“Ella is so kind.”
“Ella is super-positive.”
“She is soooo nice.”
These are a few of the rave reviews that youth volunteer Ella Li has received lately. Animated and light-hearted, Ella has an easy laugh that brightens the room.
In Summer 2009 Ella joined the Calgary Public Library volunteer team and she’s been brightening up program rooms and computer labs ever since! Ella heard about the Library’s volunteer programs from her friend Zoey and thought it would be “a very good chance to experience something new”. As a Computer Buddy, Ella helps younger buddies develop computer skills. Through fun projects and activities, they practice safe Internet searching and Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ella says, “I love to be around children, especially the energetic ones. Watching them laugh makes me really fulfilled.”
In Summer 2010 Ella tried out another program. “I really enjoy the ESL Teen Talk program. I met lots of new people, they are really fun and nice to be around. Once we played a game [that] involved earning points. I remember my group was scared to answer the hard questions at first, but after half an hour we were all in a really hyper mood. Even the most quiet people raised their hands to answer. We couldn't wait to answer the next question. Everybody was so involved, because we all worked together.” All that teamwork was for the best – her team won the game, and became better friends too.
Ella has many interests, including badminton, tennis, art, calligraphy, and guitar. Besides volunteering with the Calgary Public Library she has also volunteered helping young children at Chinese school.
Thank you, Ella, for bringing laughter and fun to the Library’s youth volunteer programs!
In Canada approximately 42% of adults have low literacy skills.
Reading Advantage is a literacy program which pairs volunteers and adults with low literacy skills, for a period of approximately one year. Volunteer coaches help participants develop basic reading and writing skills, experience the joys of reading, and pursue individual goals. A student-centred method is utilized to build upon each individual’s needs, strengths, learning styles and life experiences.
Help a person reach their full potential by volunteering for Reading Advantage!
We are currently looking for volunteers at Country Hills Library, Forest Lawn Library, Thorn Hill Library and Village Square Library.
If you are interested in volunteering for this program please contact Emily Robinson Leclair at 403-260-2729, readingadvantage@calgarypubliclibrary.com.
To learn more about this program click here.
TD Sparks uses the library once a week, and was intrigued when he saw an advertisement for Living Library volunteers. He explains, “It was painless to volunteer. I just clicked on the website.”
The Living Library works exactly like your local library – readers can borrow a “book”. The difference is: books in the Living Library are people, “living books,” with whom the reader can have a conversation.
This unique program enables people to ask the questions they have always wanted to ask and to share stories about their personal experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.
TD’s book title is Recovering from Addiction and Alcoholism: 17 years and counting and reflects his personal history as a former foster child and his journey through addiction recovery. TD says his story has two main features: it's about ending the patterns of a life of addiction and abuse, and it is also about discovering success in the performing art of magic and balloon sculpting. TD used magic as "occupational therapy" channeling the negative energy of his addictions into the positive energy of performing. Sixteen years later he is still clean and sober and performing has become his day job. One reader commented, “The honesty was overwhelming. The half hour was packed with useful information. I gained a deeper understanding of addiction. Wonderful program!” Another reader also gave TD a glowing review, “Wonderful experience, well-spoken, well-informed and the sort of book in which only the ‘real’ McCoy will do! He was ‘experience talking’. It doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks TD”
TD believes society should not turn their eyes away from any issue, or hide behind closed doors, because we will not be able to solve problems by not dealing with them. His willingness to share his struggles make his book quite popular and at the first Living Library program at Fish Creek he was ‘checked out’ all day. TD has even been interviewed by CBC Radio during a Living Library at the Central library and by Global TV. TD Sparks not only exemplifies the best qualities of a volunteer, he is also an amazing advocate for Calgary Public Library and all its services.
Thank you TD!
Congratulations Augusto!
Augusto is the Volunteer Coordinator of the Calgary Public Library's Homebound Readers program. As well, he volunteers to deliver Library Materials to Homebound Readers. Augusto received his Canadian Citizenship this July!
"I want to help kids read. I grew up having trouble and now I can't imagine a life without books!"
"I want to enhance my teaching skills."
"I feel like I'm in a fortunate position in life and want to give back
to the community. I like to say 'If not me, then who?' "
"I remember having a reading buddy in elementary school and
how helpful that was. I hope that I am able to have a similar impact
on someone else's life"
"I think it is meaningful to do something good with my spare time."
Why do you volunteer?
