Monthly Highlights: April 2025

Red Deer Public Library's Monthly Highlights


Here are a few highlights from April 2025 at RDPL!

Red Deer Public Library Turns 111!

On April 23, 1914, City Council signed a bylaw bringing Red Deer Public Library into existence. Obviously, a lot has changed since we first opened our doors, but one thing remains the same: the library is, and always will be, at the heart of our community. Our story began 111 years ago, and it's still being written every day. We hope you'll be a part of the next chapter!

Five staff holding a birthday banner and showing "111" on their fingers for RDPL's birthday


RDPL Staff Reunion

We held our first annual RDPL Staff Reunion on Sunday, April 27. It was so great to have so many familiar faces from RDPL's past in one place to reconnect and reminisce! 

Former RDPL staff reminiscing Former RDPL staff member with a giant library card

Former RDPL staff in the 'I Love My Library' photo frame Current and former RDPL staff catching up

Current and former RDPL staff sitting at a table. Two former RDPL staff chatting at the reunion 


Mindfulness Programs

We were pleased to have Bhante Suseela from Alberta Insight Meditation Centre share simple mindfulness exercises like breathing, walking, loving-kindness, and stories with children at the library on April 5. This was followed by a mindfulness session for adults.

Meditation instructor


Literacy Week at Glendale School

Team Katja was invited to join Glendale Sciences and Technology School as special guest readers during their Literacy Week celebrations. We were honoured to be invited and had a great time reading to a few very engaged classes and answering questions about books and public libraries! It also happened to be National Hug Your Dog Day, and Katja was thrilled to visit the classrooms filled with bright and curious Kindergarten to Grade 2 students (many hugs were had!). Thanks to Glendale for the warm welcome and to every little reader who shared a moment of love with Katja.

Katja enjoying her pets National Hug Your Dog Day, with Karen, Tatiana, and Katja outside of Glendale School Karen reading a puppy story at an outreach event


Neurodiversity Awareness Month

As part of Neurodiversity Awareness Month, a Sensory Room for Adults was created in the Snell Auditorium for two sessions on April 2 and April 9. Participants experienced lighting, textures, sounds, and scents to promote relaxation, emotional regulation, and a sense of well-being.


Magical Cat Adventure!

We had a purr-fectly magical time at our “Magical Cat Adventure”! From face painting and playful stories to songs, games, and decorating our own cardboard box cat castles. Every moment was filled with creativity, laughter, and feline fun.

Magical Cat Adventure cardboard box cat castles Kids making cardboard box cat castles Cardboard box cat castle creation Cardboard box cat castle creation


Therapy Dog Appreciation Day

On April 22, the Dawe Branch hosted a heartwarming Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, celebrating the incredible impact therapy dogs have in our community. Katja welcomed both new and old friends for a special afternoon filled with storytime, dog-themed crafts, therapy dog trivia, and cherished visiting time with her. Throughout the event, many meaningful conversations unfolded, as participants shared stories and reflected on the positive influence therapy dogs – and Katja in particular – have on children’s lives. It was truly moving to see the appreciation and gratitude expressed, reaffirming just how much love, comfort, and inspiration our four-legged friends bring to those around them.

Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, with Tatiana and a group of children and adults crowded around Katja Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, with an adult and child doing an activity on the whiteboard Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, with a small child petting Katja the dog


Thank You to the Central Alberta Co-Op!

A huge thank you to Central Alberta Co-op for their donation to the Timberlands Branch of $1,375 from the book exchange program located in the Deer Park and Timberlands Co-op food stores. We are so grateful for Co-op’s ongoing support!

Timberlands Branch Manager, Karen Drok, gratefully accepting a giant cheque from the Central Alberta Co-op


Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Five teams took part in a relaxing and fun Puzzle Competition. Participants enjoyed classical music, cookies, and good teamwork as they worked on their puzzles. One team completed their puzzle well before the time limit and won a small prize!

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition participants


Post-Secondary & Career Fair

We were invited to host a table at the Pave the Pathway Post-Secondary and Career Fair on Wednesday, April 2 at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School. The event was very busy, with lots of parents and youth stopping at our table to “spin the prize wheel” and learn about the programs we offer for teens, as well as opportunities to volunteer with the Youth Literacy Program.

Karen at an outreach event at Ecole Secondaire Notre Dame High School


Crafternoons Fun!

We hosted our first Crafternoon programs in April, and it's already a huge hit! Sharpies, an oven, and plastic shrinky-dink paper make the perfect ingredients for a craft full of creativity, colourful drawings, and beautiful keychains to take home!

Monday Crafternoon Shrinky Dink creations, someone creating a flower inside of a heart Monday Crafternoon Keychains

Monday Crafternoon Shrinky Dink creations Monday Crafternoon Pokemon Shrinky Dink 


Adult Literacy Program Updates

The Adult Literacy Program welcomed 6 new tutors and 17 new learners in April. Twenty (20) pairs were matched with 123 learners still on the waitlist. In order to provide some learning opportunities to individuals on the waitlist, the Adult Literacy Program continues offering different-level language learning classes.


Farwell to Alexis!

Long-time staff member Alexis is turning the page over to a very exciting next chapter in her life: retirement! Alexis had been with RDPL for nearly three decades. We are sad for us, but so very happy for her!

Library staff joining together to say farewell to Alexis! Alexis waving from her desk


We hope you enjoyed our April 2025 highlights!