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Welcome, November! There’s so much to look forward to this month at the Canmore Public Library! From our Frost Moon Swap helping our community get cold-weather ready, to an Earth Talks presentation on fireguards and FireSmart practices, and the always popular Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale — there’s something for everyone! November also marks the launch of our 2025 Endowment Fund Campaign. This annual initiative supports the Library’s long-term sustainability, helping ensure that our programs, collections, and spaces continue to thrive for generations to come. Keep reading to discover everything happening at your Library this month, along with the latest news and updates!
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Library Closed Novemeber 11
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 Please note that the Canmore Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 in honour of Remembrance Day. We will resume regular operations on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00am. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served, and continue to serve, Canada in times of war, conflict, and peace. We honour the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedom. We remember. Lest we forget. "When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrows these gave their today." |
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Growing Our Library, Growing Our Community: 2025 Endowment Fund Campaign |
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The 2025 Endowment Fund Campaign runs November 1 – December 12! The Canmore Public Library has always been a place for books and beyond — it’s a hub for connection, learning, and community. This year’s campaign, “Growing Our Library, Growing Our Community,” celebrates how the Library enriches the lives of everyone who walks through our doors. We’re proud to introduce our 2025 Library Champions — the Ambus family, MP Chappeland, the Connell-Sullivan family, and Riley Lambe. These passionate community members have shared how the Library has sparked creativity, connection, and lifelong learning in their lives. Please join them in supporting the future of the Canmore Public Library by making a donation to the Library Endowment Fund through the Banff Canmore Foundation. YOUR GIFT WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $26,000! Thanks to the incredible generosity of local supporters, every donation will be matched up to $26,000, doubling your impact and helping the Library grow even stronger! Our heartfelt thanks go to Elliott & Margie Bingham, Carla Cumming Sojonky, EGB Fabrication, the Carling-Bain Family, and the Friends of the Canmore Public Library for making this year’s matching opportunity possible. WAYS TO GIVE: - Online: Visit the Banff Canmore Foundation website to make a contribution.
- By Cheque: Make payable to “Banff Canmore Foundation” with “Canmore Public Library Fund” in the memo line. Drop off at the Library or mail to 214 Banff Ave, Box 3100, Banff AB T1L 1C7.
- New this year: Tap to Give! Make a $20 donation at the front desk using our Tip Tap Pay station.
SEE OUR GROWTH IN ACTION! When you visit the Library during the campaign, be sure to stop by our front-entrance display featuring a creative representation of how the Endowment Fund is growing thanks to your support. Come see our progress and celebrate the power of community giving! ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE FOREVER. When you give to the Canmore Public Library Endowment Fund, you’re helping to build a foundation that will sustain our Library, and strengthen our community, for generations to come. Follow the campaign on our Facebook and Instagram pages, through the Library’s monthly newsletter, and on our website for for frequent updates and inspiring stories from our Library Champions. And watch for our special edition Endowment Fund newsletter coming later this month! Thank you for helping grow our Library, and our community! |
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Capture the Moment Photo Contest Winners!
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We are thrilled to reveal the winners of the Capture the Moment Sister Cities Libraries Photo Contest! Your submissions brought incredible beauty, creativity, and storytelling to this community project, showing how a single moment, captured through the right lens, can inspire connection and reflection. Congratulations to our Canmore winners!
First Place: Barbara Jouanin Cárcamo
I arrived in Canada in March, mesmerised by how beautiful everything looked under the delicate touch of snow, dressing up the big, busy cities on the east side and the quiet, enchanted towns by the Rockies. A couple of months later, already settled in Canmore, the snow melted to reveal the mountains and their green forests.To my surprise, thousands of lovely, colourful flowers had been awaiting this moment to blossom, ready to touch the heart of the eyes of those lucky enough to see them.
Second Place: Kael Johnston
 Captured during an ascent of Big Sister near Canmore, this photo reflects the quiet strength and solitude found in the mountains. The silhouetted climber stands against a sky alive with light and motion, symbolizing the balance between challenge and serenity that defines every climb.
