 1999 to provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses and foundations to participate in building a library system for today and future generations. Its vision is to enable the citizens of Calgary to have the best public library in the world. Learn more about the Calgary Public Library Foundation by visiting addin.ca.About the Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 688,000+ 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: Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543maegan@addin.caKelsey MarklundSenior Account ExecutiveEdelman403.817.0633kelsey.marklund@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories"Many children struggle with learning how to read. Some kids can read well but choose not to read. For others, learning disabilities can make reading more challenging.In today's world, kids have the option of many other activities that may keep them busy and distracted from reading. From after school activities and sports to the pull of devices, TV, and video games, reading for fun is often forgotten or avoided. Older kids might think reading is boring since they associate it with technical reading, like worksheets and textbooks in school.There are plenty of things to try that can make reading more interesting and exciting to kids. Here are ten tips to try that might help motivate your infrequent reader:1. Reconsider what counts as reading.There are lots of ways to read, including listening! Audiobooks, radio shows, podcasts, oral stories — including sharing stories of your family and family history — are all great ways to explore literacy outside of written materials.2. Let them choose what they want to read.All reading is good reading. Be open to comics, manga, blogs, graphic novels, short stories, magazines, screenplays, picture books (even for big kids), song lyrics, books of world records and fun facts, profiles of musicians, artists and sports heroes, or gross-out science books. Visit your public library in person and online for a huge selection of reading material. Our expert staff would also be happy to help make recommendations based on your child’s reading preferences.3. Avoid banning what they love to read.From comic books with adult themes to serial tween romances, it’s natural for caregivers to be concerned about the content of their child’s books. But banning what they love can discourage reading. Instead, talk about why you think certain books are offensive and invite them to ask questions. Let your child recommend a book to you so you can read it and discuss the book together. Everyone has different tastes, which is part of the joy of being a reader.Concerned about age-appropriate content? Look for an online booklist curated for your child’s age or interests. You can use the “advanced search” function in your library’s online catalogue to search by collection (i.e. Hindi, Biography), format (i.e. Graphic Novel) and Audience (i.e. teen).4. Let your kids see you enjoy reading.Nearly 60% of kids who are frequent readers have parents who read five to seven days per week, compared to only 15% of kids who are infrequent readers (Kids and Family Reading Report – Scholastic, 2017).5. Read together as a family.Make reading a memorable family event. Set aside regular time for reading, whether as a family or each person reading independently near each other. Children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score ten points higher on standardized reading tests.6. Read in your home language. Children who learn to read in their first language have an easier time learning to read in a second language because they better understand the process of reading.7. Try reading something funny!Read dramatically, use costumes and accents, or read joke books to each other. Have fun when reading aloud together! Try not to focus on their mistakes and simply enjoy the book. These staff-recommended books will help you get your giggle on.8. Relax.When we enjoy something, we want to keep doing it — the same applies to reading. Try to make reading as relaxing as possible at home, especially if reading at school is stressful. Have a special snack or read in a special spot. If there’s a movie adaptation of the book, watch the movie together after you’ve finished the book and decide which you liked better.9. Keep reading sessions short and simple.Research shows that when students believe they can achieve a task, they are much more likely to persevere and overcome challenges. Parents can help build their child’s reading confidence by praising their effort rather than their outcomes. Use affirming language throughout the process to show that you enjoy seeing their efforts. Another strategy is to break reading into smaller parts, even just one paragraph at a time, so that success comes quickly and can be celebrated.10. Find a role model for your reader.Research shows that older boys read less than their female peers. Men that model reading to boys can have a positive influence, especially around a shared interest. Sports statistics, LEGO instructions, musician biographies, etc., all count as reading too!
