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Summer is here—and so is the return of our annual Summer Reading Game! Packed with exciting reading challenges, hands-on programs, and stellar prizes, we hope to inspire you and your family to read, explore, and connect all summer long. Summer programming kicks off this week, and we couldn’t be more excited! From creative crafts and science experiments to storytimes, film screenings, and our relaxing Interstellar Lounge for adults, the Library is your launchpad for summer fun and discovery. Keep reading to explore everything happening at the Library this season—and all the ways you can make the Library part of your summer story!
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 This summer, we're heading Beyond the Stars on an epic mission to recover the lost stories of the Reidira Collective—ancient archivists whose knowledge has been scattered across the galaxy. Are you ready to join the quest? Register for the Summer Reading Game, complete stellar reading challenges from your logbook to advance your mission, and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win out-of-this-world prizes! With a Kids, Teen, and Adult version of the game, there’s something for every explorer in the family. Sign up the whole crew today! Summer programming launches July 2nd. Keep reading below, or visit the Events & Program Calendar on our website for the full summer programming line up!
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The Seed Exchange is Back at the Canmore Library! 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. It is located in front of the first Audio-Visual shelf near the circulation desk at the front of the Library. Grow your garden, reduce waste, and connect with fellow gardeners in the Bow Valley - one seed at a time!
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Go Digital with Your Canmore Library Membership! Accessing the library you love just got even easier. Did you know that you can use a digital barcode to access your account? Simply download the TRACpac app on your mobile device, and you’ll have your library card with you wherever you go. Borrow books, check your account, and manage your holds—all from your phone. Starting later this month, new members at the Canmore Public Library can choose a digital library barcode at registration — no physical card required. Stay tuned for more details on how to go digital with your library membership!
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 Please note that the Canmore Public Library will be closed on July 1, 2025 for Canada Day. We will resume regular operations on Wednesday, July 2 at 10am. Have a safe and happy holiday!
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 The summer book sale will be held July 23 - 26. The sale will be open to the general public from Thursday, July 24 - Saturday, July 26. There will be special early bird access to Friends of the Canmore Library members only on Wednesday July 23. Friends of the Library memberships can be purchased or renewed at the sale for $5, cash only. Book sale hours are as follows: Wednesday, July 23 (Friends members only): 5:00 - 8:00pm Thursday, July 24: 10:00am - 8:00pm Friday, July 25: 3:00 - 8:00pm Saturday, July 26: 10:00am - 3:00pm *$10 fill a bag - Saturday 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! Book donations are welcome at the Library anytime during regular operating hours.
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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, 2026.
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Relax, Create & Connect in the Interstellar Lounge! Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Saturday afternoons? Join us in the Interstellar Lounge—a welcoming space designed just for adults and seniors (18+) to enjoy arts and crafts, group reading, hands-on activities, and great conversation. When: Saturdays, 2:00–4:00pm (July 5–26 & August 9) Where: Canmore Public Library Drop in, meet new people, and make the library your weekend hangout! Upcoming Activities: • Jul 5: Hand Fan Painting • Jul 12: Book Tasting • Jul 19: Astronaut Painting • Jul 26: Star Dream Catchers • Aug 9: Book Tasting No registration required—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
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 Celebrate the Buck Moon with a Super Community Swap! The Full Buck Moon signals a season of growth, renewal, and abundance. What better time to come together and celebrate all things new-to-you? Whether you're looking to refresh your wardrobe, find the perfect beach read, or pass along something you no longer need, the Buck Moon Swap is the perfect place to give and receive—no donation required! Swap & Discover Bring or browse for gently used items such as: • Summer clothing & accessories • Outdoor gear, sporting goods & hiking equipment • Kitchenware & household items • Garden tools, planters & plants • Books, toys, games & more! Everything is FREE, and everyone is welcome! Swap hours: Friday, July 11 | 5:00–7:30 PM Saturday, July 12 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Where: Friends Program Room – Canmore Public Library
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 The Canmore Public Library will be at the Canmore Folk Music Festival again this year! Come hang out with CPL staff where we'll be giving away FREE books for all ages, playing lawn games, and of course talking about books! Visit our booth to learn about all the services your library has to offer, ask for personalized book recommendations, and share the love of literacy. When: Aug 2-4, various hours Where: Centennial Park Want to win FREE Folk Fest Tickets? Register for our Adult Summer Reading Game by July 18 and you'll automatically be entered into a draw for two Adult Day Passes.
