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Fresh Picks & Community Connections This May! As the renewing energy of spring fills the air, we’re excited to bring you a vibrant lineup of programs at the Canmore Library this May! We’re kicking things off with a weekend of community spirit as the Flower Moon Community Swap and Share & Repair Fair happen side-by-side—offering a fun and sustainable way to refresh your space, share resources, and learn hands-on repair skills. Plus, our Seed Exchange returns later this month to help you get your garden growing with donated seeds from fellow green thumbs. Curious about tech? Don’t miss this month’s Library Tech Studio, where we’ll explore how AI images are made—and how to spot them. And for lovers of adventure and storytelling, we’re thrilled to welcome local climbing legend Sonnie Trotter for the launch of his new memoir Uplifted. Keep reading for all the details on everything your library has to offer this month—we can’t wait to see you there!
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Library Closed May 19 & 26
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 Please note that we will be closed on Monday, May 19th for Victoria Day. We will resume regular operations on Tuesday, May 20th at 10:00am. Wishing you a safe and happy May long weekend! Please note that the Canmore Public Library will be closed on Monday, May 26th for staff professional development. There will be no staff on site on this day. The Library will resume regular services on Tuesday, May 27th at 10:00am. |
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Explore Our Expanded Digital Collection: Thanks to the Susan Barry Bequest
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 Discover New Digital Reads – Thanks to the Susan We’re excited to share the first chapter of something special at the Canmore Public Library! Thanks to a generous bequest from Susan Barry to the Friends of the Library, we’re beginning to enhance our services and grow our collection in meaningful ways. To kick things off, we’ve expanded our digital library with 84 new OverDrive titles—63 eBooks and 21 eAudiobooks—so you can enjoy even more great reads anytime, anywhere. This is just the beginning. Susan’s thoughtful gift will continue to enrich our library with new resources, services, and opportunities for the whole community in the months to come. We are deeply grateful for her lasting legacy. |
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Canmore X Sedona Sister City Libraries Local Author Book Exchange
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We’re thrilled to announce that the Canmore Public Library has formed a new international partnership with the Community Library Sedona in Arizona, USA—officially becoming Sister City Libraries! Sister City Library partnerships promote cultural exchange, shared learning, and international collaboration. Through programs, resource sharing, and book exchanges, these partnerships help foster global connections and celebrate the values of curiosity, community, and friendship across borders. Our first joint initiative is a Local Author Book Exchange. Each library has selected seven books by local authors to share and display—offering readers a chance to explore stories rooted in another place and community. Watch for our in-house display coming soon, and in the meantime, you can browse the featured titles online! |
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Seed Exchange Save the Date
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 The Seed Exchange is Back at the Canmore Library! Starting May 18, the Canmore Public Library’s Seed Exchange returns for the season! This free, community initiative is a great way to share leftover seeds and discover something new for your summer garden. Drop off seeds you no longer need and pick up as many as you’d like—no limit! Just make sure donated seeds are in original packaging or labelled envelopes with the species name and growing instructions, and are less than two years old. The Seed Exchange runs until July 31. Grow your garden, reduce waste, and connect with fellow gardeners in the Bow Valley - one seed at a time! |
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Canmore Library in the Community
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Seniors Week Ice Cream Social
June 5th, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, Rotary Park We’re thrilled to be part of Canmore’s Seniors Week celebrations again this year! Stop by our table at the Ice Cream and Resource Fair to discover the wide range of resources we offer—and don’t forget to pick up a free book while you're there! |
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 2024 marked the first year of our new Strategic Plan, and we’re thrilled to report a successful start as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our ever-growing community. Programming and service numbers have now rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 2019 in many areas, and our three core goals of Visibility, Connections, and Innovation have guided our work throughout the year. Aligned with our Visibility goal, we expanded our reach across all marketing channels, grew our newsletter subscribers by nearly 25%, and boosted community engagement through media and outreach. Under our Connections goal, we exceeded previous years’ programming participation, hosted our most successful Summer Reading Game to date, and built meaningful relationships with our neighbouring Indigenous community through monthly storytimes and the continued growth of our collections. Supporting our Innovation goal, we proudly went fine-free in 2024, and strengthened partnerships with The Biosphere Institute and the Homelessness Society to enhance our Library of Things and Community Swaps. We launched a Seed Exchange program, ran popular 3D printing workshops, and introduced a new local Author Talk series, further solidifying the Library as a hub for creativity and lifelong learning. As Canmore grows, the Library continues to adapt and thrive; connecting people, ideas, and community every step of the way. |
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 Share your thoughts about a book (or two!) you've especially enjoyed, and gather some great recommendations for your reading list! We hope to see you there! |
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 Become a member of the Friends of the Library,We are convinced it is the best deal in town! - $5 for an individual membership annually
- $10 for a family membership annually
The benefits of becoming a member of the Friends of the Library include: - Early admission to book sales.
