In this Issue
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News and Updates
Welcome 2024!
2023 Minister's Awards for Public Library Excellence Winner: Community Swaps
Our Library is now FINE FREE!
Endowment Fund Campaign Thank You
December Programs Recap
Dewey's Number of the Month
Featured Magazine of the Month
Explore Magazine
From the Friends of the Library
Schindler's Listed: The Search For My Father's Lost Gold
The Friends in the News!
Become a Friend
Programs & Events
Tech Tips & Tutoring: New Time in 2024!
Adult Activity Kit: Macrame Coaster
Earth Talks: Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley
3D Printing for Kids!
Full Moon Swap: Wolf Moon
The Library Studio: Book "Carving"
Movie Night
Fireside Chats with Local Authors
Book Clubs
Reading Rainbow Book Club
Books n' Banter Book Club
Storytimes
Tales for Toddlers
Books for Babies
Preschool Storytime
Storytimes on Demand
Links and Resources
Online Memberships & Renewals
Find Us Online
Contact Us!
Having trouble viewing this email?
Click HERE to view online!
News and Updates
Welcome 2024!
 
The new year is here, and we are so excited for what it has to bring!
 
We are kicking off 2024 with a few exciting announcements, a brand-new children's program all about our 3D printer, the launch of an inspiring new series of author panels, and a new time for Tech Tips and Tutoring!
 
This month will bring an Earth Talk event that covers wildlife corridors in the Bow Valley, a Friends Speaker Series' presentation about one family's search for their father's lost gold, and a Full Moon Swap of winter items for people and their pets.
 
Keep reading below to learn about everything your library has to offer this January and beyond!
 
2023 Minister's Awards for Public Library Excellence Winner: Community Swaps
 
We are thrilled to announce that the Canmore Public Library has been awarded one of the 2023 Minister’s Awards for Public Library Excellence (for libraries serving over 10,000 population) for our Community Swaps!
 
Click here to watch our award video.  
 
This award is something our entire community should feel proud of! Your support and engagement in these community swaps is what makes them so successful. Let's keep taking care of each other, our wallets, and the planet at the Canmore Public Library's Community Swaps!
 
We'd like to extend our congratulations to all of the 2023 recipients. Visit the Government of Alberta's website for more information about all of this year's winners.  
 
What a way to finish 2023! 
 
What is the Minister’s Award?
The Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Library Service recognizes and celebrates the innovative programs and services offered by Alberta public libraries. Since 2010, the awards program has served to identify, acknowledge, and encourage best practices in library service and to capture and communicate ideas that can be replicated in public libraries across the province.
Our Library is now FINE FREE!
 
The Canmore Public Library is now overdue FINE FREE!
 
In line with our new 2024-27 Strategic Plan of Service, the Canmore Public Library will no longer collect late fines on overdue items.
 
One of our top priorities over the next four years includes removing financial barriers that impact library access and use. Eliminating fines on overdue materials removes one of those barriers and helps us to provide equitable access for all.  
 
Any overdue fines currently on an account will be waived. Lost and damaged fines are still in effect.
 
Endowment Fund Campaign Thank You
 
We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Canmore Library Endowment Fund during our 2023 "Our Community, Our Library" campaign.
 
Thanks to the generosity of all our donors, the campaign was a huge success! We hope you know how much your support makes a difference in our library's future.
 
We are still waiting for the definitive results of the campaign - stay tuned for the final announcement in our February newsletter!
 
Library Director Michelle Preston and Banff Canmore Foundation Executive Director Laurie Edward had a chance to speak with Rob Murray from 106.5 Mountain FM about the Endowment Fund Campaign. If you missed it on air, be sure to check it out online!
 
December Programs Recap
Family Holiday Storytime
 
Wow, what a turn out! Our Family Holiday Storytime boasted more than 75 attendees!
 
Thank you to everyone who came out to sing carols, read stories, and ring jingle bells with us. We had so much fun celebrating the season with you!
 
The Rocky Mountain Outlook joined in on the family, festive fun! To view their photos, click here.
 
Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread Houses was a blast! We loved seeing all of your colorful and festive creations. Thank you to everyone who came out and made a gingerbread house with us  - we hope you had as much fun as we did!
 
We'd like to send our thanks to Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe for their generosity in donating the candy, and Save-On Foods in Canmore for their support in donating the icing. These local businesses help make this program possible!
 
The Rocky Mountain Outlook joined us at Gingerbread Houses this year! To view their photos, click here.
 
Stoney Christmas Market
 
On December 16th the Canmore Library was honoured to be a part of the Stoney Christmas Market again this year.
 
