The average price of a book in Canada has risen by 20% since 2019.
This means for every five books that Calgary Public Library could previously afford, today, it can only buy four.
This means the fifth book doesn’t make it to the Library’s shelves.
Meanwhile, Calgarians are joining the Library in record numbers. An average of 425 Calgarians per day signed up for Library cards in 2024. Today, more than 818,000 Calgarians have a Library card—that’s 58% of our city. Major membership growth increases demand for collections items. New and popular releases often receive hundreds—and sometimes even thousands—of holds when released.
Calgary Public Library Foundation is embarking on a journey for every book and every reader. We have an immediate need to raise $1 million this year for expanded and enhanced Library collections. Additionally, the Library Foundation is preparing for the future with a goal to grow a collections endowment, ensuring the Library is always well-supported in providing books to Calgarians.
The Fifth Book Campaign will put the right book in the right hands, at the right time.
Library membership is growing at record-breaking rates…
425new Library members per day in 2024
58%of Calgarians are Library members
15.1Mcollections items checked out in 2024
…while book prices continue to increase.
$80Typical cost to licence one eBook
$130Typical cost to licence one digital audiobook
$50Typical cost for one World Language book
Sponsor a shelf for The Fifth Book
It’s not just authors who get their names on Library shelves anymore!
You can support The Fifth Book Campaign and name a bookshelf or bookcase at your favourite Library location. Shelf sponsorship namings are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Shelf sponsorships have a term of 10 years. Donors can select their preferred Library location and the section where they would like their plaque displayed (fiction, non-fiction, teen books, children’s books).
The Fifth Book is a fundraising campaignin support of enhancing and expanding Calgary Public Library’s collections. The name refers to the book that goes unpurchased when funding does not keep pace with increases to book costs. Book prices have increased by 20%, but budgets have not, andthe same funds that would previously cover five books now only cover the cost of four.
Calgary Public Library receives funding from various public and private sources to cover standard annual operating costs. However, due to rapid membership growth and rising book prices, there is a shortfall in funding for collections items.
Yes. For any donations made online, a tax receipt is emailed to the address you provide within 48 hours of your donation. For donations over $10 that are received by mail, a tax receipt is sent by mail or electronically, depending on your preference.
Calgary Public Library Foundation is embarking on a journey for every book and every reader. We have an immediate need to raise $1 million this year for expanded and enhanced Library collections. Additionally, the Library Foundation is preparing for the future with a goal to grow a collections endowment, ensuring the Library is always well-supported in providing books to Calgarians.
This term refers to the physical and digital items that Library members check out every day. The Library’s collections include millions of items in a variety of formats, including eBooks, audiobooks, physical books, and even laptop computers and musical instruments.
Collections are curated and thoughtfully developed to reflect trends and interests inthe community. Collections require refreshing to provide new stories and information relevant to our community. Classic titles are repurchased when they are worn out from use.
Outside of book donationsfrom local authors and books with significant content about Southern Alberta, the Library does not accept book donations for three key reasons:
Collection needs: The Library purchases books strategically and in large quantities based on trends in the publishing landscape and in response to user behaviour. This method facilitates the development of a collection that is relevant and current.
Processing: The Library purchases books that are already prepped for the shelf: catalogued, barcoded, and ready to be checked out.
Condition: The majority of books offered to the Library are used, which are great for passing along to friends and neighbours, but are often unsuitable for circulation due to age or wear and tear.
Most eBooks at the Library can only be licenced, rather than purchased outright. These licences typically expire, either after a set period of time or a predetermined number of checkouts. The cost paid by the Library for eBooks fluctuates depending on the duration of the licence or the number of times the eBook can be borrowed and are often more expensive than what the public pays. Once it expires, the Library must buy the licence again in order to continue offering the title.
Funds raised through The Fifth Book Campaign will be directed to the area of greatest need by the Collections team.
