One of the great things about having a birthday is receiving greetings and reminiscing about past times. Well the Calgary Public Library’s 100^th birthday is no different and we’d like to share with you some messages and stories we’ve received. This month, we’re featuring a message from the Honourable Ron Liepert, M.L.A. Calgary-West.

What do the concrete reliefs at the Stampede Corral and the engraved brick mural at the Alexander Calhoun branch library have in common?

Both art pieces were commissioned by noted prairie artist Luke Lindoe. At the branch’s opening in 1954 Alexander Calhoun, the remarkable Renaissance man himself and first director of Calgary Public Library in 1911, was in attendance. He was extremely proud of the branch and greatly admired the mural, as we still do today.

Old and new have come together over the years in many ways. Long term residents and new young families in this beautiful part of the city are devoted to this branch’s excellent programming and friendly atmosphere.

Check out more historical pictures of this well loved branch in the Calgary Public Library Archives.

Alexander Calhoun Library 1979

Alexander Calhoun Library 1979

The Sherman Grand Block

Courtesy City of Calgary, Discover Historic Calgary

1912 must have been a heady year for our forebears – just look at the number of organizations and buildings that are celebrating their 100^th anniversary this year. One of my favourite buildings and an encouraging heritage success story is the Sherman Grand Opera House, built by Senator James Lougheed. The Grand opened its doors on Monday February 5, 1912, with the play “The Passing of the Third Floor Back” with Johnston Forbes-Robertson.

More than the opening of a theatre, the Sherman Grand represented all that was optimistic in the boom town Calgary of the 1910s. Performers came from all over the world to play the Sherman Grand: Sarah Bernhardt, Sophie Tucker, Ethel Barrymore and Burns and Allen all played the Grand. The Grand was also the site of many important political rallies and speeches.

Things looked a little grim for the old girl – a development permit for a 22 storey office tower was granted in 2000. But in 2003, the property was purchased by a developer who strove to restore the façade and what was left of the interior of the old building to its original glory. It now functions as a ‘culturehouse’ under the auspices of Theatre Junction. It is a wonderful use for what was once Calgary’s social and cultural centre.

Friday, January 27, 2012 we participated in a Family Literacy Day  ‘Calgary Reads Together Event’ at Marlborough Elementary, providing books for the 45 volunteers and 80 Grade 1 and 2 children to read together. Since Mayor Nenshi was the guest reader the event was high profile. Village Square staff provided Library Cards for the students in advance and addressed the crowd. Curious the Chameleon made a late entrance, and was able to visit the classrooms after the Event.…this turned out to be quite a hit. Mayor Nenshi followed us into one class, and told the children he was there on the day Curious was born…at the Saddletowne opening!

To celebrate a century of service, we’re compiling some “best of” lists. Earlier this month we asked you to share your favourite authors of the 100 years. Well, the results are in!

Here are some of our customer favourites from the last century!

L.M. Montgomery

Terry Pratchett

Piers Anthony

Rhys Bowen

Michael Chabon

Stephanie Meyer

J.K. Rowling

Neil Gaiman

Agatha Christie

Mary Stewart

Anita Diamant

Ami McKay

Betty Smith

Diane Setterfield

Ruth Rendell

John Steinbeck

T.C. Boyle

Gregory Maguire

J.R.R. Tolkien

Isaac Asimov

Louise Penny

Rohinton Mistry

Enid Blyton

Dr. Seuss

Roald Dahl

Stephen King

Herge

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Is your favourite author represented?