Read more about "Stories 10 Tips for Motivating Your Infrequent Reader The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home"Suncor Energy Foundation invests in cross-cultural learning and connection programs at Calgary Public Library Calgary, AB – The Calgary Public Library Foundation is delighted to announce a commitment by the Suncor Energy Foundation to support Indigenous programming and cross-cultural learning opportunities. The $1.6 million donation will continue to support the Central Library’s goal of being an inclusive gathering place for all Calgarians. The funding will facilitate the hiring of two Indigenous program interns, roles that will focus on Indigenous engagement to ensure Library services can be designed to meet community needs. Funding will also support collaboration with external Indigenous-led researchers to develop appropriate forms of evaluation for Indigenous services. These meaningful additions to the Calgary Public Library’s Indigenous strategy will ensure that Indigenous community members are involved in decision-making and delivery of services is prioritized.“In the White Goose Flying Report, Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee identifies the Calgary Public Library as uniquely positioned to provide accessible and barrier-free Indigenous inclusion and cross-cultural understanding, learning, and celebration,” says Alayna Many Guns, Indigenous Services Design Lead at the Calgary Public Library. “The Library is excited to work with Suncor Energy Foundation to better fulfil this role.”Additional strategic priorities supported by this investment include Indigenous language resources including an online learning platform, Indigenous cultural initiatives such as a speaker and performance series, and a sustained focus on Indigenous Placemaking and art in libraries across the city.The hub for this initiative is the Elders’ Guidance Circle space in the Central Library, which provides urban Indigenous peoples with access to Elders’ knowledge and guidance. The space will be formally named at a later date through a process established by Indigenous community members and leaders. Learnings from the Circle and feedback from the community will inspire and inform the expansion of Indigenous initiatives across the Calgary Public Library system.“When we have spaces, places and tools to help us come together, celebrate, and learn about each other we can better appreciate the rich diversity that exists in our communities and that is a foundation for the strong and vibrant Calgary we’re all proud to call home,” says Eric Axford, Suncor Energy Foundation Board chair. “We see tremendous value in supporting the Calgary Public Library Indigenous programming and we are hopeful this space will be a special place to connect.” The purpose of Indigenous Placemaking at the Calgary Public Library is to prioritize equity and inclusiveness by listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. These resources, spaces and events provide an open and safe place for Indigenous peoples to learn, share, and create; and for non-Indigenous Albertans to learn the diverse history and cultures of Treaty 7 Nations and Métis Nation Region 3.On April 15, registration opens for free library programming celebrating Indigenous peoples throughout the month of June at calgarylibrary.ca. These programs mark Indigenous History Month, Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary, and the International Year of Indigenous Languages.- 30 -About Add In–the campaign for Calgary’s LibraryAdd In—the Campaign for Calgary’s Library, is the largest public campaign for a public library in Canadian history. The $350 million campaign will enhance and support a system of community libraries across Calgary and is inspired by the New Central Library, which opened its doors on November 1, 2018. To learn more about Add In and the Calgary Public Library’s vision to create the best public library in the world for Calgarians, visit addin.ca.About the Calgary Public Library FoundationThe Calgary Public Library Foundation was created in 1999 to provide an opportunity for individuals, businesses and foundations to participate in building a library system for today and future generations. Its vision is to enable the citizens of Calgary to have the best public library in the world. Learn more about the Calgary Public Library Foundation by visiting addin.ca.About the Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 688,000+ 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: Maegan MarshallCommunications AssociateCalgary Public Library Foundation403.774.2543maegan@addin.caKelsey