Third Place: Chiara Loewen
This sunrise picture after the first snowfall on the mountains captures one of the quiet, serene moments of life in Canmore. It’s always busy in our little town, but once in a while you can catch a moment like this where no one is around. It also shows how wonderful of a life a couple of dogs can have here. Congratulations to the Sedona winners! First Place: Tom White Having lived here in Sedona for these last 25 years, I thought I had seen it all, but on New Years Morning I drove on icy roads with a light snow still coming down before sunrise to my favorite spot off Red Rock Loop. Snow was still coming down as the sunrise broke through the clouds over Cathedral Rock. Needless to say I had seen another scene that took my breath away! Second Place: Christel Veraart Since making Sedona my home in 2019, I have been in quiet conversation with its ancient stones and star-laced skies. The land speaks—and I answer—through music, film, words, and movement. In this image, Bell Rock is mirrored in still water—clouds reflected above and below—capturing the heart of Veraart’s work: rooted in place, yet reaching for the infinite. Third Place: Roger May  Monsoon season brings amazingly vibrant color and drama to the Sedona sky as in this image of House Mountain, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. We invite you to come by the Library to view all the entries from both the Canmore Public Library and the Community Library Sedona on our digital frame slideshow located at our front entrance lounge area! A special thank you to the Sedona Sister Cities Association for generously donating the prizes. |
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 The Canmore Library has a number of magazines up for adoption! We will be running our Adopt-a-Magazine program throughout the month of November. Help support the growth of our magazine collection by donating the full or partial subscription cost of one or more of our current newspapers or magazines! Donations can be made in-person by cash or cheque, and tax receipts are issued for all donations of $20.00 or more. You can find a full list of titles currently up for adoption on our website, or visit the Library to view our full display. |
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 Thank you, Canmore! We’re honoured to have been voted 2nd Place — Best Afterschool Activity in Best of the Bow 2025! This recognition means so much to us and reflects the incredible community that supports the Canmore Public Library. We're so grateful to be a part of your story. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees! |
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 Mark your calendars! The fall book sale will be held November 13- 16. The book sale will be open to the general public from Friday November 14 - Sunday November 16. There will be special early bird access to Friends of the Canmore Library members only on Thursday, November 13. Friends of the Library memberships can be purchased at the sale for $5, cash only. Book sale hours are as follows: Thursday, November 13 (Friends members only): 5:00 - 8:00pm Friday, November 14: 3:00 - 8:00pm Saturday, November 15: 10:00am - 5:00pm Sunday, November 16: 10:00am - 3:00pm *$10 fill a bag - Sunday only* Please bring your own bag to the sale. Come browse through thousands of hard cover and soft cover books for all ages at incredible prices - all in support of your local library. See you there! Have materials to donate to the sale? Donations of new or gently used books and audiobooks are welcome at the Canmore Library anytime during our operating hours. Thank you! |
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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: - Gaining early admission to book sales.
Receiving the Friends of the Library newsletter three or four times a year. It is an excellent way to keep current on the Friends' activities, to share thoughts on libraries, books and films and to keep informed about literary prizes. - Reduced price for special programs offered by the Friends.
- Knowing that you are supporting our amazing Library. Last year the Friends of the Library donated over $19,000 to enhance the Library's programs and resources, now and in the future.
- 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 the 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, 2026. |
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 Chess Night at the Library is the perfect place to play, learn, and connect with fellow chess players! Led by local chess enthusiast Eric Boerger, this fun and casual drop-in event welcomes players of all ages and skill levels—from beginners to seasoned strategists. Chess sets will be available, but depending on attendance, you may wish to bring your own.