Congratulations to our Volunteer Award Winners for 2010:
25 Years of Service- Robert High
Career Coaching- Janeen Scott
Computer Buddies- Julia Schade
Computer Technology- Liela Chan and Peggy Jubien
ESL Conversation Club- Barry Simpkins
Homebound Readers- Carol Sinclair
Homework Help- Kim Koch
Libraries in Residence- Nellie Wojtaszek
Read With Me- Joan Buhr
Reading Advantage-Fiona Pinnel
Reading Buddies- Charanpreet Gill
Spanish Conversation Club-William Jiménez
Family Award- Carlos Vidal Wu and Susana Lui Colan
John Dutton Volunteer of the Year:
Gloria Rasmussen
Gerry Meek, CEO of Calgary Public Library, with Gloria Rasmussen and Jamie Niessen, Chair of the Calgary Public Library Board.
In honour of National Volunteer Week, April 18 - 24, 2010, the Calgary Public Library is celebrating our volunteers!
National Volunteer Week is the biggest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in our country. We want to celebrate the achievements and hard work of all the volunteers around you! Calgary Public Library Board will be honouring our dedicated library volunteers with our annual Volunteer Recognition Event on April 23rd. Thank you to our amazing volunteers!
Please take the time this National Volunteer Week to recognize the 12.5 million volunteers nationwide by saying thank you. In the last year, they gave 2.1 billion hours of their time, energy and skills to the benefit of our community services, shelters, hospitals, sports teams, environment, political movements, disaster relief, international aid and development agencies and arts and culture scene to name a few. They are the selfless individuals who demonstrate their genuine compassion for the well being of others and in support of essential causes, by taking action and by making a difference.
Minister Lindsay Blackett has prepared a special video message for National Volunteer Week that talks about the importance of volunteers in our community.
Click here to watch the video!
With welcoming smiles and genuine empathy, Clara Galvan and Arturo Gutierrez have a way of setting people at ease. The husband and wife team are the motivating force behind the Spanish Conversation Club at Fish Creek. Instantly charming and disarming, Arturo and Clara are blessed with ebullient personalities and caring natures. Helping Spanish language learners to flourish and gain confidence comes naturally for them!
Part of their success lies in the fact that they have been on the other side of the table as well. Clara and Arturo began as participants in the ESL Conversation Club shortly after emigrating from Mexico. Through the ESL Conversation Club, they honed their English language skills and made new friends along the way.
When Spanish Conversation Club started up at Fish Creek Library, the two were a natural fit as volunteers. The move from participant to volunteer was seamless. Clara and Arturo had been inspired to give back and to enrich their community in their own way.
We at the Calgary Public Library would like to take this opportunity to thank Clara and Arturo for their heartfelt contribution. With their assistance, Spanish Conversation Club has been a great success!
Since Fall 2003, Mary Craig has contributed 165 hours to a number of volunteer programs at the Calgary Public Library. From ESL Conversation Club to Proctoring, her presence is felt across the system. However, what sets Mary apart is that she may be the nicest volunteer you will encounter at the Calgary Public Library.
In the ESL Conversation Club, Mary's pleasant demeanor makes her an extremely approachable individual. This is of the utmost importance in this program as a positive, nurturing environment helps participants to build confidence in their English language skills. Moreover, participants draw upon Mary’s devotion and loyalty to the program – bolstering their own enthusiasm. These traits, in conjunction with her extensive experience as a teacher, have proven invaluable to the ESL Conversation Club at the Central Library.
Yet to Mary, her motivations for volunteering are simple: it’s because she enjoys it. The volunteer opportunities at Calgary Public Library offer unique interactions with a variety of individuals; the happiness and enlightenment Mary derives from these interactions fuel her own passions. Mary Craig is the embodiment of a stellar volunteer. Through her commitment and contributions she has made a tremendous difference in the lives of others!
There are many signs that spring is on its way to Calgary - the bare brown earth makes itself known through patches in the snow; the birds are back and twittering in the trees; we're treated to sunshine and spectacular sunsets on the way home from work and school. Leading up to spring, the volunteer community is abuzz as the nominees for Volunteer Calgary's Annual Leadership Awards are announced.
This year, the Calgary Public Library is proud to announce our nominees in the following categories:
The Story Pals program: Leaders in Volunteer Engagement
The Story Pals program is the result of a unique partnership between the Calgary Public Library and the Pet Access League Society (PALS). Story Pals offers children a unique opportunity to increase their confidence and skill in reading by sharing stories with canine volunteers provided by PALS. When sharing stories with dogs, reading instantly becomes a relaxing activity. To the dog, it does not matter whether a child’s literacy is below average or whether they are English language learners. With the encouragement of the four-legged volunteers, young readers cultivate confidence and come to see reading aloud as an enjoyable experience.
Ali Tejpar and Sarena Dharshi: Leaders of Tomorrow
In the past three years, Ali Tejpar has volunteered an astounding 1615 hours of his time to a multiplicity of programs, events and initiatives that promote education, civic engagement and personal and community development. We are proud to have Ali as a member of our Reading Buddies team, where his warmth, positivity, and steadfast support are always welcome.