- Reduced price for special programs offered by the Friends.
- Knowing that you are supporting our amazing Library. Prior to COVID, the Friends of the Library had been donating more than $15,000 annually to enhance the Library's programs and resources.
- The opportunity to attend the Annual General Meeting in October and to vote on business pertaining to the Friends of the Canmore Library Society.
Some ways for you to become a member: - Simply fill in the online membership form. Make an E-transfer for the amount of the membership to friends@canmorelibrary.ab.ca.
- Make a print copy of the form, fill it out, put it in an envelope with cash or cheque and bring it to the Library.
- Have one of the Library staff do the processing of your membership next time that you are in the Library.
- Attend the first night of the next book sale. At that time, the membership director will be there selling memberships and after purchasing yours, you can get priority attendance at the Book Sale.
Your membership is valid until August 31, 2025. |
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Canmore's Share and Repair Fair
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Join the Town of Canmore and the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4–9 PM at Elevation Place for an evening of hands-on fun, learning, and community connection at the Share and Repair Fair!
Enjoy live music, free snacks, on-site repairs, a lively trash pageant, prizes, and interactive workshops — all designed to spark creativity and support sustainable living. Plus, take part in a free community swap, as our Monthly Full Moon Swap will be taking place during the Fair! Visit our booth at the Share and Repair Fair to explore our Library of Things and find out how you can borrow a variety of useful items from the library! Workshop Highlights (first come, first served): - 4:00 PM – Can I Fix My Shoes? with Kumpfy Shoes
- 4:30 PM – Upcycle Pants into Shorts with Fyne Products
- 5:30 PM – Patch an Inner Tube with Community Cruisers
- 6:00 PM – Trash Pageant! starring Ms. Wiebe’s Grade 5s
- 7:00 PM – Worms at Work: Make Your Own Compost with Yarrow Environmental
What to Bring: - Clothing for repair or the swap
- Denim for donation
- Shoes in need of mending
- Fix-it phones
- Inner tubes and bikes
- Your curiosity and creativity!
Let’s celebrate community, creativity, and conscious living — see you there! When: Friday, May 9th | 4:00 - 9:00 PM Where: Elevation Place |
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 Welcome the season of renewal at our Flower Moon Swap—a fun, free community event where you can trade gently used items, connect with others, and refresh your space sustainably! In the spirit of spring’s blooming energy, bring your gently used items like spring clothing, gardening tools, plants, seeds, books, décor, and more—and take home something new to enjoy! Swap hours: Friday, May 9 | 5:00–7:30 PM Saturday, May 10 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room – Canmore Public Library
Let’s swap, share, and celebrate the beauty of spring—together! |
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The Library Studio: Explore the World of EVOO and Balsamic with Evoolution
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Join us for a flavorful evening of tasting and learning with the experts from Evoolution! Discover how fresh extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars are made, what sets them apart, and why quality matters. This interactive session will highlight the health benefits, production process, and unique flavors of premium oils and vinegars. When: May 13 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library |
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Book Launch with Sonnie Trotter
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Join local climbing icon Sonnie Trotter at the Canmore Public Library for the launch of his memoir Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life, published by Patagonia Books.
From his early days climbing in indoor gyms in Ontario to pioneering bold first ascents around the world, Trotter has dedicated his life to pushing the limits of the sport. In Uplifted, he shares an honest and adventurous look at life on and off the wall—from climbing some of the world’s toughest routes to navigating fatherhood and friendships with legends like Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold. Don’t miss this inspiring night of stories, community, and conversation with one of climbing’s most respected voices. When: Thursday, May 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room – Canmore Public Library Cafe Books will be on-site with copies available for purchase. |
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The Library Tech Studio: Identifying AI Images
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Curious about AI-generated images and how to tell what’s real and what’s not? Join us in the Tech Studio for an engaging, hands-on session led by staff member Toni.
