In This Issue

News  |  Highlight Reel  |  Programs  |  Shelf-worthy Selections

Explore Library Perks  |  #DidYouKnow  |  Discover Digital Resources

Message from the Director

Greetings from the Okotoks Public Library!


I’m thrilled to welcome you to the re-launch of our newsletter! Our library has been busier than ever, and this newsletter is your inside scoop on everything happening at the Okotoks Public Library.


Each month, we’ll bring you the latest news on library programs, events, fundraisers, new additions to our collection, and so much more. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities for the family, updates on community initiatives, or great new books to check out, this newsletter is your go-to resource.

With summer just around the corner, we’re gearing up for an exciting season full of community events and, of course, our much-anticipated Summer Reading Program for kids! Keep an eye out for us around town—we’ll be popping up at various events, so be sure to stop by and say hi. We love connecting with you and sharing all the incredible things the library has to offer.


We can’t wait to stay connected with you! Make sure to check your inbox each month so you don’t miss out on all the great things happening at your library.


See you soon—at the library or out in the community!


Sarah Gillie

Library Director

News

Rain Barrel Fundraiser

Purchase a rain barrel through our Rain Barrel Fundraiser and make an impact for the planet, our community, and your public library!


Proceeds from every barrel go directly to supporting the Okotoks Public Library's programs, services, and community events. So you’re not just helping the Earth, you’re also helping your neighbors learn, grow, and connect.


Don't forget to apply for a rebate on your purchase through the Town of Okotoks Water Conservation Rebate Program.

Get Your Rain Barrel!

Our goal is to reach 100 rain barrels! That would mean saving roughly 100,000 gallons or 378,500 liters of water each year!


Purchase your rain barrel before

May 31, 2025.

Events

Free Comic Book Day!

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm


It's Free Comic Book Day at the library! Come on over and grab some awesome comic books for free!

Dive into the world of superheroes, adventure, and fun! Join us for crafts, a super scavenger hunt, a photo booth, reading dragon cards, and your free comic book!

Wave Makers: A Volunteer Recognition and Recruitment Event

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Volunteers from all local service providers and organizations are invited to attend. 

Join us for a drop-in event celebrating the incredible volunteers of Okotoks.

Connect with fellow volunteers, explore our Volunteer Library, enjoy snacks & refreshments, hear volunteer stories, enter for a chance to win door prizes, and more!

Curious about volunteering? Meet local organizations, learn about opportunities, and bring a friend—everyone is welcome!

Book Sale!

Dates: Friday, May 23 &

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm


Hosted by

the Friends of the Okotoks Public Library

Prices by donation

Give Old Books a New Life at the Okotoks Public Library Book Sale!

Don’t miss out on the chance to discover your next great read while supporting your local library! Whether you're on the hunt for a hidden gem or simply looking to refresh your bookshelf, our Book Sale has something for everyone. From beloved classics to exciting new titles, there’s a perfect book waiting for you.

The Travelling Art Exhibit, Inseparable Fragments, is at the Library!

Display Dates: April 17 - May 14

Artist: Santosh Korthiwada

Curated by Ashley Slemming and circulated by TREX SW through the Alberta Society of Artists.

This powerful exhibit invites you to explore vivid digital photographic collages that speak to longing, resilience, wonder, and adaptation. Each piece delves into artist Santosh Korthiwada's lived experiences, where memories of life in India and North America blur, fragment, and intertwine, shaping a narrative that can be viewed from both a deeply personal and universally resonant perspective.

Holiday Closures

Monday, May 19, 2025

The Library will be closed for Victoria Day

Monday, May 26, 2025

The library will be closed to allow staff the opportunity to participate in the Marigold Library System Conference.

Highlight Reel

OPL handing out free cake in celebration of Library Giving Day (Apr 1, 2025)

The winners of the 2025 Easter Coloring Contest

Outdoor Safety book display created by the Girl Guides of Alberta

OPL at the Okotoks Trade and Lifestyle Show (Apr 5 & 6, 2025)

Art Day at the Library

Apr 8, 2025

Artist Tanya Zakarow bringing pets to life through art and imagination.

