The average price of a book in Canada has increased by 20% since 2019—this means for every five books that the Library could previously afford, today, it can only buy four. This means the fifth book doesn’t make it to the Library’s shelves.

An average of 425 Calgarians per day signed up for Library cards in 2024, and major membership growth increases demand for collections items.

Support for The Fifth Book Campaign for Library collections has already added 4,000 new books to Library shelves, and we’re not through yet.

physical and digital items borrowed in 2024. The demand for enhanced and refreshed Library collections is growing every day.

programs delivered in 2024.

active members and counting, accounting for 58% of Calgarians.