Shawnessy library was regarded as the first in a new generation of libraries when it opened its doors September 15, 2000 as part of the South Fish Creek Complex. It was an immediate hit with the 167,000 residents of the fast growing communities of Bridlewood, Chaparral, Evergreen, Midnapore, Millrise, Shawnee Slopes, Shawnessy, Somerset, and Sundance. Nearby Bishop O’Byrne students, YMCA members, and busy families at the hockey rinks were delighted to have the 19,400 square foot branch at hand with its welcoming fireside area, internet terminals and fantastic children’s area.

Can you believe this busy and popular branch has already celebrated its 10^th anniversary in 2011?

Check out the Calgary Public Library Archives for more pictures of the branch.

Shawnessy Library under construction	Shawnessy Library

Sarcee Camp, 1916In 1912 the city was quite a different place; indeed, the world was a different place. The concept of a war engulfing the entire world was unimaginable. Calgary was defended by the Mounted Police and the municipal police force, but there were no army posts in the west. There were militia units, raised by gentlemen soldiers like Lt. Col. Walker. Training took place in a variety of locations but it was evident that an alternate plan was needed. And these alternate plans became critical when war was declared in 1914.

The site that was chosen for the new training area was outside the city limits across from land owned by the Tsuu T’ina Nation (then called Sarcee). Training would continue at Sarcee through WWII and on. Sarcee Camp would become Sarcee Training Area, part of the Harvey Barracks. But with the removal of Lord Strathcona’s Horse and 1 Service Battalion to the super base in Edmonton, the land was not needed and was turned back over to its owners, the Tsuu T’ina.

Today the military presence in Calgary is much reduced but not gone. We still have our Highlanders and the King’s Own Calgary Regiment (and their bands), the 41 Combat Engineer group, the 41 Service Battalion and the 746 Squadron of the 41 Signal Corps. The military will always be important members of our community.

Join us at the One Book, One Calgary Launch

Celebrate with Calgarians as we launch the Centennial edition of One Book, One Calgary! Experience a sampling of the many awesome and inspirational people including Calgary Poet Laureate, Kris Demeanor. Hear from notable panelists as they discuss the many awesome aspects of our vibrant city. Enjoy a dynamic and entertaining evening with a reception to follow.

Friday, November 2nd at the Central Library. Doors open at 6 p.m. Program: 6:30 - 8 p.m. Reception and Launch of Community Art Wall: 8 - 9:30 p.m.

All about One Book, One Calgary

The Calgary Public Library is pleased to host its third annual One Book, One Calgary, a city-wide library initiative designed to ignite community dialogue and enrich community connections through a shared reading experience.

This November, at libraries throughout the city, a series of programs and events will engage Calgarians in exploring new ideas and creating stronger communities, one idea and one action at a time. One Book, One Calgary invites all Calgarians to read together, engage in dialogue and explore the many ideas and potentials presented in our chosen book.

Last year, Steven Galloway’s moving novel, The Cellist of Sarajevo, inspired thousands of Calgarians to consider life in a war-torn country and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity, while exploring what it means to be a citizen in a global context.

This year’s One Book, One Calgary selection, The Book of Awesome, by Canadian author Neil Pasricha, presents a wonderful opportunity to explore the idea of what is truly “awesome” in our city, and to celebrate the Calgary Public Library’s centennial and the city’s designation as a Cultural Capital of Canada.

Started as a blog (1000awesomethings.com), the book invites readers to explore and capture the things that make their own lives awesome, and showcases how the sharing of these moments can create strong communities.

It stimulates a conversation about the small, everyday things that make life fulfilling, and the truly great ideas, people and initiatives from which we can all gain inspiration. At a time when the Calgary Public Library looks to create a striking new Central Library and launch a second century of engaging service to Calgarians, we invite you to read Neil Pasricha’s The Book of Awesome, and join us for this year’s One Book, One Calgary programs and events.

Read, Discuss, Connect… and join us as we explore everything awesome in our community!

About the Book

The cold side of the pillow, finding money in your pocket, and snow days: these are a few of the things Neil Pasricha thinks are awesome. His blog, 1000awesomethings.com, is an award winning celebration of the little moments we often overlook but which can brighten our days and change our perspective on life. Pasricha’s goal was to post one awesome thing every weekday for 1000 consecutive weekdays over four years. He posted his final Awesome Thing on April 19, 2012. His book, The Book of Awesome is a #1 international bestseller released in 10 countries. It shows how we can enjoy life to its fullest by focusing on the things that fill us with joy, particularly the small moments and simple experiences that make us smile. Pasricha has followed up on that success with another international bestseller, The Book of (Even More) Awesome, and national bestseller The Book of (Holiday) Awesome.

Get the Book!

Place a hold on your copy:

The Book of Awesome

The Book of Awesome BOOK CLUB BAG

(multiple copies in a tote bag for your own book club)

Or, if you decide to buy the book, pass it along to a friend when you're done!

We think it's an Awesome choice to celebrate our Centennial!

This community library was the first to attempt to unite medical and social services at aneighbourhood level. The complex included a health clinic, daycare, and community services office.

The library opened there in April 1970. It was proudly the largest of the branch libraries at the time at almost 8,000 square feet, replacing the former Westbrook branch. It even had its own auditorium that seated 166.

What does the Temple B’nai Tikvah and this branch have in common? The temple briefly took up residence in this building in 1980.

Check out more pictures over the years in the Calgary Public Library Archives.

What does a librarian do exactly? We are still asking ourselves that question as we face our second 100 years of service to the people of Calgary. The role of librarian (and of all library staff) is changing. We were once a “walking encyclopedia” as Margaret Kennedy, one of the first librarians in the Calgary Public Library system, put it. When Alexander Calhoun set about to hire his staff, they were required to complete a written test on literature, history and current affairs. Part of the examination included producing a critical analysis of a play by Shakespeare, outlining the history and growth of Canada since Confederation and the knowledge of who was running for office in both the UK and the US.

In her first report to Calhoun, Miss Kennedy included examples of what kinds of questions she was answering. On an average day she could be asked why men went bald and women did not. What colour was King George V’s horse? Which Scandinavian king was well known as a keen tennis player and as the tallest member of the European monarchy?

Well, all that was before the internet. Now the digging has become more important and the well-stored mind has to include information on the latest e-readers, how to stream live video, where to find online newspapers, and how to trace your family tree.