Learn how AI images are created, see the generation process in action, pick up tips for spotting fakes, and test your skills with a fun quiz. No devices or experience needed—just bring your curiosity! When: Wednesday, May 28 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room – Canmore Public Library Registration required. Want a copy of the slides and images to follow along? Let us know in the registration form! |
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Book Tasting for Kids & Teens
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 Welcome to the Canmore Library Book Tasting Café! Looking for a fun way to discover your next great read? Join us at the Canmore Public Library for a Book Tasting—a creative, café-style event where kids and teens can sample a variety of books, explore new genres and authors, and share their thoughts with fellow readers! With three age-specific sessions, there’s something for every young book lover. Snacks provided! Registration is required as spots are limited! Click on the session time below to register on our website. When: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Where: Friends Program Room – Canmore Public Library |
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Please note, our May film will be the last showing at Movie Night until September 2025 as we break for the summer months. Be sure to come enjoy a free movie on the big screen before the break! We'll supply the popcorn, so just bring a pillow and your friends! Make yourself at home and enjoy the cinematic experience. Admission is FREE, donations accepted. May 14 - White Bird Struggling to fit in at his new school after being expelled for his treatment of Auggie Pullman, Julian is visited by his grandmother and is transformed by the story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Directed by Marc Forster. Rated PG. Runtime: 2h 1m. Click here to view the IMDb listing. 2024 release. When: May 14 | 7:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room |
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Got tech questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you need help moving files, learning how to use your tablet, signing up for Facebook, or converting files, we're here for you! Drop by the Library front desk on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm for free, friendly tech assistance. Bring your questions, and let's figure it out together! When: Wednesdays | 2:00 - 4:00 PM Where: Drop-in at the Library front desk, no appointment needed. |
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 Books 'N Banter's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27th from 6:30 - 8:00pm in the CPL meeting room. We'll be reading How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley. Registration for Books 'N Banter is currently closed as the program is full. If you would like to be added to the wait-list should an opening arise, please email lhawkeye@canmorelibrary.ab.ca. |
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Loose Parts Play with FCC
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 Join us at the Canmore Library with our friends from the Family Connection Centre for an exciting journey into the world of Loose Parts Play, where children aged 3-6 are encouraged to explore, create, and imagine in an open-ended environment. This program is designed to foster creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and social interaction through hands-on exploration with a variety of materials. When: May 16 | 10:00-11:00 AM. Where: Friends Program Room Registration is required, and participants will need to register for each session separately. Registration is found on the Town of Canmore's website. |
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 Our Spring Storytime Session runs until June 4th. We are excited to announce that we have added a registered version of our popular Books for Babies program on Monday afternoons! This session is capped at 15 participants, making it perfect for those looking for a smaller, more intimate group setting. All other storytimes remain drop-in. Storytimes are held in the Friends Program Room. While we plan each storytime with a specific age range in mind, everyone is welcome at all storytimes! |
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 Mondays April 28 - June 2
10:30 - 11:00am Walking babies and toddlers, along with their parent/caregivers, are invited to a half-hour program featuring active rhymes, music, movement and books. The program is designed to encourage active participation, build attention span, and to promote parent/child bonding. |
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Books for Babies: Now with TWO Sessions!
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 Books For Babies April 28/29 - June 2/3
12:30 - 1:00pm A mix of board books, bounces, nursery rhymes, and music, this storytime is perfect for babies from 0-2 years old. This program is designed to assist in the acquisition of language and to promote parent/child bonding. |
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 Wednesdays April 30 - June 4 10:30 - 11:00am A mix of picture books, silly rhymes, and action-songs, this storytime is perfect for preschoolers aged 3-5 who are ready for longer stories. The program is designed to help build their attention span and foster a continual love of stories. |
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Stories On Demand Check out our Youtube channel for lots of online storytimes and story express videos to enjoy storytime at home! |
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  Fireside Chats with Local Authors Thank you to Nikki Tate for organizing and facilitating another fantastic Fireside Chat this month! And thank you to Louise Green, Erin Moroz, and Kathleen Pointen for being part of the author panel. We so enjoyed learning about the inspiration behind your work as well as your writing practices and various tricks of the trade. Thank you as well to Save-On Foods for the delicious snacks and to Christine Nykoluk for bringing them over and setting up such a lovely spread! Our Fireside Chat series will be on pause over the summer but will start up again in the fall. Keep an eye on our website, newsletter, and social media platforms for future updates. In the meantime, dive into Louise Green's memoir, "Little Haven in the Woods," Erin Moroz's editorial work in local lifestyle magazine, "Mountain Life," and Kathleen Pointen's latest novel, "The Blue Stone." Also, be sure to check out "Writers on Fire," the online writing community co-founded by Nikki Tate, and join her and other talented spoken word artists at the upcoming Poetry Slam happening at artsPlace on May 22! |
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 Looking for inspiration in the kitchen, around the home, or in everyday life? Canadian Living magazine is your go-to source for trusted recipes, practical tips, and uplifting stories that reflect Canadian values and lifestyles. From seasonal crafts and health advice to family-friendly meals and real-life features, each issue is packed with ideas to help you live well—right here at home. Canadian Living magazine is published 10 times/year, with back issues (3 years) available for sign out from the Library. You can also access Canadian Living with your Canmore Library membership on the Libby App. This publication is sponsored by Shadow Light Productions through our Adopt-A-Magazine program. |
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Online Memberships & Renewals
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Did you know you can now sign up for a FREE library membership or renew your current membership online? Head over to our website to register (or renew) today!  |
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Follow us on social media to stay up to date on our programs and other Library offerings, fun tips and tricks, staff picks and great posts like these: |
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You can contact us at the Library at 403-678-2468 with any questions you might have. The Library is open from 10am - 8pm Monday through Friday, and from 10am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday to help you access all the resources we offer! |
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