We attended with Rose Reid, Indigenous Outreach Consultant for Marigold Library Services, and handed out over 250 books!
 
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, we loved getting to chat and connect with you!
 
Dewey's Number of the Month
 
Dewey's Number of the Month for November is: 808.3.
 
Can you guess which subject is shelved under this number? Find the section in the library to see if you were right!
 
Each month we'll have a new number to challenge your Dewey decimal knowledge!
 
Featured Magazine of the Month
Explore Magazine
Get out and EXPLORE with Explore Magazine – available at the Canmore Public Library.
 
“Most Canadians may live in cities, but a lot of us live for the outdoors. So when we get the chance to get outta town for a day, a week or—is it possible?—an entire month, we want to make the most of it. We want to know where to go, what to take and how to achieve peak results at our favourite outdoor sports. And even when we can’t get away physically, we still want to be out there. We want to share other people’s adventures and their enjoyment of the life outdoors.
 
Founded in 1981, explore is the award-winning national lifestyle magazine that delivers the information and inspiration that active outdoor-loving Canadians want-or more accurately, can’t do without. For starters, we reveal the destinations that crank up our readers’ heart rates long before they can actually lace up their trail runners, pick up a paddle or jump on their bikes. We also give our readers the straight goods on the latest gear on the market. And we highlight the events from coast to coast to coast that will keep them stoked all year long.
 
In every issue, we also take readers along as our greatest adventurers travel to the most remote corners of Canada and beyond. And we send some of Canada’s best writers and photographers to capture the highs, the lows and, yup, the laughs that are part of the outdoor-adventure experience.
 
Since 2001, explore has been nominated for 190 Magazine Awards, with more than 50 wins.”
 
You can find Explore Magazine, along with dozens of other available titles, at the back of the Non-Fiction shelves in the Canmore Library.
 
Prefer a digital copy? Explore Magazine is also available on Libby as an ebook!
 
From the Friends of the Library
Schindler's Listed: The Search For My Father's Lost Gold
 
Schindler's Listed: The Search For My Father's Lost Gold by Mark Biederman with Randi Biederman
 
The Friends Speakers’ Series presents Randi Biederman speaking about her book Schindler's Listed: The Search For My Father's Lost Gold on Thursday, January 25th at 7:00pm in the Friends Program Room.
 
Randi Biederman is the co-author of this non-fiction book about the life of her father-in-law, who was a Schindler's List Survivor.
 
Biederman will be presenting an overview of the book and discussing her late husband’s journey to write the book.
 
It is, at its core, a Holocaust story - but it is much more than that. It is a story of tenacity, survival, of serendipity and a treasure hunt. The book resulted from a 20-year quest to solve the riddle of missing coins and missing family members.
 
Biederman has been invited across North America to speak about the book "Schindler's Listed" and we are thrilled to host her at the Canmore Library!
 
Please join us for what is sure to be a very interesting presentation. Admission is free with donations graciously accepted.
 
The Friends in the News!
Have you seen the Friends of the Canmore Library featured in the Rocky Mountain Outlook?
 
If not, we've linked a few articles for you below!
 
"Everyone needs a friend, even Canmore library"
An article covering the Friends of the Library and their book sales.
 
"Songs, stories celebrate 30 years of Canmore Friends of the Library"
A photo gallery from the Friends 30th anniversary celebration featuring live music by Mike Petroff.
 
Become a Friend
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.
Your membership is valid until August 31, 2024. 
 
Questions or suggestions for the Friends? Get in touch by emailing friends@canmorelibrary.ab.ca
 
Programs & Events
 
Tech Tips & Tutoring: New Time in 2024!
 
Tech Tips and Tutoring has a new time! It now runs from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Wednesday afternoons.
 
Need help moving files from your phone to your email? Want a tutorial on how to use your new tablet? Not sure how to sign up to Facebook? Looking to learn how to convert files?
 
Bring any and all questions about technology to the Library, and we'll try our best to answer them with you.
 
Drop in at the Library front desk on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 - 4:00pm for Tech Tips and Tutoring - no appointment necessary!
 
Adult Activity Kit: Macrame Coaster
 
Macrame Coaster Adult Activity Kit
 
Macramé is a fiber craft that requires no extra tools like knitting needles or crochet hooks - just your hands! Macramé consists of many interlocking knots, that were first seen in Ancient Babylonian textiles that included an elaborate fringe.
 
Macramé became exceedingly popular in the Victorian era, as decorations and embellishments suited for "home wear, garden parties, seaside ramblings, and balls".
 