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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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Summer Reading Game Recurring Programs
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 Beyond the Stars: 2025 Summer Reading Game Program Lineup Starting July 2, launch into a summer filled with creativity, discovery, and fun for all ages at the Canmore Public Library! From storytimes and crafts to science experiments and games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Below you will find a brief rundown of all the recurring programs happening at the Library this summer. All programs are free, drop-in, and held in the Friends Program Room unless otherwise noted. (If the Program Room is in use, programs will be moved to the Library Meeting Room.) Complete details about each program can be found on our website. Here’s what’s coming up: Artstronauts Academy Explore outer space through arts and crafts. When: Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00pm (July 2 - August 13. No program July 23.) Where: Friends Program Room Ages: 6–12 STEAM to Space Hands-on STEAM activities that are out of this world. When: July 11 & 25, August 8, 2:00–4:00pm Where: Friends Program Room Ages: 9–16 Family Storytime Songs, stories, and early literacy fun for all! When: Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30am (July 2 - August 13. No program on July 23 for Teddy Bear's Picnic.) Where: Friends Program Room Ages: 0–5 Galaxy Cinema Enjoy family-friendly films with a space theme. Popcorn included! When: July 4 & 18, August 1, 2:00pm Where: Friends Program Room Ages: 5+ Cosmic Calm Mindful moments and calming crafts, in partnership with Right From the Start. When: Thursdays (July 3 - August 14) Where: Friends Program Room Fun SaturnDay Games, crafts, and galactic fun for the whole family. When: July 5, 19, 26 & August 16, 10:00am–12:00pm Where: Friends Program RoomAges: 5+ Note: August 16 will be at Centennial Park, 10:00am-1:00pm! August 9: One-shot Campaign, 10:00am–1:00pm Where: Friends Program Room Ages: 9–16 Note: Registration required for August 9 session. Get ready to launch into a summer of reading, creativity, connection, and FUN! A friendly reminder that all children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by at adult at the Library.
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Celebrating Canada Student Bilingual Writing Contest
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 HEY TEENS—want to win CASH for your writing?! Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or book reviews—in English or French—we want to hear YOUR voice as you explore what it means to be Canadian Key Dates: Submissions open: June 17, 2025 Deadline: July 17, 2025 Prize Ceremony: End of July Prizes: 8 cash prizes up for grabs thanks to support from Baymag Inc.
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Our Summer Storytime Session starts on July 2 and runs until August 13! 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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 You're invited to Storytime is heading outdoors! Join Miss Rhonda and our SRP team for a special Teddy Bears' Picnic at Centennial Park on Wednesday, July 23, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Bring your favourite teddy and enjoy a fun-filled morning of stories, songs, snacks, and play! We’ll have bubbles, parachute games, stamps, and more. We'll provide the blankets, books, and snacks – all you need to bring is your teddy bear and your imagination! This is a free, family-friendly drop-in event. No registration required. When: July 23rd, 10am - 12pm Where: Centennial Park (5th Ave, Canmore) In case of bad weather, we’ll move indoors to the Friends Program Room of the Canmore Public Library. Snacks available while supplies last.
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 Wednesdays July 2 - August 13 10:30 - 11:30am A storytime the whole family can enjoy! Families with young children are invited to an hour long program featuring rhymes, action-songs, and books. The program is designed to encourage active participation, build a longer 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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Books 'N Banter is on summer break! There will be no meetings in July or August. Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 26th from 7:00 – 8:00pm in the CPL meeting room, or join via Zoom. Stay tuned for more info!  Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 6:30 - 8:00pm in the CPL meeting room. We'll be reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Registration for Books 'N Banter is required—and we've just had a few spots open up! Visit our website to register and claim your spot for September's meeting!
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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, July 15, 2025. We will be reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf 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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Ice Cream Social What a perfect day it was for an Ice Cream Social! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with Canmore Public Library staff members Debbie and Wonho—we truly enjoyed connecting with you and sharing all things library. We’re especially grateful to the Town of Canmore for including us in this year’s Seniors' Week celebrations. It was an honour to spend the afternoon celebrating and engaging with the wonderful seniors in our community. We look forward to seeing you again at future events! Senior's Week Tech Tips Our Tech Tips session for Seniors' Week was a full and lively afternoon, with participants keeping library staff Reid and Martino busy for the entire two hours! From helpful how-tos to great conversation, the room was buzzing with questions, learning, and connection. One attendee noted that the juice and cookies were a lovely touch—especially with all the engaging discussion taking place. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re always happy to support your tech journey! If you missed this session, not to worry! Our regularly scheduled Tech Tips and Tutoring runs weekly on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm! Canmore Mountain Market A big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Canmore Mountain Market on June 26! We loved getting to connect, chat, and share our excitement for the Beyond the Stars Summer Reading Game with you!
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 Looking for expert tips on fitness, nutrition, mental health, and more? Check out Women’s Health magazine—available at the Canmore Public Library! This popular lifestyle magazine offers practical advice, inspiring stories, and evidence-based guidance to support women in every stage of life. Whether you're starting a new fitness journey, exploring healthy recipes, or looking to prioritize self-care, Women's Health has something for you. Check out the latest issue during your next visit to the library—or explore our collection of back issues for even more wellness inspiration. Women's Health is published 4 times a year, and back issues (up to 3 years) are available to borrow from the Library. You can also explore the digital collection anytime with your Canmore Library membership through the Libby App. This publication is sponsored by A Kind Patron 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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