MarklundSenior Account ExecutiveEdelman403.817.0633kelsey.marklund@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories"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"Many children struggle with learning how to read. Some kids can read well but choose not to read. For others, learning disabilities can make reading more challenging.In today's world, kids have the option of many other activities that may keep them busy and distracted from reading. From after school activities and sports to the pull of devices, TV, and video games, reading for fun is often forgotten or avoided. Older kids might think reading is boring since they associate it with technical reading, like worksheets and textbooks in school.There are plenty of things to try that can make reading more interesting and exciting to kids. Here are ten tips to try that might help motivate your infrequent reader:1. Reconsider what counts as reading.There are lots of ways to read, including listening! Audiobooks, radio shows, podcasts, oral stories — including sharing stories of your family and family history — are all great ways to explore literacy outside of written materials.2. Let them choose what they want to read.All reading is good reading. Be open to comics, manga, blogs, graphic novels, short stories, magazines, screenplays, picture books (even for big kids), song lyrics, books of world records and fun facts, profiles of musicians, artists and sports heroes, or gross-out science books. Visit your public library in person and online for a huge selection of reading material. Our expert staff would also be happy to help make recommendations based on your child’s reading preferences.3. Avoid banning what they love to read.From comic books with adult themes to serial tween romances, it’s natural for caregivers to be concerned about the content of their child’s books. But banning what they love can discourage reading. Instead, talk about why you think certain books are offensive and invite them to ask questions. Let your child recommend a book to you so you can read it and discuss the book together. Everyone has different tastes, which is part of the joy of being a reader.Concerned about age-appropriate content? Look for an online booklist curated for your child’s age or interests. You can use the “advanced search” function in your library’s online catalogue to search by collection (i.e. Hindi, Biography), format (i.e. Graphic Novel) and Audience (i.e. teen).4. Let your kids see you enjoy reading.Nearly 60% of kids who are frequent readers have parents who read five to seven days per week, compared to only 15% of kids who are infrequent readers (Kids and Family Reading Report – Scholastic, 2017).5. Read together as a family.Make reading a memorable family event. Set aside regular time for reading, whether as a family or each person reading independently near each other. Children whose parents are involved with them in family literacy activities score ten points higher on standardized reading tests.6. Read in your home language. Children who learn to read in their first language have an easier time learning to read in a second language because they better understand the process of reading.7. Try reading something funny!Read dramatically, use costumes and accents, or read joke books to each other. Have fun when reading aloud together! Try not to focus on their mistakes and simply enjoy the book. These staff-recommended books will help you get your giggle on.8. Relax.When we enjoy something, we want to keep doing it — the same applies to reading. Try to make reading as relaxing as possible at home, especially if reading at school is stressful. Have a special snack or read in a special spot. If there’s a movie adaptation of the book, watch the movie together after you’ve finished the book and decide which you liked better.9. Keep reading sessions short and simple.Research shows that when students believe they can achieve a task, they are much more likely to persevere and overcome challenges. Parents can help build their child’s reading confidence by praising their effort rather than their outcomes. Use affirming language throughout the process to show that you enjoy seeing their efforts. Another strategy is to break reading into smaller parts, even just one paragraph at a time, so that success comes quickly and can be celebrated.10. Find a role model for your reader.Research shows that older boys read less than their female peers. Men that model reading to boys can have a positive influence, especially around a shared interest. Sports statistics, LEGO instructions, musician biographies, etc., all count as reading too!
