Here are a few highlights from March 2025 at RDPL!
CBC Daybreak
On March 15, CBC Radio’s Daybreak Alberta Saturday morning show with host Paul Karchut went live from the Downtown Branch. Library staff moved furniture to turn the lobby into a coffee shop, the delightful CBC crew set up their studio, and Library Cafe’s Chrissy had coffee and treats ready well before 6 a.m. An enthusiastic crowd of about forty enjoyed the live radio broadcast until 9 a.m. when the library was put back to normal for a busy Saturday.
RDPL's Community Liaisons
RDPL currently employs Community Liaisons to help connect library customers with essential community resources. Their work is diverse and far-reaching, and the following anecdotes from March 2025 showcase some of the ways they are supporting those in need:
- A Community Liaison had just arrived at the Downtown Branch and was asked by the desk staff to assist two patrons in Spanish for a specific referral. With her very basic Spanish skills, she was able to direct them to The John Howard Society for free tax assistance and provided information about the upcoming RDPL CRA Clinic as an additional resource.
- A City of Red Deer Community Facilitator reached out to a Community Liaison for insight on the staff training RDPL uses for working with marginalized populations. They were also interested in recommendations for staff training tailored to Outreach Workers supporting youth.
- A young adult visited the library late in the afternoon, seeking support after experiencing family conflict. They spoke with a Community Liaison, sharing their struggles, past experiences, and feelings of distress. The conversation provided comfort and helped them through a difficult night. They were given information on possible short-term accommodations and some snacks. They were also delighted to find a book in one of their home languages. They returned the next day, and later, they stopped by again to express gratitude and share that their situation at home had improved.
- Shay, a Community Liaison, and Shelley, the Board Chair, attended the CommUnity Power of One event in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2025. The event provided valuable insights and opportunities to connect with others. While learning about Red Deer’s Common Ground Garden project, Shelley recognized an opportunity to enhance RDPL’s Seed Library by incorporating seed varieties with Indigenous heritage from the region.
Teen Cafe Keepsake
While assisting a patron at the Dawe Branch, RDPL programmer Simon noticed a familiar pink ballerina pom-pom keychain attached to her card. He asked if it was a gift from her daughter, and she confirmed it was. Simon then shared that it had been made in the library’s Teen Café program. The patron expressed her gratitude for the program, appreciating the engaging activities it provided for kids after school.
Happy Pig Day!
The Timberlands Branch hosted an Elephant & Piggie, opens a new window party just for the fun of it. The enthusiastic participants enjoyed Elephant & Piggie stories and puppet shows, a craft, photo booth, scavenger hunt, and other related activities. Participants could vote for their favourite book title, with Can I Play, Too? emerging as the winner.
Hunting Hills Visit
Red Deer Public Library was thrilled to share library programs and services for teens with parents and students of Hunting Hills at their Parent Teacher Conference in March. We hope to see these bright young students in the library soon! Congratulations to Leafe for sharing her thoughts on the library and winning a draw for a copy of Legendborn, the first book in an exciting series by Tracy Deonn.
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Aslam Chaudri, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, was in the Library to share his faith on March 15, International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
RDSO Special Event
Red Deer Symphony Orchestra presented Symphony at the Snell on March 15. Pianist Matthew Whitfield performed a program of Phillip Glass piano solos to a crowd of around sixty people.
Adult Literacy Program Highlights
The Adult Literacy Program has introduced the Digital Skills Class, a highly successful learning opportunity that takes learners to the next level. Participants have been mastering the use of Google Docs to create well-structured and formatted documents effectively. They have been utilizing tools to improve readability, add images, use tables to present lists of information, and work with spreadsheets. The skills taught in this class will significantly enhance participants' success in the employment world.
The Adult Literacy Program’s Conversation Café continues to be an incredible success. Learners from all over the world get to practice and improve their English language skills through real-world conversations with volunteers from our community.
Move Your Mood Little Free Library
RDPL contributed some retired children’s library books to the Move Your Mood Little Free Library, which is accessed by families using the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Center. This beautiful and popular mini library looked even better with fully stocked shelves!
Katja Day!
On March 20, Katja made her way to all four branches of Red Deer Public Library, spreading love, cuddles, and tail wags wherever she went. Katja started her day as a special guest at Preschool Storytime at Collicutt and Toddler and Baby Storytime at Dawe, delighting little readers with her gentle presence. Then, she made her rounds, greeting library staff and welcoming new library members with her signature charm. From tiny hands to longtime library lovers, Katja made sure everyone felt special today. She was at her best—gentle, friendly, and oh-so-well-behaved—proving once again why she’s the heart of our library community.
Do you know that you can book a visit from 'Team Katja' for your school or organization? We have several presentations available for you to choose from. You can review the options and then fill out the Pawsitive Impact: Outreach Program Selector form.
Red Deer Garden Club
On March 20, the library met with members of the Red Deer Garden Club to share the first day of spring and the first day of the Community Seed Library orders for the season. For more on the Red Deer Garden Club, the Seed Library or to browse the seed catalogue to order your seeds rdpl.org/seedlibrary.
Travel Memories
This month, Brenda Meding presented on her recent trip to Africa and Botswana. Brenda is always a favourite with our patrons. Her attention to detail and her love of travelling shows through. Brenda showed us a wide variety of animals that were a delight to see!
Trans Day of Visibility
We teamed up with Queer Neighbours Society of Red Deer, opens a new window to host Rainbow Storytime on March 30, in celebration of Trans Day of Visibility (which is on March 31). Special guest readers Lush and Berry read stories about love, acceptance, and inclusion, and attendees enjoyed crafts and cake as well. We had a blast!
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