Popularity for the weaving style declined before a resurgence in the 1970s, and again today on Tiktok and Instagram. Throughout history macramé has been a popular pastime and essential weaving skill used to create anything you can imagine - and today you can make your very own macramé coaster!
 
With this kit from the Canmore Public Library, we've provided the cord and instructions needed to create a coaster.
 
Reserve your free kit online today, and come by the Canmore Public Library starting January 14th, 2024 to pick up your kit.
 
For adults, one kit per person. If multiple people from your household would like a kit, please register each person separately.
 
Earth Talks: Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley
 
 Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley:
The Good, the Bad, and the Future
 
Join Dr. Hilary Young, Director of Communities and Conservation, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, at the Canmore Public Library for their presentation "Wildlife Corridors in the Bow Valley: The Good, the Bad, and the Future."
 
This Earth Talks event, in partnership with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, will take place on Monday, January 15th in the Friends Program Room at 7:00pm.
 
Registration is required. 
 
Can't make it in person? Watch live over Zoom the day of the event! Find the link to join on our website.  
 
Attendees will learn:
  • What are wildlife corridors, why are they important, and why do I hear so much about them in the Bow Valley?
  • What characteristics must wildlife corridors have to keep wildlife populations healthy and resilient?
  • How do we keep our corridors functional in the face of future pressures?
About the Presenter:
Hilary Young is a Canmore local and conservation professional with almost a decade of experience working to protect and connect habitat in western Canada. Shortly after completing her PhD in Ecology at the University of Calgary, Hilary was thrilled to find work at the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) that blends her passion for the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her background in ecology and conservation biology.
 
Now, as Director of Communities and Conservation for Y2Y, Hilary and her team engage a wide range of communities for solutions that benefit nature and people. This includes working with residents and Indigenous and non-Indigenous decision-makers to support key planning decisions; partnering with recreation and tourism organizations to limit impacts of their industries; and collaborating with local communities to listen, learn and implement solutions that promote human-wildlife coexistence.
 
Before taking the new role in the Communities and Conservation program a year ago, Hilary was the Director of Y2Y’s Alberta program. Her team focused on wildlife corridors and highway crossings in key regions like the Bow Valley to ensure that wide-ranging species like grizzly bears, wolves, and elk could move between and beyond protected areas. Central to Y2Y’s work is an equity- and justice-oriented lens so that the organization’s efforts benefit both nature and people within the greater Y2Y region.
 
Moderator: Gareth Thomson, Executive Director, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley.
 
3D Printing for Kids!
 
3D Printing for Kids is a new program coming to the CPL this January!
 
Have you seen our 3D printer, Ralph, in action at the library? Ever wonder how it works? Do you want to print something of your very own?
 
In this forty-five minute program, kids 8-12 will learn the basics of 3D printing. We'll see how they work, what they can make, and what other kinds of 3D printers exist in the world. There will also be time to try out software like TinkerCad and MakerBot Cloud Print.
 
All attendees will be able to choose from a selection of pre-selected models to have printed for them for free. These will be printed after the program.
 
3D Printing for Kids will take place on Tuesday, January 23rd at 4:00pm in the Friends Program Room.
 
Online registration is required as space is limited.
 
Full Moon Swap: Wolf Moon
 
Our next Full Moon Swap is coming up on January 27th, 2024.
 
We are thrilled to be teaming up with the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley again for this month's swap!
 
The January full moon is also known as the Wolf Moon. With that in mind, our January Full Moon Swap is a community swap for people and their pets. (You do not need to have a pet to attend the swap!)
 
For the people...
Let's keep getting winter ready with another community swap of winter items! This could include winter gear like jackets, snow pants, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, and boots.
 
Perhaps you have snow sport gear your no longer need like skates, sleds, skis etc.
 
Other winter items could include mugs for hot cocoa, car scrapers, shovels, heaters, hand warmers and more!
 
For the pets...
Is your cat tired of all their toys? Has your dog outgrown their collar, coat, or crate? Perhaps you have unused pet beds and blankets, pet boots, food bowls, or leashes lying around. Bring them to the Wolf Moon Swap!  (Alternatively, if you need those items - come to the Wolf Moon Swap!)
 
The swap will take place in the Friends of the Library Program Room at the CPL on Saturday, January 27th from 10am - 2pm.
 
Bring any items you have to donate to Library the day of the swap!
 