Read more about "Stories 10 Tips for Motivating Your Infrequent Reader The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home"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"100L, H, 4.6…OMG! Understanding Reading Levels Did you know that the children’s collection at Calgary Public Library includes thousands of books? With so many options, it can be intimidating to choose books for your growing reader.One way to choose reading material is based on a book’s reading level. Reading levels are common in a school setting but can be confusing for caregivers wondering how reading levels apply to their child’s learning-to-read journey.What are reading levels?Schools may use a variety of leveling systems to help guide the book choices children make when reading. “Leveled readers” allow students to be challenged enough by the book that they are growing as readers, but not so challenged that they have lost all meaning and enjoyment from it. Books organized by reading levels are a classroom tool, meant for schools and the school market. In some cases, leveled-readers series can only be purchased by schools and the rights are not available for public libraries.Using leveled readers is just one way for students to experience books and to support the learning-to-read journey. Reading levels do not always align with a child’s age or ensure that a reader at that level will be personally interested in the topic.“A level is a teacher’s tool, not a child’s label.” (Fountas and Pinnell) There are several reading level book series you may come across, including these common systems:Fountas and Pinnell is one of the most widely used leveled reader series in the classroom. This publisher assesses the text of a book on criteria including word count, high frequency words, and sentence complexity. There are 27 Fountas and Pinnell reading levels.The Accelerated Reader (or AR) program was developed by Renaissance Learning, Inc. and uses quizzes to assess a reader’s skill. Their system of leveling books is called the ATOS® reading formula, which evaluates the text of a book based on average sentence length, average word length, vocabulary grade level, and number of words in the book. ATOS levels are numerical — the lower the ATOS® score, the easier the text should be.The Lexile Framework measures both an individual’s reading ability and a text’s readability. The Lexile levels are based on reading comprehension tests taken by students across the United States. The Lexile ranges change when new test scores are reported. Generally, the lower the number, the simpler the text. The letters before the Lexile numbers are “Lexile codes,” two-letter designations to give more information about the book. For example, AD stands for Adult-Directed, which is for books meant to be read to children by an adult.Publisher leveled readers are usually a series of books with their own system of leveling that vary from publisher to publisher. These books can be purchased at a bookstore or found at the Library and may also be used in a classroom. At Calgary Public Library, these books are called “X Books” or “Easy Readers.” For example, HarperCollins produces the popular “I Can Read!” series, which has six levels. The title Batman: Dino Dilemma is a level 2 reader, which the publisher says is geared towards kids who can read on their own but still need a little help.Should I use reading levels at home?While it may be helpful to understand what reading levels mean, recent best practice in education and public libraries is to focus on fostering a love for reading first. Children learn to love reading when they are allowed to read what they want and families read together often in English and/or in their home language. Public libraries have books published in a wide range of world languages.Reading above or below the level that corresponds with the student’s grade or age is fine and often encouraged. A reader may be drawn to a challenging or “stretch” book if it’s about a particular topic that they enjoy. This is a great workout for their reading brain and an opportunity to share a good book together. A reader may also find it enjoyable and relaxing to read a book that is easier and familiar. Building positive associations with reading can help a child become a reader for life.Tip to Try When Choosing A New Book:Have your child choose a book that they will enjoy. Invite them to read the second page. Together, hold up a finger for each word they are not sure of or do not know. If there are five or more words they did not know, consider an easier book. If your child needs support to help them become a stronger reader, consult an education professional.Where should I start?The Library’s children’s collection complements kids that are learning to read and aims to support them by encouraging a love of reading. While the X Book or “Easy Reader” collection is targeted for kids learning to read, there are other collections that children enjoy, such as Z picture books, audio books, and nonfiction. Choose books with high interest characters, great illustrations, and humour to help keep readers engaged. An interested reader who is having fun is more likely to keep reading.The most important thing to do is to encourage any reading. All reading is good reading, whether fiction, nonfiction, comic books, chapter books, audio books, or picture books. Library staff are happy to help recommend amazing stories that are a great fit for your growing reader, whether in print or digital format. See a list of staff recommendations of Easy Readers for every reader.Easy readers and other collections are also available in digital format through OverDrive and TumbleBook Library, with audio options and accessibility features. Exploring a variety of formats helps children experience the joy of reading in different ways.Additional Resources:Reading Rockets Scholastic Family Literacy Brochure from the Calgary Board of Education This blog post is published as part of The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home, a partnership with Edmonton Public Library. Visit our Programs page to register for the next live online workshop in the series, coming up in January.
