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Hello, December! The holiday season has arrived, and we’re so excited to celebrate with you! Get into the festive spirit at the Children’s Holiday Market and join us for a special Holiday Storytime at the Rotary Festival of Trees! This month also brings an Earth Talks event on protecting the future of winter sports, an inspiring Author Visit with Dr. Karen Lee and a Tech Studio session focused on our new online catalogue! Read on for holiday hours, upcoming programs, exciting new additions to the Library of Things, and so much more! Wishing you a warm and joyful December at the Canmore Public Library!
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Library Closed — Holiday Hours
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 The Canmore Public Library will be closed on December 25th and 26th for Christmas and Boxing Day. We will also be closed on January 1st for New Years Day. We will be closing early, at 2:00pm, on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve — Wednesday December 24th and 31st. Our holiday hours are: Wednesday, December 24th: Closed at 2pm Thursday, December 25th: Closed Friday, December 26th: Closed Wednesday, December 31st: Closed at 2pm Thursday, January 1st: Closed Have a safe and happy holiday season and best wishes from us at the Canmore Public Library! |
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Growing Our Library, Growing Our Community: 2025 Endowment Fund Campaign |
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With the 2025 Endowment Fundraiser Campaign nearing its close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed thus far. You are all Library Champions! There is still time to make an impact - the Growing Our Library, Growing Our Community campaign runs until December 12th. Each donation, big or small, is an act of generosity that helps secure the future of the library for generations to come. Please join our Library Champions in their support of the Canmore Public Library by making a donation today! 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! WAYS TO GIVE: - NEW! Tap to Give: Use Tip Tap Pay at the library’s front desk to donate $20 with a simple tap. Please note: tax receipts are not available for Tip Tap Pay donations
- Leave a lasting Legacy: Consider creating a legacy gift through your will or estate. The Banff Canmore Foundation can guide you through the process.
- By Cheque: Make payable to “Banff Canmore Foundation” Re: Canmore Public Library Fund. Drop off at the library or mail to:
Banff Canmore Foundation 214 Banff Avenue Box 3100, Banff AB T1L 1C7 (Please do not make cheques payable to the Canmore Library.) ENDOWMENT FUNDS ARE FOREVER. When you give to the Canmore Public Library Endowment Fund, you’re helping to build a foundation that will grow our library, and our community, for generations to come. We appreciate your support! |
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NEW to the Library of Things
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 New in the Library of Things! We’re thrilled to add even more exciting items for you to borrow, including new kitchen gadgets, handy tools, and a ukulele for budding musicians! Check out all the latest items in the Library of Things booklets at the Library or browse them on our website. Stay tuned for even more arrivals coming soon, including a Yoto player, projector, and metal detector! Stop by the library to explore the latest additions, and let us know what you’d love to see next! |
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Find the Perfect Picture Book
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New Themed Picture Book Guides Finding the perfect picture book just got easier! We’ve created a new series of themed picture book “finding aids” to help families discover stories they’ll love. Current themes include pirates, dragons, counting, 5-minute reads, unicorns, construction, and more. Keep an eye our for new themes coming soon— everything from dinosaurs and monsters to princesses and trucks! Look for these themed sheets throughout the Children’s area.
Seasonal Books Now on Display
Children’s books about Christmas, winter, snow, and other seasonal favourites are now on display beside the new children’s books shelves. Be sure to stop by and explore! |
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 We want to send out a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Fall Book Sale — by volunteering, donating books, or shopping the sale! The numbers are in... - $4289.99 raised
- 686 shoppers
- 167 total volunteer hours
Wow! What an amazing community we are a part of. Thank you again for all the support! |
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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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Children's Holiday Market
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Join us for a magical, kid-friendly shopping experience where little ones can pick out and wrap gifts for the special people in their lives all on their own! Kids shop with the help of a Library Elf while parents/caregivers wait outside the market (Friends Program Room) to keep everything a surprise. Gifts are by suggested donation of $2 each, with all proceeds supporting the Canmore Library. When: Saturday, December 6 | 10 AM - 2 PM Where: Friends Program Room Donate, volunteer, sponsor or shop! If you have small items to donate to the market as gifts, they can be dropped off at the library's front desk. |
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Visit Us at the Festival of Trees
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 We’re so excited to be a part of the Rotary Club of Canmore’s Festival of Trees again this year! When: Sunday, December 7 | 10:15 AM–10:45 AM
Where: The Malcolm Hotel, 321 Spring Creek Drive
Join us for a festive storytime filled with some of our favourite holiday rhymes, songs, and stories! Plus, explore a quiet area where families can relax with books, puzzles, games, and crafts throughout the day. For more information about the Festival of Trees and to register for the Kids Holiday Extravaganza, click here. |
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Earth Talks: Co-Creating the Future of Winter
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 Join Dr. Marc Pons and Stephanie Korolyk from Protect Our Winters for an insightful discussion on the future of the winter sports industry, exploring sustainability and the challenges of adapting to changing winters. Learn how unpredictable winters impact the ski industry, why outdoor recreation is vital to Canada’s economy, and how you can use your voice for positive change. When: Monday, Decemeber 8 | 7:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room Come learn, connect, and help protect the winters we love. |
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Library Tech Studio: Intro to TRACpac+
