About the Library

Book Donation FAQs

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Does the Library accept book donations?

We would be happy to accept the following books, in excellent condition:

classic titles, older best sellers and popular fiction of enduring interest
local materials about Calgary and Southern Alberta
books that have been published or purchased within the past 5 years
popular, current paperbacks

How do I give my donations to the Library?

You may drop off up to 10 books at a time at any branch during open hours—please do not use the book chute for donations. We ask that you check your books to make sure they are in excellent condition.

Why can’t I donate old books, magazines and other material?

The Library uses some donated books, which are new and in excellent condition, to add to the collections. Unfortunately, handling and disposing of large quantities of old material costs the Library money. The Library can give you a list of alternate locations where you may be able to leave your books.

What can I do with several boxes of books to donate?

The Library is happy to accept up to 10 items at a time of new material in excellent condition.

For larger donations, the Library can give you a list of alternate locations where you may be able to leave your books.

Why won’t the Library take my donations of university textbooks and encyclopedias?

The information in textbooks and encyclopedias becomes dated quickly so we cannot add these to the collection. They also do not sell on the sale tables. Handling and disposing of unwanted materials does cost the library money so the Library can give you a list (link to *1 above) of alternate locations where you may be able to leave your textbooks and encyclopedias.

What happens to my donations?

We will consider them for the collection in accordance with the Materials Selection Policy.

Sometimes we put books on the sale table which in turn generates funds for buying new items for the Library. Occasionally, donated items are in such poor condition that we must put them in the garbage/recycling.

Annual Reports

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2008 Calgary Public Library Annual Report to the Community 2007 Calgary Public Library Annual Report to the Community 2006 Calgary Public Library Audited Financial Statements 2005 Calgary Public Library Annual Report...(read more)

Vision, Mission, Values

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The mission, vision, and values of the Calgary Public Library....(read more)

Branch Locations and Hours

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The Calgary Public Library has 17 branches throughout the city!

Click Here for Branch Locations and Hours

Publications

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Annual Reports to the Community:

2009 Calgary Public Library Report to the Community

2008 Calgary Public Library Report to the Community

2007 Calgary Public Library Report to the Community

2005 Calgary Public Library Annual Report

2004 Calgary Public Library Annual Report

2003 Calgary Public Library Annual Report

Audited Financial Statements:

2008 Calgary Public Library Audited Financial Statements

2006 Calgary Public Library Audited Financial Statements

Strategic Business Plan:

Laying the Foundation for a Second Century of Service: Business Plan 2009-2011

An Adobe Acrobat PDF viewer is required to see these reports.

Borrowing, Returning, Etc.

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Get a Library Card

Borrowing and Returning

Fees

Lost Items

The Alberta Library Card

FAQs

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What are the annual registration fees for a Library card?

Adults: $ 12.00
Seniors: $ 9.00
Young adults (13 – 17): $ 6.00
Children: FREE
Replacement card: $ 5.00

Fees are higher for those not residing in Calgary. Please ask Library staff for details.

What is the best way to contact the Library?

Call 403-260-2600 for any and all Library information you need. You can also e-mail us at dearlibrary@calgarypubliclibrary.com.

What can I take home from the Library?

Besides books of all types and topics, you’ll find magazines, popular music, great movies, e-books, comic books, and more. Click here for a complete list of what you can borrow.

What Library materials can I use while I visit a branch?

Current newspapers, government documents, telephone and trade directories, and maps are just a few examples.

How often do you get new items in stock?

All the time – we add items to our collection each week!

Can I recommend a title or item for the Library to buy?

Yes, if there is something specific you’re looking for that we don’t already carry, please let us know at dearlibrary@calgarypubliclibrary.com or click here to suggest a title.

What happens when my card expires?

You can renew your card at any Library branch by paying the regular yearly registration fee. Please bring a piece of identification with your current address.

Is there free Internet service and computer use at the Library?

You bet. Internet service and computer use is included in your yearly membership and is available at all Library branches. We also have free wireless access in every branch, everywhere – bring your laptop!

What types of programs, seminars, and presentations are offered at the Library?

Click here to see our wide range of free adult and children’s programs.

Can I find out what reading level certain books are for children and teens?

Yes, there is a code on the spine of books for young people to help pick the reading level that’s just right:

Board book: babies and toddlers
Z: picture books
X: beginner readers
J: books for children
YA: for young adults (ages 13 to 17)

Why aren’t paperbacks catalogued?

We don’t catalogue popular mass-market paperback books because their shelf life is short. Instead, we group them by subject, such as mystery, science fiction, or romance.

Will you remind me when my books are due?

Check the paper receipt that’s provided when you sign out Library items for the date your Library items are due back. We don’t provide phone or e-mail reminders unless you have a hold waiting for you.

What should I do if my Library card is lost or stolen?

