Here are a few highlights from January 2025 at RDPL!
Adult Literacy Program Updates
The Adult Literacy Program welcomed 17 new tutors and 30 new learners in January. Twenty-seven (27) pairs were matched with 138 learners still on the waitlist. In order to provide some learning opportunities to individuals on the waitlist, the Adult Literacy Program started 5 language learning classes. 90 learners are currently enrolled in the classes that focus on different levels of English language learning. Please consider volunteering your time as an Adult Literacy tutor! Details can be found at rdpl.org/adult-literacy.
Winter Warm Up
RDPL was once again a drop-off location for SPARC Red Deer’s annual Winter Warm Up campaign and received a total of 75 donated items which will be dispersed to organizations that serve those in need around the city.
In addition, in early January, a staff member was in a Cold Weather Emergency meeting with folks from Turning Point, Safe Harbour, Mustard Seed, and Hope Mission. They were all mentioning that they are out of the simple basics of helping people get warm. We asked RDPL staff if they had any items to donate, and they responded with MANY donations. Below (right) is a picture of the first load of donations on their way to be distributed.
Read-a-thon Fun!
Library staff were invited to attend Father Henri Voisin School’s Read-a-thon celebration on January 30. We were amazed by their literary accomplishments and celebrations and thrilled to read to all the Grade 1 students! RDPL’s facility service dog, Katja, will also be visiting FHV in February for six lucky winners to have one-on-one time with her as a prize for their Read-a-thon efforts. We love working with our local schools!
Drive-In Movie
Participants (and those observing!) had a great time at our Drive-In Movie program! Staff loved seeing kids and their families work together creatively to decorate their box “car” before enjoying popcorn and a movie from their car.
A Festive Finale: Ukrainian Koliadky Party Wraps Up Winter Holidays Around the World
Our Winter Holidays Around the World series ended on a high note with a joyful Ukrainian Koliadky Party in January! Nearly 90 attendees gathered to celebrate with a beautiful performance by the community choir, uplifting carols (koliadky), and engaging crafts for families. Guests also enjoyed a cozy tea time featuring traditional bread and delicious treats, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was a wonderful way to conclude this cultural celebration series, bringing the community together through music, tradition, and shared joy. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this final event such a success!
Shoutout to our Finance Manager!
Sometimes, the behind the scenes work at the library goes unnoticed or unacknowledged, but we're jumping in here to give a shoutout to Kim, RDPL's Financial & Administrative Services Manager. Thanks to meticulous planning and regular data integrity testing (and five years of practice) the 2024 T4s were issued a month earlier than the legislated deadline of February 28. Everyone at RDPL is grateful for your hard work, Kim!
Community Playdate Celebrates Family Literacy Day at Dawe Branch
To celebrate Family Literacy Day, our Community Playdate at the Dawe Branch provided a vibrant, welcoming space for children and parents to explore the importance of unstructured play. Free play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and early literacy skills, allowing kids to learn naturally while having fun. Our space was filled with engaging activities designed to ignite imagination and curiosity, encouraging families to play, connect, and learn together. We loved seeing the joy and excitement in every playful moment! Join us for the next Community Playdate on Saturday, March 22, and let the fun continue!
Financial Literacy with Canada Revenue Agency
We held our first CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) Support Clinic, opens a new window at the Downtown Branch in January. Support Clinics are for people with a low to modest income and a simple tax return who need help getting tax slips, printing notices of assessment, updating addresses or phone numbers, help understanding any letter received from CRA, or getting general questions about their CRA account answered. The next one will take place on March 20, 2025 from 1p.m. - 4 p.m. , opens a new window
In the evening, Bonnie from CRA also did a presentation for Newcomers on taxes and benefits. On March 20, opens a new window, there will be another special presentation from CRA, this time focusing on Scams, opens a new window – what a scam is, how to recognize a scam, and how to protect yourself from scams.
Add a comment to: Monthly Highlights: January 2025