Celebrating Canadian Library Month: The Importance of Public Libraries in Our Communities

Every October, Canadians across the country celebrate Canadian Library Month, a time to reflect on the essential role that libraries play in their communities. This month highlights not only the services and resources that libraries provide, but also the broader impact they have on literacy, education, and social inclusion. Public libraries are more than just book repositories – they are vibrant community hubs that enrich the lives of individuals and support the development of thriving, informed communities.

In honour of Canadian Library Month, let's take a look at how you can make the most of your library and ways you can help support it, too!

How to Use Your Library

If you haven’t explored Red Deer Public Library recently, now is a great time to discover all that we have to offer! Here are some of the ways that you can take full advantage of your library:

1. Get a Free Library Card
   One of the easiest ways to start using your library is to get a free library card! This card opens the door to a world of resources, including borrowing books and movies, accessing eBooks and eAudiobooks, and many other things that you may not even realize we have in our collection (more on this below!). As an added bonus, anyone who signs up for a library card in October will be entered to win a fabulous prize basket! 
2. Borrow More Than Books
   Did you know that our library carries much more than printed books? You can borrow movies (both DVDs and via our online streaming platform, Kanopy, opens a new window), music, magazines, videogames, board games and puzzles, kids' toys, STEAM kits, radon screening kits, CO2 monitors, musical instruments, streaming devices, Arduino kits, activity backpacks... we could go on forever! Explore our 'Library of Things', opens a new window to learn more! 
3. Attend Free Programs and Events
   We have SO MANY different programs, opens a new window for all ages happening at the library! It's impossible to sum up the incredible variety of events that our fantastic program staff put together, so go take a look for yourself, opens a new window! We are also grateful to be able to partner with many different community organizations, opens a new window, bringing even more free programs your way.
4. Explore Digital Resources
   Our eLibrary continues to expand, with new additions added frequently. Some of our most-used digital resources include our eBook and eAudiobook , opens a new windowplatforms, online Newspapers and Magazines, opens a new window, Language Learning, opens a new window tools, our Streaming Movie, opens a new window collection, Homework Help, opens a new window tools, Consumer Reports, opens a new window, and more. We even just added a new online resource for sports fans, The Athletic, opens a new window!
5. Come Hang Out!
   The library is one of few places where you can spend time without any expectation to spend money or engage in any specific activity. Drop by, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy reading a book, magazine, or newspaper—or simply relax and watch the world go by. You can even bring a snack or drink with you (or, if you're at the Downtown Branch, grab one at the Library Café!). If you have little ones in your life, they will LOVE visiting our children's areas to play and explore! Each branch is unique and has something special to offer. Come and check it out!, opens a new window Everyone is welcome here.

Ways to Support Your Library

Public libraries rely on community support to continue offering the vast array of services they provide. Here are some ways you can support your library:

1. Get a Library Card (And Use It!)
   Using your library card regularly not only gives you access to valuable resources, which you learned in the previous section, but it also helps demonstrate community engagement with the library. Increased usage often strengthens libraries' cases for funding and expansion, which allows us to offer even more programs and services to our community (i.e. to YOU!). 
2. Encourage Friends and Family to Use the Library
   Spread the word about the benefits of your local library to those around you. Encourage friends, family, and neighbours to get a library card and explore the wealth of services available. The more people who use the library, the stronger it becomes as a community resource. Note: if you refer a friend to sign up for a library card in October, you'll also be entered to win a prize!
3. Volunteer Your Time
   Volunteering, opens a new window not only supports your library but also strengthens your connection to the community! We are always in need of volunteers, especially for our Adult Literacy Program, opens a new window and Youth Literacy Program, opens a new window. We also need volunteers for our Home Service Program, opens a new window and our Friends of the Library, opens a new window group. 
4. Make a Donation
   RDPL gladly accepts (and very much appreciates!) monetary donations of any amount to help support library programs and initiatives. The Friends of the Red Deer Public Library also gratefully accept donations of gently used books, DVDs, CDs, video games, and magazines for resale, with all proceeds going towards library initiatives. Our Friends' Fall Book Sale, opens a new window is coming up this month!
5. Advocate for Your Library!
   Libraries need public support to secure funding and resources. You can advocate for your library by sharing the importance of libraries within our community, following and interacting with us on social media, and helping us spread the word about upcoming events and initiatives. We appreciate your support!
6. Share the Library Love!
   Do you have a favourite library memory? Have you made a special connection here that you are grateful for? Did you learn a new skill or unlock a new talent or hobby because of a library program or collection item? Has the library enriched or made a difference in your life? If so, we'd love to hear your story! Please take a quick moment to share your most memorable library experiences, or simply tell us what you love or appreciate most about your library. Everyone who submits a story will be entered to win 1 of 3 RDPL swag bags! Share your story here!, opens a new window

Canadian Library Month is the perfect time to celebrate the profound impact that public libraries can have on our communities. From providing access to literacy, lifelong learning, and technology to creating inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome, libraries play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for all. By using your library and supporting it in any way you can, you are helping to ensure that RDPL will continue to thrive for future generations.