No problem. Call us at 403-260-2608 and we’ll suspend your card so no one else can use it. The next time you come to the Library, bring your identification and we’ll issue you a new card with a $5.00 processing fee.

Can my family members or friends use my Library card?

Only the person who the card is registered to can use it. We encourage each person in every family to register for their own card.

Can I eat or drink in the Library?

Sure – just not while using the computers. If you’d like to eat or drink in other Library areas, please respect other users and Library materials.

Can I leave my children unattended in the Library?

Please do not leave children unattended in the Library. Parents or caretakers should always supervise their children while visiting the Library.

How should I notify the Library of a change in name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number?

You can do this in person at any Library branch, or by calling 403-260-2600.

Can I borrow magazines from the Library?

Yes, you can borrow any magazines other than current issues. Current issues must remain in the Library branches.

What you can do from Home

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CPL Website and E-Library

Phone Services

What you can do at your Library Branch

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Items Available at Every Library Branch

Items Available at the Central Branch Only

Services Available at Each Library Branch

CPL Leadership

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CPL Board

Become a Board Member

Board Policies

Board Procedure Bylaw

Board Use Bylaw

CPL Management

Awards Received

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2009

Rs of Excellence Award (Institutional Category) from the Recycling Council of Alberta – for the Library's outstanding contributions to waste reduction, recycling and resource conservation in Alberta. This award recognizes the Library's many green initiatives, including the hybrid vehicle replacement buying program, the “Eco Heroes” Summer Reading Adventure, participation in pond and river clean-ups, recycling initiatives (paper, plastic, and compost) and the Eco blog on the Library's website.

Literacy Alberta Award of Excellence (Organization Category) – for the Library's outstanding contributions to the advancement of literacy in Alberta. The Library received this award for the strength of all its literacy programs for adults and children including programs for: Reading, Writing, Technology, English Skills, and Cultural literacy.

Certificate of Recognition from the Canadian Council on Learning – for the Library's Reading Advantage adult literacy program. The program was selected by the Canadian Council on Learning’s “Sharing the Flame” program, which celebrates innovative and effective practices across the country in five learning categories. Reading Advantage was selected in the adult learning category. A description of the program will be included in an “Ideas Book” to be posted to the Canadian Council on Learning’s website.

Local Heroes Award from the Canadian Urban Institute - for the Library's volunteer program. The Canadian Urban Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in urban areas across Canada and internationally. Part of its prestigious Urban Leadership Awards program, Local Hero Awards honour individuals or groups whose actions make a difference in the lives of the people in their community.

Gold Award for Best Green Marketing at the 2009 Summit International Creative Award—for the Library’s “Green Before Green Was Cool” special event. This year’s awards featured entries from 26 countries, and was judged by an international panel that included creative directors from Canada’s prestigious doug agency; America’s Ogilvy One Worldwide, EvoLogue, and MFX; Ireland’s Bloom Agency; Japan’s Stellar; and more. “Green Before Green Was Cool” highlighted how library use is a simple, effective way for people to reduce their impact on the planet’s resources.

2009 Hermes Creative Gold Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals—for one of five direct mail pieces in the Library’s fall promotional campaign. “Another Great Thing To Do In Bed—Read” was styled after a hotel Do Not Disturb door hanger, and was recognized in the direct marketing category for the creative and mischievous way it drew attention to the Calgary Public Library.

2009 Welcoming City—Wild Card Award from The Disability Action Hall—presented to the Central Library for being free to all and the best place to meet friends and hang out. The Disability Action Hall is a project of the Calgary Scope Society.

2008

Third place in the International Federation of Library Association's Marketing Awards for the Library's "Neatest People" campaign. The competition included entries from 16 different countries and marks the second time that the Library's marketing programs have been recognized by IFLA.

Calgary Heritage Authority's 2008 Lion Award, in the category of Building Restoration, for the Memorial Park Library refurbishment and renovation project. The award recognized the Library's contribution to the preservation and protection of Calgary's historic resources for the enjoyment of all Calgarians and future generations.

Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Stewardship of Information Heritage from The EMC2 Corporation's Heritage Trust Project, for the Library's role as “guardian, guide and advocate” of its community heritage and family history collections, specifically archival photographs relating to the history of Calgary.

Best Miscellaneous Costume Award, from the Calgary Stampede Parade Association, for innovative costuming in the Library's parade.

2007

Immigrants of Distinction Award from the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, in the category of Organizational Diversity, for being "an organization that has made outstanding achievements in implementing diversity initiatives in the workplace or has made significant contributions in serving ethnically diverse client groups." The Library's submission highlighted many of CPL's achievements in services to new Canadians and the World Languages community.

Premier's Education Award, recognizing a significant contribution in making Library programs and facilities barrier-free. This award was part of the Premier's Council Awards of Excellence program.

