Whether you support the Library because you are an active member, or because it provides all Calgarians with the programs and resources they need, thank you.

Donor support made great things possible at the Library in 2023:

  • 1,511
    devices checked out through the Borrow a Computer program.
  • 20,000
    books added to Library collections through donor support.
  • 1,098
    children added to the My First Bookshelf program.

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Support our community by making a donation to the Library.

In 2022, the Library spent $2,611,582 of donor funds.

Impact Story

Everyone belongs at the Library because the Library belongs to you.

Seven years ago, Adam was a newcomer to Canada, navigating a new culture, norms, and a new community. Like many Calgarians, he turned to the Library for support.

“I had a certain image of what a library was like: a plain building where you go to the front desk, request a specific book, and if it’s available, the librarian brings it to you,” says Adam, recalling his experiences at the library back home in Serbia. “To become a member, you needed to prove your identity and pay for a membership.” 

But what he encountered on his first visit to Calgary Public Library was nothing like he’d anticipated. At the front desk, Adam and his partner were greeted warmly by Library staff. “They showed empathy, explained everything to us, and opened our Library accounts.  Once we had our Library cards and entered the Library, a whole new world opened up to me. I observed how people interacted with each other, how they behaved in the Library, how children were free to play, and most importantly, how the Library was open and welcoming to everyone. I didn’t feel like an outsider.”

For Adam and the 57% of Calgarians who are active Library members, the Library is a transformational, vital community resource. “The support from the Library’s staff was a crucial moment in my new Canadian life that I will never forget. It helped me believe in myself and realize that I could achieve more than I thought.”

Our donors have supported projects like...

My First Bookshelf supports children on their journey to literacy, kindergarten readiness, and lifelong wellbeing. This program, which provides a free, age-appropriate book once a month from birth to age five, is currently at capacity with 2,000 children. In 2022, we hope to expand to 3,000 children and add a text-to-mobile service to share literacy information and Library programs with caregivers.

The Wellness Desk, which brings trained social workers into the Library to provide free mental health, addictions support and referral to services was expanded to Crowfoot Library. The donor-funded program, which is held in partnership with Wood's Homes, is available five days a week in person, or with extended hours via phone or text.

Calgary Public Library and Edmonton Public Library have partnered to raise awareness and engage Albertans in critical dialogue about Human Rights and Holocaust Education. This collaboration is supported by a number of donors, and includes programs, exhibits, virtual tours, community storytelling opportunities and Library collections related to human rights.

The Power of Reading

“I love the for-parents part in the books. I’ve learned the importance of emphasizing and putting on accents for my child. He is excited to walk to the mailbox in case a new book might be there waiting for him. He has memorized the words to a few books and I’ve caught him “reading” to himself a few times. Thank you for this program.” – Anonymous, My First Bookshelf parent 

Learn more about My First Bookshelf

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