Artist Tanya Zakarow's pet portrait in progress.

Neil Bantleman of ARTrophy transforms a photo into a paw-some portrait

Tracy Bantleman of ARTrophy channeling creativity into a purr-fect masterpiece.

Programs

Adults

Anxiety 101

Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Free, Registration Required


In this workshop participants will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of anxiety, what anxiety is and what anxiety is not. Learn self-management tools and self discovery.

Secure Your Spot!

Teens & Pre-Teens

Learner's License Prep

Dates: Thursday May 22 & Wednesday May 28, 2025

Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Free, Registration Required

Ages 13-18


Our Learner's License Prep Course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pass the written test and obtain your Learner's License. During this course you will be introduced to the learner’s test, create a study plan, and cover the basics for writing the test. Please attend both days.

Register Now!

Children

Reading Dragons:
Dragon's Lair Wrap-Up Party

Date: Tuesday May 27, 2025

Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Free, Registration Required

Ages 6-12


Join us for a roaring good time at our Reading Dragons Wrap-Up Party! 

As Year One of our Reading Dragons program draws to a close, we invite all young adventurers to join us for a memorable conclusion to this epic adventure. Share stories of your duels and take home cherished memories from your time as a legendary dragon duelist. Celebrate the end of your reading adventure with awesome dragon-themed crafts, exciting games, and magical photo ops with dragons! Plus, don’t miss your chance to collect any One-Shot cards you might have missed along the way—it's your last shot to complete your legendary set!

Get a Sneak Peek at Year Two cards!!

Don't Miss Out!

Babies & Toddlers

Summer Festival

Dates: April 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27,

June 3

Time: 10:30am - 11:30am

Free, Drop-In

Ages 1-3 with caregiver


This May and June, we invite you to experience the magic of our Summer Festival Program, specially designed for children aged 1–3. Enjoy an enchanting blend of storytime, reading nooks, music and movement, and creative activities inspired by symbolic play. It’s the perfect way to spark your toddler’s imagination and create joyful memories this Summer!

Learn More!
Discover All Programs

Shelf-worthy Selections

Get Garden Ready!

Martha Stewart's gardening handbook : the essential guide to designing, planting, and growing

Martha Stewart

The self-sufficiency garden : feed your family and save money

Huw Richards

Grow Lawns : Essential Know-how and Expert Advice for Gardening Success

Inc. Dorling Kindersley

The Seasoned Gardener

Liz Zorab

Graphic Novels for Young Readers

The Ribbon Skirt

Cameron Mukwa

Narwhal : unicorn of the sea

Ben Clanton

Human spaceflight : rockets and rivalry

Andy Hirsch

InvestiGators : Braver and Boulder

John Patrick Green

Search our Entire Catalogue

Explore Library Perks

Seed Library

Get your garden started with FREE seeds from our Seed Library!

Borrow up to two seed packets per household, per day.

Donate seeds you harvest from your plants starting July 21, 2025.

Learn More!
Library of Things

Borrow more than books!

- Disc Golf

- Dungeons & Dragons Kits

- Film Equipment

- Gardening Collection

- Indigenous Early Learning Kits

- Kobo Clara HD

- Musical Instruments

- Pickleball Kits

- Walking Poles

And so much more!

Discover More!

#DidYouKnow

The Okotoks Public Library offers FREE graphic novels through OverDrive/Libby and CloudLibrary!

Big Nate out loud

Lincoln Peirce

Doors of chaos

Ryoko Mitsuki

H.P. Lovecraft

Tom Pomplun

Discover More Titles

Snapshots of a girl

Beldan Sezen

Wings of fire : the dragonet prophecy

Barry Deutsch

Dog Man : From the Creator of Captain Underpants

Dav Pilkey

Discover More Titles

Discover Digital Resources

Planning a summer getaway? Start learning the local language with Pronunciator! Free with your library card!

Over 160 language courses (including American Sign Language) and English courses taught in the user's native language. 

Take your learning on the go with the Bluebird app.

Get Started Today!
Fb Ig Yt

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Okotoks Public Library
23 Riverside Drive
Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A6
403-938-2220

www.okotokslibrary.ca