Please note: children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Thursdays, October 2 – December 18 | 5:00 PM
Where: Canmore Public Library Meeting or Program Room Come make your move! |
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Join us for an insightful evening exploring how fireguards and FireSmart practices can enhance coexistence between people and wildlife. The event begins with a presentation by John Paczkowski, Human Wildlife Coexistence Team Lead with Alberta Forestry and Parks, followed by a panel discussion featuring Cliff White (Consultant), Bill Hunt (Senior Director of Conservation, Y2Y), and Caitlin Miller (Director of Emergency Management, Town of Canmore). The discussion will be moderated by Gareth Thomson, Executive Director of the Biosphere Institute. |
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Celebrate the Frost Moon with a cozy community swap of all things wintry! Bring your gently used winter clothing and gear like jackets, sweaters, boots, hats, mittens, and snow sport items. You can also swap practical winter items like mugs for cocoa, car scrapers, shovels, and heaters. Give what you can, take what you need — no donation required to participate! We’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items for the HSBV Community Food Cupboard to help keep everyone nourished through the colder months. We kindly encourage attendees to bring a canned good to help to support this important initiative. When: Friday, November 21: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Saturday, November 22: 10 AM - 2 PM Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library |
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The Library Studio: Chocolate Tasting with Le Chocolatier
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 A sweet reminder for registered participants — our Chocolate Tasting with Le Chocolatier takes place Tuesday, November 4! Join us for a delicious evening as chocolatier Anna-Engel Lebiadowski guides you through the fascinating journey of chocolate — from bean to bar — while you sample an array of exquisite flavours. Please note: This event is full. If you’re registered but can no longer attend, we kindly ask that you cancel your registration so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist. When: Tuesday, November 4 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library Cost: $15 cash at the door to cover material costs. |
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Every other Wednesday evening the Canmore Library shows a movie in the Friends of the Library Program Room starting at 7:00 PM. Selections vary between classics and new releases. Admission is FREE, donations accepted. Bring a pillow, a bowl of popcorn, or even a friend! Make yourself at home and enjoy the cinematic experience. November 5: One Life (2023)  Our Remembrance Day pick! The true story of Sir Nicholas 'Nicky' Winton, who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis. Fifty years later, Nicky is haunted by the fate of the children he wasn't able to bring to safety – always blaming himself for not doing more. It's not until a live BBC television show introduces him to some surviving children - now adults - that he finally begins to come to terms with the guilt and grief he had carried for five decades. Directed by James Hawes. Rated PG. Runtime: 1h 49m. Click here to view the IMDb listing. 2023 release. When: Wednesday, November 5 | 7:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library November 19: A Complete Unknown (2024) New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history. Directed by James Mangold. Rated PG. Runtime: 2h 15m. Click here to view the IMDb listing. 2024 release. When: Wednesday, November 19 | 7:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library |
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Author Visit with Dr. Karen Lee
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Join us for a special author event with Dr. Karen Lee as she presents her memoir Fit Cities: My Quest to Improve the World's Health and Wellness—Including Yours. Discover how cities can be redesigned to support healthier living, based on Dr. Lee’s 20+ years of global public health work. When: Thursday, December 11 | 6:30 PM
Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library |
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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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 We're excited to partner with the Family Connection Centre to bring you a fun program crossover! On select dates this fall, Loose Parts Playtime will join Preschool Storytime for a morning of stories and hands-on exploration. Drop-in with your children ages 3–6 for an engaging hour-long program filled with storytelling and creative play with open-ended materials like fabric, cardboard, stones, and more. No registration required, just bring your curiosity and creativity! When: November 7, November 21, and December 5 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Canmore Public Library, Friends Program Room |
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Reading Between the Lines Kids Book Club
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 Reminder: Final Reading Between the Lines Meeting! Our Reading Between the Lines book club for kids (ages 9–12) wraps up soon! Join us for the last session on Thursday, November 21 at 1:00 PM in the Friends Program Room at the Canmore Public Library. Presented in partnership with the Family Connection Centre. When:November 21 (1:00 PM) Where: Friends Program Room, Canmore Public Library |
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 Our Fall Storytime Session runs until November 28th! 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 September 22 - November 24
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. |
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 September 23 - November 25
12:30 - 1:00 pm 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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French Family Storytime: Contes et Comptines
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In partnership with Centre d’Appui Familial
Wednesdays September 24 - November 26
