About the Library

Besides books of all types and topics, you’ll find magazines, popular music, great movies, 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 – 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

dfraser — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:35:00 GMT

CPL Website and E-Library

Using the Catalogue

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

dfraser — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:16:00 GMT

CPL Board

Become a Board Member

Board Policies

Board Procedure Bylaw

Board Use Bylaw

CPL Management

Awards Received

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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 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

The Premier's Award of Excellence, for the Alberta Public Library Electronic Network. The Calgary Public Library is a founding member of this group, which works to share access and electronic resources among libraries throughout the province.

The Calgary Award for Accessibility, recognizing the Shawnessy and Fish Creek Libraries as facilities that exceed requirements for accessibility by persons with disabilities.

The Library Association of Alberta's Award of Excellence in Library Service, acknowledging the outstanding work done to reverse a 10-year trend of declining Library use in Calgary's East sector.

The Calgary Heritage Award, recognizing the Library's role in raising awareness of Calgary's rich history through the "Cornerstones" and "Then and Now" columns in the Calgary Herald, and the "Home Sweet Heritage Home" and "A Virtual tour of Historic Calgary" sections in the Library's website.

Immigrants of Distinction Award from the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, in the category of Organizational Diversity, acknowledging the Library's contributions to new Canadians living in Calgary through multi-language and ESL materials, services, and programs.

Contact Us

dfraser — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:37:00 GMT

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