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Join staff member Toni for an interactive workshop introducing TRACpac+, the library’s upgraded online catalogue. Bring your own laptop to follow along and get hands-on experience. When: Wednesday, December 10 | 6-7 PM
Where: Friends Program Room During this hour session, you'll learn how to get the most out of this new system. We will look at: - renewing items
- placing & managing holds
- filtering searches
There will be time for questions, so feel free to bring them with you! This program is drop-in friendly, but if you would like a copy of the slides printed in advance for you, please RSVP here. |
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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 |
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After the December 3rd showing of Flow, we'll be taking a short break over the holidays. Movie Night will return on January 7th, 2026! 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. December 3: Flow (2024) This Academy Award–winning international sensation follows a courageous cat after its home is devastated by a great flood. As the cat teams up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, the crew must rely on trust, bravery, and their wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet. Working with a small team using open-source software, visionary DIY animator Gints Zilbalodis conjures a sublime sensory odyssey and a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of community. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis. Rated PG. Runtime: 1h 25m. Click here to view the IMDb listing. 2024 release. When: Wednesday, December 3 | 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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 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 |
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The Library Studio: Goal setting and Vision Board Workshop
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Start the new year with clarity and creativity! Learn how to set achievable goals and bring them to life by creating your own personalized vision board. This workshop will guide you through accessible goal-setting strategies, motivation techniques, and the power of visualizing your dreams—big or small. All materials are provided. When: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room |
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Monthly Full Moon Swap: Wolf Moon
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Celebrate January's Wolf Moon with a cozy community swap! Exchange winter clothing, cold-weather gear, and warm essentials for both people and pets. For People:
Jackets, gloves, mittens, boots, sweaters, blankets, hats, and more. Anything warm and winter-ready! Bring what you don’t need, take what you do. For Pets:
Gently used pet beds, coats, crates, leashes, toys, bowls, and more. Whether you’re donating or picking something up, everyone is welcome. You do not need to donate items to take items home.
When: Friday, January 9 | 5:00–7:30 PM
Saturday, January 10: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Where: Friends Program Room We’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items for the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley's Community Food Cupboard at the swap. |
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Fireside Chats with Local Authors
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Join Joanna Croston, Sharon Wood, and Sarah Hueniken for an inspiring Fireside Chat moderated by Nikki Tate. Joanna will share her new book Mountaineering Women: Climbing Through History, and Sharon and Sarah—both featured in the book—will discuss their own experiences in the mountains. When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room Café Books will be onsite with books for sale and signing, including Joanna’s latest release and Sharon’s memoir Rising. Bring a favourite title for our community book swap, and enjoy snacks generously provided by Save-On-Foods. Don’t miss this evening of stories, adventure, and connection. |
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 It's the last Loose Parts Playtime of 2025! (Please note there will be no Preschool Storytime during this session). Drop-in with your children ages 3–6 for an engaging program filled with creative play with open-ended materials like fabric, cardboard, stones, and more. No registration required, just bring your curiosity and creativity! When: December 5 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Canmore Public Library, Friends Program Room |
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 Our Fall Storytime Session has officially come to a close. Thank you to everyone who came out to share stories, songs and rhymes with us! We will take a short break before our Winter Storytime Session begins on January 5, 2026! Stay tuned for more details! |
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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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 Discover The New York Review of Books Looking for a magazine that goes beyond headlines? The New York Review of Books brings you long-form essays, critical book reviews, and cultural commentary from some of the sharpest minds of our time. It’s a semi-monthly dive into literature, politics, science, art, and current affairs — the perfect read for anyone looking for thoughtful analysis and intellectual insight. New York Review of Books is published 20 times a year, and back issues (up 6 months) are available to borrow from the Library. Digital editions are also available anytime with your Canmore Library membership through the Libby app or through Press Reader, a free eResource available with your Canmore Library membership. |
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Library Studio Presents: Chocolate Tasting with Le Chocolatier  A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Library Studio Presents: Chocolate Tasting with Le Chocolatier! Your thoughtful questions and enthusiasm made the night unforgettable. And an extra-special thank you to Anna-Engel Lebiadowski for leading such an engaging and delicious experience. If you’re hungry for more, Le Chocolatier hosts tastings at their Canmore shop that you can book online. And be sure to keep an eye on our channels for future collaborations! Earth Talks: Fireguards and Firesmarting in the Bow Valley November's Earth Talk brought together local experts to explore the science and trade-offs behind wildfire risk reduction in the Bow Valley—and how fire guards and Firesmart strategies can actually support human-wildlife coexistence. Thank you to John, Caitlin, Cliff and Bill for offering their expertise on this topic, and the Rotary Club of Canmore for supporting this work! A big thank you to everyone who came our to enjoy the talk. We had a packed house that night and loved seeing the show of community support for this Earth Talks event! |
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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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