Read more about "Stories"100L, H, 4.6…OMG! Understanding Reading Levels Did you know that the children’s collection at Calgary Public Library includes thousands of books? With so many options, it can be intimidating to choose books for your growing reader.One way to choose reading material is based on a book’s reading level. Reading levels are common in a school setting but can be confusing for caregivers wondering how reading levels apply to their child’s learning-to-read journey.What are reading levels?Schools may use a variety of leveling systems to help guide the book choices children make when reading. “Leveled readers” allow students to be challenged enough by the book that they are growing as readers, but not so challenged that they have lost all meaning and enjoyment from it. Books organized by reading levels are a classroom tool, meant for schools and the school market. In some cases, leveled-readers series can only be purchased by schools and the rights are not available for public libraries.Using leveled readers is just one way for students to experience books and to support the learning-to-read journey. Reading levels do not always align with a child’s age or ensure that a reader at that level will be personally interested in the topic.“A level is a teacher’s tool, not a child’s label.” (Fountas and Pinnell) There are several reading level book series you may come across, including these common systems:Fountas and Pinnell is one of the most widely used leveled reader series in the classroom. This publisher assesses the text of a book on criteria including word count, high frequency words, and sentence complexity. There are 27 Fountas and Pinnell reading levels.The Accelerated Reader (or AR) program was developed by Renaissance Learning, Inc. and uses quizzes to assess a reader’s skill. Their system of leveling books is called the ATOS® reading formula, which evaluates the text of a book based on average sentence length, average word length, vocabulary grade level, and number of words in the book. ATOS levels are numerical — the lower the ATOS® score, the easier the text should be.The Lexile Framework measures both an individual’s reading ability and a text’s readability. The Lexile levels are based on reading comprehension tests taken by students across the United States. The Lexile ranges change when new test scores are reported. Generally, the lower the number, the simpler the text. The letters before the Lexile numbers are “Lexile codes,” two-letter designations to give more information about the book. For example, AD stands for Adult-Directed, which is for books meant to be read to children by an adult.Publisher leveled readers are usually a series of books with their own system of leveling that vary from publisher to publisher. These books can be purchased at a bookstore or found at the Library and may also be used in a classroom. At Calgary Public Library, these books are called “X Books” or “Easy Readers.” For example, HarperCollins produces the popular “I Can Read!” series, which has six levels. The title Batman: Dino Dilemma is a level 2 reader, which the publisher says is geared towards kids who can read on their own but still need a little help.Should I use reading levels at home?While it may be helpful to understand what reading levels mean, recent best practice in education and public libraries is to focus on fostering a love for reading first. Children learn to love reading when they are allowed to read what they want and families read together often in English and/or in their home language. Public libraries have books published in a wide range of world languages.Reading above or below the level that corresponds with the student’s grade or age is fine and often encouraged. A reader may be drawn to a challenging or “stretch” book if it’s about a particular topic that they enjoy. This is a great workout for their reading brain and an opportunity to share a good book together. A reader may also find it enjoyable and relaxing to read a book that is easier and familiar. Building positive associations with reading can help a child become a reader for life.Tip to Try When Choosing A New Book:Have your child choose a book that they will enjoy. Invite them to read the second page. Together, hold up a finger for each word they are not sure of or do not know. If there are five or more words they did not know, consider an easier book. If your child needs support to help them become a stronger reader, consult an education professional.Where should I start?The Library’s children’s collection complements kids that are learning to read and aims to support them by encouraging a love of reading. While the X Book or “Easy Reader” collection is targeted for kids learning to read, there are other collections that children enjoy, such as Z picture books, audio books, and nonfiction. Choose books with high interest characters, great illustrations, and humour to help keep readers engaged. An interested reader who is having fun is more likely to keep reading.The most important thing to do is to encourage any reading. All reading is good reading, whether fiction, nonfiction, comic books, chapter books, audio books, or picture books. Library staff are happy to help recommend amazing stories that are a great fit for your growing reader, whether in print or digital format. See a list of staff recommendations of Easy Readers for every reader.Easy readers and other collections are also available in digital format through OverDrive and TumbleBook Library, with audio options and accessibility features. Exploring a variety of formats helps children experience the joy of reading in different ways.Additional Resources:Reading Rockets Scholastic Family Literacy Brochure from the Calgary Board of Education This blog post is published as part of The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home, a partnership with Edmonton Public Library. Visit our Programs page to register for the next live online workshop in the series, coming up in January.
Read more about "Stories"