Here are a few highlights from October 2024 at RDPL!
Share the Library Love!
To celebrate Canadian Library Month, we invited our library customers to share a cherished memory, tell us what they love most about the library, or describe how the library has enriched their lives. We loved reading every submission! Here are a few of our favourites:
After attending an exercise class one morning at the Collicutt Centre I wondered into the library branch inside the Collicutt Centre. A staff member helped me sign up and my life was instantly enriched. Moving from Australia, I felt a bit isolated. I’ve since borrowed books on a weekly basis. Borrowing gardening, music and novels. I feel connected in so many ways. Thank you!
One of the things I love the most about the RDPL is how enthusiastic they are about books and community and building connections. I think it's so inspiring how they embrace books - often seen as a solitary endeavour - as a means to facilitate connections and shared experiences. I love checking out the activity guides that the library puts out and seeing all the new and recurring activities being offered. I haven't tried them all (yet!) but each event or program I've taken part in has been so welcoming and valuable. Thank you for all your good work!
When I was struggling in life, homeless and without a purpose in life the library was my safe space. I was able to come here and feel at ease. I was able to use wifi, computers, and it helped me to access the supports and resources I needed to get out of the situation I was in. Thank you RDPL!
The selection of at the Red Deer Public Library is incredible. It has expanded my world so many times, challenging my preconceived notions, providing guidance when needed, and also of course entertaining me (here's to those DVDs and puzzles!). Shout-out to the staff who facilitate this excellent selection and curate interesting topical highlighted resources, too.
How do you describe a building that is full of history, scholars, fun, educational, compassionate, happy, sharing and always willing to welcome you? Whether you are feeling happy or sad, confused or intuitive the Red Deer Library will be there to lend you a helping hand. The programs they offer are geared to all ages and always interesting. You not only read amazing material you meet so many interesting people (staff and patrons). It is very hard to share only one story. After being a member for a good number of years it is still my number one place to go. Thank you to the Red Deer Public Library for allowing me to share my time with you.
This is just a snippet of the incredible stories that were submitted. We'll be sharing more of them at a later date!
The Timberlands Branch Celebrated its 10th Birthday!
The Timberlands Branch celebrated 10 years in the community during October, starting with RDPL’s mascot, Booker, attending Ecole Barrie Wilson Elementary School’s 10th anniversary assembly on October 7, and wrapping up with a birthday event in the library on October 20. Birthday party attendees enjoyed family activities, balloon animals, a photo booth, and, of course, birthday cake! We had a blast!
Seniors' Fair Fun!
Library staff had the pleasure of meeting over 120 attendees at the annual Seniors' Fair at the Collicutt Centre. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new friends, and share our library’s collections, services, and programs designed to enrich their lives!
#GoBlueAB
On October 24, library staff dressed in blue to stand together with Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, opens a new window to raise awareness for the 1 in 3 Canadians who have experienced some form of child abuse. By wearing blue, we aimed to spread awareness and show support for those who have experienced abuse. We also shared some staff-curated book lists with excellent resources to help spark conversation and promote understanding on topics like consent and body safety.
Halloween Festivities
We hosted a 'Halloween Spooktacular' event at the Timberlands Branch on October 30, packed with festive fun! The evening featured spooky stories, puppet shows, Bingo, a hat toss, 'Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin,' mystery boxes for the brave, and paper hand puppet crafts. It was a fantastic celebration to get everyone into the Halloween spirit!
The next day, on Halloween, library staff at all branches donned their Halloween best, adding fun and festive cheer throughout the day. We never pass up an opportunity to dress up!
Star Wars Reads Day
Our Star Wars Reads Day at the Dawe Branch drew in many enthusiastic fans for an action-packed day of Star Wars-themed activities. Even Katja joined the fun, dressed adorably as Baby Yoda, sharing her sage wisdom with visitors. It was a memorable October event for Star Wars lovers of all ages!
Travel Memories: Solar Eclipse
Randy gave an engaging presentation on his recent trip to Texas to witness the Solar Eclipse. Despite a smaller audience, the crowd was deeply involved in the dynamic session. With a background in teaching Astronomy at Burman University, Randy brought a wealth of knowledge and provided an educational experience around the science and art of eclipse photography. He shared insights on the careful planning and study that went into capturing the perfect shot, as well as photos from previous eclipses, explaining how each experience differed. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the informative and visually captivating presentation.
Sit, Stay, Read with Katja
Our weekly Sit, Stay, Read program with Katja, opens a new window kicked off in October at both the Dawe and Timberlands branches, and Katja has been happily listening to many stories read by her young friends. She’s fully booked for the rest of the fall session, but stay tuned for the upcoming winter session!
Adult Literacy Program Updates
In October, the Adult Literacy Program registered 17 new tutors and 17 new learners. The Program matched 35 pairs. A huge thank you to all our volunteers for stepping in and taking new learners to reduce a very long waitlist!
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