Our family really loves the Calgary Public Library. I have spent a lot of time there while my kids played in the library’s Early Learning Centres and every year we take out a ton of books.
But there are actually lots of ways you can use the library without even leaving home. And getting a library card is absolutely free! The Library is also going fine free – there will be no new fines accrued and all old fines are being forgiven.
February 2021 – While the library is closed for in person visits, you can still pick up holds using curbside pickup and you can even request them to build a book bag for you or your kids.
1. E-books and audio books
The library has a fairly extensive collection of e-books and audio books for both kids and adults. I find the best way to check these out is to use the Libby app – you don’t need a special e-reader, you can use it on any android or apple product including your smart phone.
2. Read newspapers and Magazines with PressReader
You can access online copies of magazines and newspapers for kids and adults through PressReader.
3. Learn Languages at home with Rosetta Stone
Want to learn a new language? You can learn 30 different languages for free by accessing Rosetta Stone through the library. You can even get an app to use on your phone.
4. Free art and craft classes with Creativebug
Access online video classes for all skill levels with your library card at Creativebug. You can find classes on tons of topics including knitting, crochet, jewelry, kids classes, food, sewing, art and more!
5. Babies at home
The library also has a series of videos to for parents of babies with songs and play similar to their Baby Rhyme Time programs. You can find them at the Calgary Public Library’s YouTube Channel.
6. Learn new skills with Lynda.com
You can find free tutorials and courses on software, animation, music, business, design technology, photography and more on Lynda.com through the Calgary Public Library.
7. Activities at Home
The library also has suggestions for activities you can do with young kids at home as well as a video series called Learn at Home with short videos for kids.
8. Stream Movies with Kanopy
Your library card also gives you access to the streaming service Kanopy. The content is not really comparable to Netflix, it is mostly documentaries and educational films – they also have some world cinema and classic films.
Kanopy also has a Kanopy Kids section with animated story books and PBS kids shows like Sesame Street, Dinosaur Train and Arthur.
9. Download or Stream Music with Freegal Music
Until September, you can stream music 24 hours a day and download up to five songs per week on Freegal. All you need is your library card! After September your streaming time will be reduced to a few hours per day. Freegal offers Sony’s Music catalog as well as smaller labels.
