Support the Library's resources for newcomers

“The Library was a place of refuge and hope for me when I landed as a new immigrant. Access to information and resources is the best gift you can give a person starting over in a new country. I want others to enjoy this benefit too.”

—Yewande D., Calgary Public Library member and Library Foundation donor since 2018

Calgary Public Library is one of the first stops many newcomers make after arriving in our community, and donor support helps ensure they receive a warm welcome to their new home. Through the Library, newcomers can access support to learn English, find a job, and build a network in their new community.

The Library’s Newcomers Desk is a drop-in service offering support from newcomer-serving organizations. Anyone can meet with staff for needs assessment and referrals, information about language training, child support, education and skills development, employment, community connections, and more. It can be accessed at Central, Saddletowne, Shawnessy, and Village Square libraries. Newcomers Desk is supported generously by the RBC Foundation.

Drop-In English Practice and Advanced English Practice provide opportunities for newcomers and language-learners to practice speaking and develop conversation skills in a group setting. Sessions are held at Library locations across the system and registration is not required.

As a donor, your generosity can support the Library’s resources for newcomers in the way that is most meaningful to you. Here are two ways the Library can use your gift:

• $50 can buy a book in a World Language. Familiar books are an incredible comfort to newcomers and can make Calgary feel more like home.
• $100 can deliver one session of English-language instruction. Language classes prepare newcomers to work, study and live in Calgary, and also provide a network of new friends.