Single in the Suburbs is moving to Wednesdays! Our first Wednesday meeting will be on May 9th from 7:00- 8:30.

Get out of the house to hear talks, play some of our giant games and just have fun meeting other singles in a safe, familiar environment. Our adult services librarian Leigh-Ann will facilitate each meeting. And it's free with your Calgary Public library membership .

Register today for all summer sessions -- the 2nd Wednesday of the month.

On Saturday, April 14th, head to Fish Creek Library to view our second annual Edible Books contest. From 2:30 p.m to 4:00 p.m. the "books" will be on display and you'll be able to vote for your favorite one. These delicious entries are made to represent the chefs favorite book. Cakes are baked, or salad plates are put together. Last year we had everything from The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Phantom of the Opera.

This is a fun program for the whole family, so even if you aren't cooking for our contest, come in to see the great creations.

Saturday, March 17th isn't just St. Patricks Day. It's also the day for the Fibre Arts Fair at the Fish Creek Library. Visit the library to see fabulous displays of fibre arts of all types - quilting, weaving and many other interactive displays will be featured. Learn how to weave on the big loom and be a part of "weaving a community".

I just got back from a quick getaway to the south for some golf and relaxation. Upon my return, while driving home from the airport, I realized why people in Calgary like to get away in March. Calgary is SO brown. The deerfoot is covered in gravel (thank you Mr. Truckdriver for throwing the rock into our wind shield) and while the snow is mostly gone for now, it's sort of depressing around here.

If you are looking for inspiration on where to go, check out our great collection of travel guides. Whether it's museums and galleries in Europe, hiking near Machu Pichu, or lying on the beach in Mexico or Cuba, we have the perfect book for you.

Last night the Oscars aired and of course I watched. I watch them every year, and I usually have my favorites that I cheer for. This year was different because I didn't get to many of the nominated films. I have yet to see Moneyball, The Help or The Descendants, starring my future husband George Clooney. Part of my problem with getting to the theatre is that I always think to myself, it's ok, I'll get the DVD from work. And if you are like me, with no time, or no inkling to get yourself out to catch a show, check out our catalogue for the latest releases. You might have to go on the waiting list for some of the newer titles, but DVDs only have a one week loan period so the lists go really fast. Take it from me --

What is the one thing you could do that would most improve your health? If there were one miracle drug, or miracle cure, what would it be? Recently, a video went viral for answering just that question. Take a look!

If you don't have time to watch the whole video, then check out this infographic for the same dramatic conclusion! And then come to the library to borrow some awesome books to help you in your 23 1/2 hour challenge!

A new group is meeting at Fish Creek Library!

The South Calgary Artist Network will be meeting here on the 3rd Thursday of the month. This meeting is open to all artists or people interested in the arts to gather, share experiences and get to know each other. All abilities and ages are welcome, including children and their parents. Coffee and tea will be provided.

First Meeting

February 16th

6:30-8:30

Fish Creek is hosting special guest Jay Serdula on Monday Feb 6th at 7:00 pm.

From Jay's Blog:

Jay was born in Deep River Ontario in 1972. Asperger’s Syndrome did not have a name, even in Europe, until 1981 (ref. 1). This explains why Jay’s parents were unable to get a diagnosis for him when he was six, even though they knew something was wrong. Jay was integrated into the regular public school system without any special education. During his years in elementary school he had difficulty distinguishing between playful teasing and blatant bullying. Jay was often unaware who his true friends were and who was “out to get him”. Even true friends would at times get impatient or frustrated by his seeming lack of empathy (understanding the thoughts and emotions of others) and difficulty with the concept of “personal space”.

Although research on the prevalence rate for Asperger’s Syndrome is ongoing, it is thought that as many as 1 in 165 individuals in Canada have some form of an ASD. Based on current population statistics, this prevalence rate translates to an estimated 70,000 individuals in Ontario with an ASD.

If you are interested in hearing Jay speak, please come to the Fish Creek Library on Monday February 6th. No registration is required.

Today I came across the loveliest new picture book - Extra Yarn.

Extra Yarn is about Annabelle, who finds a box filled with yarn of every color. She knits herself a sweater, but there is still extra yarn.

Even after she knits sweaters for her family, and classmates, and all the animals in the town, she still has extra yarn! It really is a magical box that is filled with endless yarn. But the book takes a dramatic turn when an evil archduke decides he wants Annabelle's magic box - and you'll have to read the book to find out what happens. (Don't worry, though, there is a lovely cozy ending.)

This is definitely a must-read new picture book.

I bet you don't know what today is...

It's (drumroll please) ... Family Literacy Day! Huzzah! We are celebrating on Saturday, with our In a Library Minute! fair (2:00 - 4:00 pm), where there will be all sorts of games and activities for the whole family.

Now, I understand that you might not think that literacy is exciting. In fact, sometimes people tune out as soon as they hear the word "literacy". Literacy sounds boring, and tedious, and brings up a memory of bad school experiences. But literacy is actually so much more than learning the rules of grammar or speech. And early literacy is the most fun of all. Check out a commercial we made about it:

Early literacy is what a child knows about reading and writing before he or she can read and write. These are things that a little one discovers through reading, singing, playing, writing (scribbling is good too!), and talking with his parents. Using language in new and interesting ways, like making up nonsense songs, or reading picture books with unique vocabulary (Fancy Nancy is a great example), helps your child learn to love the written and spoken word, and have an understanding of language that will greatly benefit her when she gets to kindergarten and onwards!

So make a trip to the Library to come to our In a Library Minute! fair, sing some songs in the car on the way over, have an interesting conversation with your little one over lunch, write a card to grandma or grandpa together, and you will see how much fun literacy activities can be!