We are very pleased that Calgary Public Library volunteer Sarena Dharshi has been recognized with a nomination as well! Nominated by Red Deer Lake School, this junior high student has contributed over 50 hours to the Reading Buddies and Computer Buddies programs, quite impressive for a busy young student. Sarena is also very involved with volunteering at her school and in her community.
Peter Cutting: Heart of Calgary
Peter Cutting has been an active volunteer in the field of literacy for more than two decades. He began coaching adult literacy learners through the Calgary Public Library’s Reading Advantage program in October 2000. His creative and innovative coaching style has provided learners with the tools and encouragement necessary for improving their literacy and numeracy skills. Peter has also contributed to improving Calgarians’ quality of life through his role on the Calgary Public Library’s Board of Trustees. He is known for his love of reading and libraries and his profound respect for the skills that come with improved literacy. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your considerable expertise and enthusiasm!
Azmin Poonja: Leaders in Volunteer Management
Azmin Poonja became Manager of the Volunteer Resources Department of the Calgary Public Library in January 2006. Since then, the Library has seen a steady growth in volunteer programs to meet the unique needs of children, teens, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities.
Under Azmin’s leadership, the Library has achieved a record number of volunteers contributing their time and skills. In 2009, 1680 volunteers contributed over 30,000 hours to 19 programs – wow! Through the support of our outstanding volunteers, the Library offers excellence in programming and is able to model the values of accessibility, diversity, innovation and commitment.
Congratulations to all of the nominees, and best of luck to each of you at the 14th Annual Leadership Awards on April 19th.
In our eyes, you are all winners!
Reading Advantage is a literacy program which pairs adult volunteers and adults with low literacy skills. Volunteers help learners to develop basic reading and writing skills, experience the joys of reading, and pursue individual goals.
This program is very rewarding for all involved, and offers an incredible amount of flexibility. Volunteers and learners meet at a convenient Library location and decide their own meeting dates and times.
We are currently looking for adult volunteers at the following Calgary Public Library locations:
· Country Hills
· Forest Lawn
· Thorn-Hill
· Village Square
For more information, please contact Emily Robinson Leclair at (403) 260-2729 or emily.leclair@calgarypubliclibrary.com.
Interested in inspiring learning and literacy in a young reader?
The Read With Me program matches adult volunteers with struggling readers in Grades One through Six. Through one-on-one support, children build confidence in their skills - discovering the magic of reading for themselves!
We are currently looking for adult volunteers for matches at:
Alexander Calhoun
Country Hills
Shaganappi
Thorn-Hill
Village Square
If you are interested, or for more information, please contact Jodi Buker at 403.260.2710.
The Living Library works exactly like your local Calgary Public Library - readers can borrow a "book". The difference is, books in the Living Library are human beings: "living books", with whom the reader can have a conversation.
This unique program enables readers to ask the questions they have always wanted to ask; while books are given the opportunity to share stories about their personal experiences in a safe and welcoming environment. This enables individuals to actively contribute to building inclusive communities of understanding.
We are currently looking for Living Book Volunteers for our March 2010 programs and beyond.
As a Living Book, all you need is yourself - no more, no less. By being available to answer questions about your life will help readers understand you and your experiences better.
Living Library will occur on the following dates:
Village Square - Saturday, March 6 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm
Fish Creek - Saturday, March 13 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Central - Friday, March 19 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Crowfoot - Sunday, March 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Shawnessy - Saturday, March 27 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
To find out more about the program, or to become a Living Book, please contact us by e-mail livinglibrary@calgarypubliclibrary.com or by phone at 403.221.2094.
What happens when you bring together the curiosity of a young student and the enthusiasm of a teen volunteer? Computer Buddies!
Computer Buddies is a long-standing program at the Calgary Public Library. It started in 2002, pairing teen volunteers with students in Grades 1-6. Since then, dozens of young buddies and just as many teen volunteers have been involved every season.
With an emphasis on safe surfing and fun projects, the Buddies tackle Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as keyboarding, math games, and creating online comics.
Become a big buddy today! Click here to find out more about volunteering with Computer Buddies.
If you are the parent of a younger child (Grades 1–6), you can register your child for Computer Buddies here.
The Calgary Public Library’s newest volunteer program is happening in Cyberspace!
CyberSeniors Connect brings together teen volunteers with mature adults who want to buff up their computer skills. The program is open to participants who are 5o years and up. With one-on-one help from their own teen computer coaches, these CyberSeniors are learning to navigate the Web.
The students have a chance to explore their own interests at their own pace. Some are learning keyboards shortcuts; some are mastering Google Maps; others are finding out about Twitter and Facebook. Who better to learn from than a youth mentor?
A new session of CyberSeniors Connect will be open for registration on December 21st if you have any questions please contact Jessica Hagel at 403.221.2036 or Jessica.hagel@calgarypubliclibrary.com.
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