2019 was quite the year for us. We hope that you enjoy reading about the impact that donors, like you, had on our Library community. Of course, it’s difficult to reflect on the past without discussing our present reality. 2020 has taken a turn that none of us could have predicted. Please know that the Calgary Public Library Foundation Board of Directors and staff team remain committed to thoughtfully managing the organization through the COVID-19 crisis, maintaining fiscal stability, and to meeting our donor obligations and ability to support the Library we all love. Please see below for a few of the highlights from last year.
Five years ago, I joined the Board of Directors at the Calgary Public Library Foundation because it allowed me to contribute to three causes closest to my heart; life-long learning, early education, and supporting newcomers. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of being part of an organization that has experienced incredible growth and celebrated some very memorable moments. The past year was no exception, and it marked a new beginning for the Library Foundation.
First and foremost, I’d like to thank Patricia Moore for her dedication as Chair of the Library Foundation’s Board of Directors from 2013 until 2019. She is a tireless champion of the Library Foundation and has inspired many to support our cause. We are pleased she has chosen to stay involved as a Board Member Emeritus.
Last year, we welcomed four new members to the Board; Jason Jogia, James Pettigrew, Sabina Shah, and Rob Van Wielingen. Each member is passionate about the Library and the Foundation, and I know that their diverse backgrounds and skill sets will be an asset to the organization.
I would also like to acknowledge Ellen Humphrey for her leadership of the Library Foundation over the past two years. Ellen dedicated a large chapter of her life to the Library, and we are so grateful for her oversight and passion for our work.
In July, the Board of Directors appointed Tracy Johnson as Chief Executive Officer. Tracy is a passionate leader who has contributed in countless ways to the success of the Library Foundation, and I have the utmost confidence that she will lead the organization through the coming years of growth and success.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Calgary Public Library Foundation, thank you for helping to make the past year a success. Together, we are creating a robust community space that supports and engages people with learning and big ideas.
Carl Landry
Chair, Board of Directors
Calgary Public Library Foundation
Like many of you, my relationship with the Library began when I was a child. I remember writing my name on the back of the card, and carefully placing it into my neon-yellow wallet. It was the only card in my wallet, but it gave me such a sense of purpose and possibility.
I’ve had many wonderful Library memories along the way, and I’m honoured to contribute to such an important institution. When I joined the Library Foundation six years ago, we had 900 donors. Today, we have 21,500—that’s one in every 100 Calgarians. Our donors span all ages and backgrounds; from spare change left at the counter to multimillion-dollar investments, each donation has the power to help Calgarians. In the same way that the Library is for everyone, donating to the Library is also for everyone.
The new Central Library celebrated its first birthday last November, and we are more focused on supporting the Calgary Public Library than ever. Demand for our Library has grown exponentially in the past few years, and that trend will only continue. While it’s important that we take time to celebrate our successes—and the following pages certainly do that—our work doesn’t end here. We will continue to fundraise for the Calgary Public Library so that it can support the evolving needs of Calgarians today and in the future.
If the work that we’re doing resonates with you, please tell your friends. Every dollar donated makes a difference, and we are proud to continue to fundraise for our Library. Thank you for your support.
Tracy Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
Calgary Public Library Foundation
Giving local children a strong start
In September 2019, we celebrated a transformational gift to enhance the Library’s Early Learning Strategy from local entrepreneur and philanthropist Susan Anderson—one of the largest gifts in our history. In recognition of this gift, the Jocelyn Louise Anderson Children’s Library was named at Central Library in honour of Anderson’s mother, who was a school teacher.
The ten-year performing arts program brings accessible arts and culture experiences to all Calgarians through the Library while supporting the work of emerging and mid-career performing artists. In 2019, more than 1,500 Calgarians attended performances by five different performing artists and groups.
