Sticks & Strings Foundation’s transformational gift to Calgary Public Library Foundation champions early learning at Belmont Library
NHL player Jordan Eberle and Lauren Rodych-Eberle’s foundation gifts $700,000 to build Outdoor Early Learning Centre in south Calgary
Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce a transformational gift from Sticks & Strings Foundation. The $700,000 investment in early learning will allow the upcoming Belmont Library location to open with an Outdoor Early Learning Centre, creating space for kids to learn, play, and imagine.
Sticks & Strings Foundation, founded by Seattle Kraken Captain Jordan Eberle and wife Lauren Rodych-Eberle, is dedicated to supporting the overall well-being of kids through philanthropy. The Sticks & Strings Outdoor Early Learning Centre will support families with an accessible space designed to encourage physical literacy, outdoor exploration, and creativity.
“This generous gift from Sticks & Strings Foundation will bring the Outdoor Early Learning Centre at Belmont Library to life,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of Calgary Public Library Foundation. “All Early Learning Centres at Calgary Public Library locations are entirely donor-funded, and with Sticks & Strings’ support, children will have access to an impactful outdoor space as part of their Library experience at Belmont.”
The Sticks & Strings Outdoor Early Learning Centre, scheduled to open with Belmont Library in 2027, will equip the new community with effective play-based educational resources.
“Full-body play is an important part of literacy, helping children build confidence, communication skills, relationships, and a lifelong love of learning,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “We are so grateful to Sticks & Strings Foundation for helping us extend learning into a beautiful outdoor space, creating endless possibilities for children to learn, grow, and meet their full potential.”
For Sticks & Strings Foundation, the Outdoor Early Learning Centre deepens an existing partnership with Calgary Public Library Foundation and aligns with their five pillars of focus — sports, music, reading, the outdoors, and supporting parents.
“We love spending time together as a family, and we do a lot of that at libraries,” says Jordan Eberle, co-founder of Sticks & Strings Foundation. “We’ve been partnering with Calgary Public Library Foundation on early learning initiatives since 2022, and this gift is a continuation of that work. The Sticks & Strings Outdoor Early Learning Centre will create an enduring space for children to move, play, and learn with their families,” says Lauren Rodych-Eberle, co-founder of Sticks & Strings Foundation.
Located on the west side of Macleod Trail south of 194 Avenue, Belmont is a new community and the Library location currently under construction is part of a multi-purpose development that includes a City of Calgary fieldhouse. Naming opportunities are currently available.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT BELMONT LIBRARY:
- Anticipated to open in 2027
- Approximately 10,000 sq. ft.
- Features: Children’s Library, dedicated Teen Space, computer stations, program rooms, Outdoor Early Learning Centre
ABOUT STICKS & STRINGS FOUNDATION
Sticks & Strings was founded in 2022 as a family initiative by husband and wife duo, Jordan Eberle and Lauren Rodych-Eberle. The foundation supports children and parents through its five pillars: sport, music, reading, the outdoors, and parents-in-need. Jordan and Lauren love to say, “if you’ve been blessed, you should build a longer table rather than a taller fence.” Every year, Sticks & Strings supports five or more Alberta-based programs, working with charities and non-profits across the province. For more information, visit sticksandstringsfoundation.com.
ABOUT CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
Through the support of our donors, Calgary Public Library Foundation enables Calgary Public Library and all of its members to dream, to transform, and to lead in access, connection, and literacy. Innovation starts at the Calgary Public Library, and donor support has the power to transform lives. Learn more and join us in this transformation as we invent the future of libraries, together.
ABOUT CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Calgary Public Library is an international leader in library service innovation and one of North America’s largest public library systems, with 52% of Calgarians as active users. The Library receives 7 million visits each year to 22 locations and has over 815,000 members. To learn more, visit calgarylibrary.ca.
