Join us on the Pathway to Play
Introducing the new Outdoor Early Learning Centre at Signal Hill Library.
Coming soon, the Signal Hill Library Outdoor Early Learning Centre will be an inclusive place where every child can be engaged and active in a variety of ways. In consultation with the community and guided by barrier-free design and inclusive playground standards, this space will be used by children of all ages, sizes and abilities.
Be a Part of the Project
Doing More with Your Support
You can also join us on the Pathway to Play with a donation of any amount.
Generous donors—like you—are making the Outdoor Early Learning Centre at Signal Hill Library a reality! Your donation will support this engaging and vibrant new space which will help to strengthen nearby neighbourhoods and spark social connections. Thank you for supporting the Library and our community.
To learn more about partnership or investment opportunities at the Signal Hill Library Outdoor Early Learning Centre, please contact:
Tamara Smith, Senior Manager of Donor Partnerships
tamara@libraryfoundation.ca
403-260-2631
Pathway to Play FAQs
Pathway to Play is a campaign in support of Outdoor Early Learning Centres. Coming soon, the Signal Hill Library Outdoor Early Learning Centre will provide children and families with unlimited access to play and put them on the pathway to success.
Donors have helped build all of the Calgary Public Library’s 13 existing Early Learning Centres, and we are fundraising to build this innovative, accessible community space.
To ensure that this fundraising is accessible for most, we are offering recognition opportunities at different levels:
- Community Campaign – with two different size options at $100 and $250, this campaign will be accessible for most community members and will allow them to support the project while adding their name or message (100 characters, with spaces) to the vestibule of Signal Hill Library for one year.
- Window Naming – inspired by our Windows of Opportunity Campaign at Central Library, up to 40 donors will be able to add an inscription (100 characters, with spaces) to the Signal Hill Library windows. This opportunity is available for $5,000 with a length of five years.
- Plaque within the Connect Space – like a park bench, this opportunity will allow you to share an inscription (100 characters, with spaces) that will be set within the Early Learning Centre (location TBC). This opportunity is available for $10,000 with a length of ten years.
- For information on naming the individual zones, or full naming on the space, please contact Sade Nasser at sade@libraryfoundation.ca or 403 260 2675.
Your tax receipt will be issued in the full amount of your donation.
Why are the inscriptions only on the windows and plaques for a limited time?
The recognition length for a Signal Hill Library window is five years, and a plaque within the space for ten years. We do have other opportunities within the Pathway to Play Campaign ranging from one year to ten+ years; please contact us for more information.
Will my name/phrase/quote appear on the window glass?
Like the window inscriptions at Central Library, messages will be installed on the mullion (window frame), which allows us to retain the integrity of the windows.
Can I choose where my window or plaque is located?
No, but all windows have wonderful access from inside the Library. The plaques will be located within the Outdoor Early Learning Centre (exact location TBC). Don’t delay; the prime locations are first come, first served.
Can my name be placed near my friend/family member’s name?
We cannot guarantee placement requests, however, we recommend that you purchase your windows or plaques at the same time to increase the likelihood of your messages being near each other.
How will I be able to find my window or plaque?
Window purchasers will be notified of their window and/or plaque locations prior to the opening of the Signal Hill Library Outdoor Early Learning Centre.
Will my inscription be checked for spelling or grammar?
Due to the volume of inscriptions, we will not be checking for spelling or grammar. Please, ensure your message is spelled correctly.
Do I have to use all 100 characters?
No, that is just the maximum number of characters available to you.
Can I add something other than my name?
Yes, you can choose a name, the name of someone special to you, a quotation, or other wording. Profanity, offensive language, emoji’s or marketing (i.e. phone numbers and websites) cannot be used.
Can I add multiple names?
As long as you stay within the character limit, you can use multiple names.
Can I provide a message in another language?
Yes, but please ensure the message you submit is accurate. It will be checked to ensure that there is no profanity or offensive language.
Can I buy a window and/or plaque for someone else as a gift? Or in honour of or in memory of a loved one?
Yes! We hope that many Calgarians will think of making a donation to the Library as a gift for Christmas, birthdays, or any other special occasion. The person who purchases the window will receive the tax receipt.
Can I purchase a window or plaque with others?
Yes. You can have one person coordinate and make the purchase (in which case, the tax receipt will be issued in their name). Contact us at 403-221-2002.
Learn More about the Project
The 7,500 ft2 Signal Hill Outdoor Early Learning Centre has been called the “jewel of the community” by city planners. The fully enclosed and landscaped play space will include permanent play structures and elements, allowing children and families to learn through play safely during—and outside of—library open hours.
The new Signal Hill Outdoor Early Learning Centre features four zones:
- PERFORM – accessible programming and event space.
- CONNECT – encourages social connections and strong communities.
- INTERACT – flexible space for self-directed and open-ended play.
- EXPLORE – an accessible playspace for active play and discovery.
Signal Hill is one of the busiest libraries in the southwest quadrant of the city. It boasts some of the highest material use, and sees up to 31,000 patrons every month. As the only outdoor ELC in the southwest, it will provide new space for programming and allow children and families to learn through play safely during—and outside of—library open hours.
The Signal Hill Library Outdoor Early Learning Centre will be an inclusive place where every child can be engaged and active in a variety of ways. In consultation with the community and guided by barrier-free design and inclusive playground standards, this space will be used by children of all ages, sizes and abilities.
Why Calgary Public Library?
Early learning is a longstanding and key priority for the Calgary Public Library. In 2016, the Library opened its first Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Fish Creek Library. Since then, we have built 12 indoor ELCs and one outdoor nature playground thanks to the generous support of our donors.
Visit a Calgary Public Library location today and you’ll find children learning through play in a helicopter or interactive children’s area, in addition to accessing a rich variety of collections, and participating in engaging programs. Research on early learning–which takes place from birth to age five–underpins our work. The most important periods of development
happen at the very beginning stages of life and play is the principal way that children learn in these early years. Healthy development in early childhood sets the course for a child’s future, leads to kindergarten readiness, and prepares children for lifelong learning and success.
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