Renovation Update
Taking advantage of Crowfoot Library’s spectacular views, the new children’s area will feature bright and airy open spaces.
Since opening over 13 years ago, Crowfoot Library is the busiest in Calgary and will be receiving care and attention to keep up with the demand.
Crowfoot Library will be undergoing exciting changes this spring with additional break out and quiet study rooms.
To facilitate play and storytimes, the children’s area will be moved to the other side of the Library.
You’ll soon start to see a new shelving layout, lit shelving, more seating, new carpet, and paint. Service interruptions to members should be minimal with parts of the collection unavailable for only short periods of time. Staff will be hard at work serving the community while the Library remains open.
Almost nearing the end of its renovations, Nose Hill Library will receive an updated HVAC system along with a resurfaced parking lot. There will be limited parking while the lot is resurfaced but once it is complete, members will find parking to be more comfortable and safe.
Plans are underway for the temporary Sage Hill Library location to open in May. Stay tuned!
TIP:
Striving to be the “!” during renovations can be a challenge.
When Library members ask when changes will be complete, keep your answer broad so as not to disappoint if there are unforeseen renovation challenges (ie “They’ll be done by fall” rather than “They will be completed by Noon, October 3.”).
Watch for more great reno tips in the next issue of The Bulletin.
YOU Libraries Award
We have been nominated for a Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Library Service! Let Library members and your colleagues know that all Albertans can vote for The New Adventures of Engine 23 as the People’s Choice Award. Between March 27-31, cast your vote at www.laa.ca/youaward.
Library Story: Isadora Alcantara
Sharing Our Very Own Library Stories
Isadora arrived from the Philippines on Christmas Day 2015. The first thing her settlement worker encouraged her to do was visit her community library to find employment information. Little did Isadora know that she would be working at that Library just four months later!
Isadora has been celebrated by colleagues for her talent and dedication.
As the Customer Services Clerk at Village Square Library, Isadora loves to “help make life easier for everyone.” Whether she is streamlining workroom processes or providing programming support, Isadora’s passion for people is apparent.
Seeing the contrast between conventional and contemporary libraries has made her even more passionate about the Library’s place in the community. “Libraries are so diverse in Calgary,” she shares. “People only went to the library in the Philippines for research and reading. Here, everybody can come–special needs members, stay-at-home moms, and teenagers. That is why the Library is my happy place.”
Mini Engine 23s were a huge hit with the toddlers at the Colossal Calgary Playdate.
Wanting to create “happy places” for young Calgarians, Isadora reached out to her family for ideas. Her 13-year-old son, who volunteers in Coding Buddies, challenged her to “make something iconic” rather than just cardboard cars for an upcoming Colossal Calgary Playdate. Isadora agreed and solicited his helps. The result? Mini Engine 23s!
The Playdate was a huge success, with the Engine 23s making it extra special.
Isadora’s mantra is, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Her Best Public Library for the World traits include: taking initiative, cheerfulness, supportive, resourceful, engaging
“Isadora is hard working, diligent, efficient, and above all friendly. She is a joy to work with and brings positivity and levity with her to work every day.”
– Trevor Myers, Library Supervisor
New Faces at the Library Foundation
Meet two new members of the Library Foundation team
Contact Alexandra at alexandra@addin.ca
Alexandra Runge, Campaign & Event Coordinator, recently returned to Calgary, her hometown, after graduating from Ryerson University with her BA (Hons) in Arts and Contemporary Studies and minor in Non-Profit and Voluntary Sector Management. With a background in event management, Alex brings her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and desire to connect people through memorable experiences to the team.
A Calgarian at heart, she has fond memories of visiting the Library every week as a child, and found it became a sanctuary once she moved to Toronto; in addition to study space, its programs and connections to arts and cultural organizations helped make Toronto feel more like home.
Contact Dmytro at dmytro@addin.ca
Dmytro Petlovannyi has also joined the team as the Campaign Research & Grants Assistant. He is a recent graduate from Mount Royal University with a BA (Hons) in Criminal Justice, and became interested in fund development and the not-for-profit sector through volunteer work with a local mental health not-for-profit organization.
Dmytro’s previous experience as a research assistant has honed his research and writing skills, traits that will be invaluable as he helps the Library Foundation develop donor research and grant applications.
Please join us in welcoming Alexandra and Dmytro to the Library Foundation. They’re both looking forward to meeting and working with staff at the Library!
We received two donations from a husband and wife currently living in India. The wife’s message read:
"My husband Ashok and I have enjoyed the library facilities at Crowfoot extensively for several years. We send our best wishes for an all round growth of the Calgary Public Library."
You are Invited
Creating a Time Capsule of Steel
A significant milestone in the construction of Calgary’s New Central Library is upon us, and we’d like to celebrate with you, our Calgary Public Library member family.
The final steel beam of the building’s skeletal structure is about to be placed, and we’re commemorating this milestone by adding your stamp to the project.
Come prepared to create a time capsule of steel by inscribing, painting, and drawing your favourite lyrics, sonnets, poems or inspirational messages for future generations of Calgarians.
Tuesday, March 21
8th Avenue SE cul-de-sac (enter at intersection of 8th Ave & 4th St SE)
Sign the beam anytime between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Staff Volunteers Needed!
Help in the Conversations in English Program
The Conversations in English program is designed to assist Library staff as they further practise their speaking and listening skills. Volunteer Resources will match current or retired staff that are fluent in English with current employees for one-on-one conversations. Make a lasting difference in the life of a Library co-worker that extends beyond the doors of the Library!
*Volunteers are especially needed at Central Library.
Contact connie.smith@calgarylibrary.ca or 403.260.2632 for more information or to sign up.
Three Things for Canada
For Canada’s 150th birthday, let’s all give the gift of three things.
Three acts of service for our neighbourhoods, our nation, and the world.
That’s 100 million acts of community service!