What We Do
In 2020, Calgary Public Library locations were temporarily closed twice to help limit the spread of COVID-19. These closures enabled the Calgary Public Library to look at new ways to deliver on its strategic plan, leverage its partnerships, and become even more creative in finding ways to reach and support our community. This included:
- moving to a Fine Free model, which removed a barrier to visiting the Library, welcomed back almost 36,500 members and resulted in $1.64 million in fines forgiven;
- providing 379 laptops to families in need, and creating the Borrow a Laptop Program to help address the digital divide;
- piloting the Community Wellness Desk, which provides free and accessible mental health and wellness support; and,
- My First Bookshelf, a new pilot program in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that delivers one free book a month to children from birth to age five.
Our generous donors helped to make these, and other projects and supports possible.
As we navigate the changes to our world and the challenges that lie ahead, the Library has an even greater role to play. With support from our donors, we will continue to remove barriers to ensure our community can access the Library, innovate to continually offer world-class resources and services, and, foster resilience to ensure the Library can continue to serve the evolving needs of our community, no matter what comes next.