 
The Library Studio: Book "Carving"
 
The Library Studio Presents: Book "Carving"
Learn how to create a book sculpture
 
Books are ephemeral materials, meaning that they are meant to be used and enjoyed for a short time - in creating something new out of an old and unused book, it gives it a second life as beautiful handmade art.
 
Join us at The Library Studio Presents: Book "Carving", in which you will learn how to create a folded sculpture out of the pages of a book!
 
This guided event will provide you with a (previously discarded) book that you will use to create a folded sculpture. There are a variety of templates that you can choose from, and take home for a chance to create your own book carvings at home.
 
This event is open to adults and teens over the age of 15.
 
Registration is required as space is limited. Each person must register separately.
 
The Library Studio Presents: Book "Carving" will take place on Tuesday, January 30th from 6:00 - 7:00pm in the Friends Program Room.
 
Movie Night 
Join us at the Canmore Library for Movie Night!
 
Every other Wednesday evening the Canmore Library shows a movie in the Friends of the Library Program Room starting at 7:00pm.
 
Selections vary between classics and new releases. Admission is FREE, donations accepted.
 
We'll supply the popcorn, so just bring a pillow and your friends! Make yourself at home and enjoy the cinematic experience.
 
We are busy planning the 2024 Movie Night schedule, and want to hear from YOU! If you have any movie suggestions, please email them to info@canmorelibrary.ab.ca
 
January movies are as follows:
 
January 17 - Brother
 
Sons of Caribbean immigrants, Francis and Michael face questions of masculinity, identity and family amid the pulsing beat of Toronto's early hip-hop scene.
 
Directed by Clement Virgo. Rated 14A. Runtime: 1h 59m. Click here to view the IMDb listing.
 
January 31 - You Hurt My Feelings
 
A novelist's longstanding marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book.
 
Directed by Nicole Holofcener. Rated PG. Runtime: 1h 33m. Click here for the IMDb listing.
 
Fireside Chats with Local Authors
 
There's a brand-new author event coming to the CPL!
 
Join us on Tuesday, February 13th at 6:30pm for the first in a series of author panels being held at the Library this year.
 
At Fireside Chats with Local Authors, we invite you to bring a friend and take part in an ongoing conversation about writing, storytelling, and the craft of spinning tales of adventure to share with readers.
 
How do writers manage to wrangle their big ideas onto the page and then, write enough pages to fill a book? Turns out, no two authors tackle the challenge in quite the same way.
 
For our first Fireside Chat, we are thrilled to welcome Jordan Bartlett, Katrina Rosen, and Helen Rolfe to the panel.
 
Visit our website to learn more about each of these incredible local authors.
 
Snacks will be provided. Books will be available for purchase.
 
Each event will also include a book exchange table. Bring a book you love (gently used or new) for the exchange table and leave with another to read!
 
Book Clubs
Reading Rainbow Book Club
 
The Canmore Public Library, in conjunction with the Bow Valley Safe Spaces working group, is proud to introduce the Reading Rainbow Book Club!
 
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. We will be reading Bath Haus by P. J. Vernon
 
Registration is required. Please complete the registration form found here.
 
Copies of each month's read will be available to registered participants through the Canmore Library.
Books n' Banter Book Club
Registration is currently closed as this program is full. If you would like to be added to the wait-list should an opening arise, email lhawkeye@canmorelibrary.ab.ca.
Storytimes
Our Winter Storytime Session begins on Monday, January 15th and will run through until Tuesday, March 26th.
 
All storytimes are drop-in and 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!
Tales for Toddlers
 
Tales for Toddlers
Mondays
January 15 - March 25
10:30 - 11:00 am
 
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.
 
Books for Babies
 
Books For Babies
Tuesdays 
January 16 - March 26
12:30 - 1:00 pm
 
A mix of board books, bounces, nursery rhymes, and music, this storytime is perfect for babies from birth to walking. This program is designed to assist in the acquisition of language and
to promote parent/child bonding.
 
Preschool Storytime
 
Preschool Storytime
Fridays
January 19 - March 22
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. 
 
Preschool Storytime will be a hybrid program. You can still join through Zoom, at the same day and time, for any who wish to join remotely.
 
Storytimes on Demand
Stories On Demand 
  Check out our Youtube channel for lots of online storytimes and story express videos to enjoy storytime at home! 
 
Links and Resources
Online Memberships & Renewals
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! 
 
 
Find Us Online
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:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Goodreads
Pinterest
 
Contact Us!
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!
 
Canmore Public Library
101-700 Railway Avenue
Canmore, Alberta T1W 1P4
403-678-2468

www.canmorelibrary.ab.ca