10:30 - 11:30 am A lively mix of French stories, rhymes, and action songs, this storytime is perfect for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. The program supports early language development, encourages cultural exploration, and helps foster a lifelong love of stories and learning — no French experience required! |
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 Fridays September 26 - November 28 10:30 - 11:00am (Please note the day change. Preschool Storytime will run on Friday mornings this the fall.) 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. On select dates, the Family Connection Centre will be bringing Loose Parts Playtime to Preschool Storytime! After our stories, caregivers and their little ones are encouraged to stay and play! |
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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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 Books 'N Banter's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 7:00 - 8:00pm in the CPL meeting room. We will be discussing Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Registration for Books 'N Banter is required, and is currently full. |
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Reading Rainbow Book Club
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 The Canmore Public Library, in conjunction with the Bow Valley Safe Spaces working group, is proud to welcome you to the Reading Rainbow Book Club!  Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. We will be reading Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi. 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. |
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 Access your favourite magazines online! Due to the current delay in regular mail delivery services, some of our print magazines will be arriving at the Library later than expected. But did you know that many of these magazines can be accessed online with your library card? Visit the eResources page on our website to explore various digital newspaper and magazine providers such as Consumer Reports; Flipster; Libby by OverDrive; PressReader; Read Alberta eBooks & eMagazines; and more! |
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Shop Local with Your Library Card Thank You for Supporting Local with Your Library Card! A heartfelt thank you to the amazing local businesses and community members who made the Shop Local with Your Library Card campaign a success! We hope everyone had fun showing their library card, enjoying discounts, and supporting the businesses that make Canmore such a vibrant community. Staff Appreciation Day  This October, we celebrated some incredible milestones at CPL! Rhonda – 25 Years: For a quarter-century, Miss Rhonda has brought stories, songs, and laughter to the Library and classrooms, inspiring generations of children with kindness, curiosity, and joy. Martino, Debbie & Reid – 3 Years: Martino delights with D&D clubs and keeps us organized, Reid connects with patrons of all ages with warmth and skill, and Debbie leads Swaps, creates beautiful displays, and jumps in wherever needed. Thank you to all our staff — your creativity, dedication, and teamwork make CPL a welcoming, inspiring place for everyone! National Day for Truth and Reconciliation On September 30, the Library was honoured to participate in the Town of Canmore’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event at artsPlace. The gathering featured a buffet feast by Mountain Fire Foods, Indigenous-led workshops on healing salts, ribbon skirts, and photo transfers, a screening of Return to the Falls (based on the book Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Robertson), and a panel discussion with Elders from Mini Thni on the lasting impacts of residential schools and paths toward reconciliation. The Library shared a selection of books and learning resources on residential schools, reconciliation, and Indigenous rights, along with contact information for support lines. Learn More & Explore Resources: Poster art by Stoney artist Sadie Arcega. The Library Studio Presents: Learn to Knit What a wonderful night of learning and conversation at The Library Studio Presents: Learn to Knit! A big thank-you to our wonderful instructor for leading such a warm, welcoming session — and to everyone who joined us to learn something new! Author Visit: Jacqueline Louie We were thrilled to welcome Jacqueline Louie to the Library last month! She shared her latest book, Honouring the Gold Mountain Dreamers, about the Chinese Immigration Act (1923–1947) and its impact on Chinese Canadians. Thank you Jacqueline for such an insightful evening. And a special thanks to Lonny Middleton (Bear & Bison Inn) for introducing Jacqueline, Jerry Auld for his insights on Ha Ling Peak, and Jen & Lloyd from Café Books for hosting book sales and signings. Jacqueline recommended a number of works in her presentation for further reading and viewing, including: Author Visit: Lorne Daniel and Bruce Hunter  A heartfelt thank you to Lorne Daniel and Bruce Hunter for joining us to launch their Alberta book tour and share their moving works, What is Broken Binds Us and In the Bear’s House. We’re also grateful to Micheline Maylor for reading from Bruce’s book, and to Jen & Lloyd from Café Books for bringing copies to sign and sell. Learn more: Author Visit: Kevin Van Tighem Thank you to Kevin Van Tighem for joining us at the Canmore Library to share insights from his latest book, "Understory: An Ecologist's Memoir of Loss and Hope." A big thank you as well to Lloyd from Cafe Books for bringing a selection of Kevin's books for him to sign and sell. Speaking to a full house, Kevin discussed trying to find better ways of seeing the world and our place in it. He encouraged us to look at the land that we inhabit not merely as property or something to be owned, but as a place of infinite wisdom that has much to teach us. Kevin also emphasized the importance of cultivating hope in difficult, uncertain times, reminding us how quickly a movement can grow when people come together and find common ground. |
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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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