Here are a few highlights from June 2025 at RDPL!
Teen Programs
Back by popular demand, at Teen Café on June 3 the teens got to make their own button pins. This is probably the most-requested activity we get from the Teens, and their designs are so fun!
At Teen Café on June 17, teens watched the 1999 animated classic The Iron Giant. We had 13 teens and several nostalgic adults join us. By the end, there were multiple teary-eyed teens!
At Pokémon League on June 11, several of the boys treated program coordinator Simon to a surprise rendition of I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys. It made his day!
Thank You to our Friends!
Our fabulous Friends of the Red Deer Public Library donated revenue from their membership sales at the spring book sale to our 2025 Kids' Summer Reading Club! We are so grateful for their support! Check out what we have planned for this year's program at rdpl.org/src, opens a new window!
Library Board Retreat
On June 28th the Library Board toured Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches for their annual Board Retreat. They enjoyed seeing six very different facilities all connected under one mission, vision, and brand. The EPL staff members encountered were all very welcoming, answered questions and eagerly shared lessons learned with Board members. The Board finished a long day with lots to reflect on and a survey to fill out.
ParticipACTION Community Challenge
We are thrilled to share that Red Deer has already been named one of 40 finalist communities from across Canada in the 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge. On July 22, we’ll find out if we’ve been able to maintain our title as Alberta’s Most Active Community for the third year in a row!
In June 2025, Red Deer Public Library proudly participated in the ParticipACTION Community Challenge, delivering inclusive, engaging, and joy-filled physical activity opportunities for our community. We reached 999 participants across seven events designed to remove barriers and promote movement in welcoming, community-centered environments. Here are some highlights:
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SRC Launch Party (430 participants)
Our biggest event of the month kicked off the Summer Reading Club with active games, movement-based challenges, and opportunities for all ages to move, learn, and connect.
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Library at the Children's Festival (322 participants)
This two-day event brought interactive activities to hundreds of families, including a pop-up library and physical play elements encouraging kids to hop, skip, and explore.
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StoryWalks and Book Bike (196 participants)
We activated outdoor reading experiences through StoryWalks and brought books and bikes together via our roaming Book Bike—especially well received in parks and playgrounds. -
Fancy Women Bike Ride: Strong, Fancy and Free (15 participants)
This themed, inclusive group ride celebrated style and self-expression in motion, promoting women’s visibility in public spaces and encouraging active living.
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Open Practice: Swing in Rhythm (24 participants)
A joyful dance session welcoming all bodies and skill levels, this event fostered intergenerational movement and connection through music and motion. -
Woody’s Spray Park Opening & Outreach (12 participants)
Our presence at the park brought storytelling, games, and encouragement for young families to move and play in a safe and accessible public space. -
Better Community Walk and Run event (151 participants)
We met over 150 people at the Better Community Walk and Run event promoting the library's programs in June.
Adult & Youth Literacy Program Celebrations
The Adult Literacy Program held its annual Volunteer Appreciation evening on June 10th. Mayor Ken Johnston and Shelley Odishaw, Library Board Chair, spoke about the importance of volunteering and the difference that the Adult Literacy Program’s volunteers make in the lives of their learners. 79 people attended the event where volunteers were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the program. Some success stories were shared, and everyone could get to know each other better over delicious desserts.
The Youth Literacy program welcomed families and tutors to the final Celebration of learning event in June.
Puzzle Fun
The Puzzles, Puzzles, Puzzles! program was a fun and engaging evening filled with teamwork, focus, and friendly competition. Participants enjoyed rotating through puzzle stations, solving challenges together, and celebrating their progress with cookies and stickers.
Fun Learning Opportunities with our Partner Schools!
Students from RDPL’s partner schools (St. Patrick Community School and Ecole Barrie Wilson Elementary School) had a blast learning about science and alternative energy sources through hands-on demos! These programs were presented in collaboration with RDPL and the University of Alberta’s Future Energy Systems program.
We hope you enjoyed our June 2025 highlights!
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