Marshall Cavendish Excellence in Library Programming Award, for the program, "It's a Crime Not to Read," presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference. The programming award has been given out since 2000, and the Calgary Public Library was the first Canadian library to win.

Bronze medal in the Summit International Marketing Awards, for the Library's "Cheap & Easy" advertising campaign, which promoted the two most popular features of using the Library.

Best Miscellaneous Costume Award, from the Calgary Stampede Parade Association, for innovative costuming in the Library's parade entry.

2006

John Cotton Dana Award, for outstanding library public relations. The Library was honoured for its 2006 program, "The Great Alberta Reading Challenge," in which all libraries across the province were invited to join in a friendly competition with prizes for the highest participation.

Community Spirit Award – Large Organization, from the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC), recognizing the Library for genuinely welcoming all persons - including those with developmental disabilities - to enjoy the programs and services the Calgary Public Library offers.

SirsiDynix Building Better Communities Award, recognizing the innovative use of technology to improve communities. The Library was one of five libraries out of 130 nominations worldwide to receive this inaugural award sponsored by software maker SirsiDynix.

Third Place Award Winner - Most Creative Design in Calgary Stampede Parade, for the "The World at Your Doorstep" theme.

2005

Alberta Library Trustees Association Honorary Life Membership Award: Judith Umbach, Calgary Public Library Board Chair, for providing ongoing excellent service to the community by:

· Providing leadership in the library community

· Serving as a trustee in public libraries or public library systems in the province, or making a significant contribution to the library community

· Serving libraries in capacities beyond their local library or system board

· Exhibiting a strong, supportive, trusting relationship with their library staff

Alberta Library Trustees Association Award of Excellence to the Calgary Public Library Board, acknowleding library boards that have enabled and supported their libraries to provide ongoing excellent service to their communities over a five-year period.

Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation, Mayor's Excellence Award, presented to the Library and our partners (the Calgary Police Service, the Calgary Board of Education, the Calgary Separate School District, and the Rotary Clubs of Calgary South, East, and Sarcee), in the category of Literacy Support and Enhancement for the, "It's a Crime Not to Read" program.

John Cotton Dana Award, for outstanding library public relations. Billed as the most prestigious award of the American Library Association, the Library was honoured for its ongoing efforts to reach out to people and attract new library users through mass-media advertising and targeted promotions. The Calgary Public Library first won the John Cotton Dana Award in 2002, which marked the first time since the 1970s a non-U.S. library received the prize.

2004

Alberta Region Steel Design Award, from The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, was presented to the Crowfoot Library branch and its architects for innovative use of structural steel.

Community Spirit Award of Distinction, from the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC), recognizing the Library's "Open For All" staff training and Accessible Library Experience (ALEX) workstations. These awards recognize people and organizations that provide increasing opportunities for Calgarians with developmental disabilities to participate in the community.

Lighthouse Award, from the Calgary Board of Education, in positive recognition of our partnerships. The award recognizes businesses and organizations that help to enhance learning opportunities for Calgary Board of Education students and staff. Five specific programs were recognized by this award including: Reading Buddies, Read With Me, Computer Buddies, It's a Crime Not to Read, and Connect Teens.

2003

Diversity Award from the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society’s Immigrants of Distinction Awards

Library Association of Alberta Award of Excellence in Library Service

Movers & Shakers 2003: The people who are shaping the future of libraries - presented to Marilyn Wallace, Manager, Customer Services, Village Square Library

Calgary Heritage Award for the Category of Heritage Publication, Education, Scholarship or Exhibit - presented to Jennifer Cook Bobrovitz, Local History Librarian, and the Calgary Public Library

The City of Calgary Awards - Award for Accessibility

Premier's Award of Excellence - Bronze Award

Heritage Canada Foundation’s Journalism Prize - presented to Librarian Jennifer Cook Bobrovitz

The Canadian Association of Public Libraries/Broadart Outstanding Public

Library Service Award - presented to Marilyn Wallace, Customer Service Manager, Village Square Library

LibraryNet Best Practices from Industry Canada

2002

John Cotton Dana Award for Library Public Relations from the American Library Association

W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors from the Canadian Library Association

3M International Marketing Award from the International Federation of Library Associations

LibraryNet Best Practices from Industry Canada

Literacy Award for Community Leadership from Canada Post

2001

Dr. Dayton Forman Memorial Award for Service to the Visually Impaired from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind

LibraryNet Best Practices from Industry Canada

Award of Excellence from the Library Association of Alberta

Award of Merit from Alberta Literacy

2000

Stan Heath Achievement in Literacy Award from the Canadian Association of Library Trustees and ABC Literacy Foundation

1997

Best of Show Exhibit Award from the American Library Association Conference

Silver Laurel Award for Special Needs Services from the Volunteer Centre of Calgary

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