Here are a few highlights from October 2026 at RDPL!
Alberta Public Libraries Day of Action
Red Deer Public Library was proud to participate in Alberta Public Libraries Day of Action on October 1 by joining libraries across the province in screening The Librarians, an award-winning documentary exploring censorship, book banning, and the importance of the freedom to read.
We hosted two screenings, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Each screening was followed by a live-streamed panel discussion moderated by Laina Kelly of Stony Plain Public Library. The afternoon panel featured Peter Bailey from the Centre for Free Expression (also former CEO of St. Albert Public Library) and Kit Dobson from the University of Calgary. The evening panel featured Kim Snyder, director of The Librarians, and Dr. Toni Samek from the Centre for Free Expression (also Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta).
With new provincial legislation and regulations placing restrictions on access to some library materials, this is an especially meaningful time to come together as libraries and communities to reflect on why intellectual freedom matters. Screening The Librarians was an opportunity to learn, engage in conversation, and reaffirm the vital role public libraries play in providing equitable access to information. In total, we had 116 attendees across both screenings.
While the phenomenal panel discussions were not recorded (had to be there!), the film itself is now available to borrow on DVD with your library card. Place a hold here, opens a new window.
Adult Literacy Program Highlights
The Adult Literacy Program completed the Digital Skills Class, a highly successful learning opportunity that helped learners improve their digital skills. Ten (10) participants learned some computer basics, Internet safety, ways to search for information, and how to format documents. The skills taught in this class will significantly enhance participants' success in their personal lives as well as the employment world.
Michelle Hanna, the Adult Literacy Program Assistant, attended a Cross Regional Gathering in Circle (Lethbridge) for the Community Adult Learning Program (CALP). The day was opened by Elder Lucille Provost who spoke on building relationships and inclusion. A talking stick was passed around the circle, and people were invited to share what was on their hearts. Community Learning Network and Alberta Routes shared upcoming news and events. The group learned how to close a circle gathering. The day was full of sharing, learning about the art of listening, and connection with other CALP members in Alberta.
The Adult Literacy Program welcomed 4 new tutors and 37 new learners in October. Fifteen pairs were matched with 127 learners still on the waitlist. In order to provide some learning opportunities to individuals on the waitlist, the Adult Literacy Program offered 3 English language learning opportunities to 81 learners who are at different levels of language learning.
Where’s Waldo?
On Friday, October 9, we hosted an incredibly fun Where’s Waldo? At the Library program. A big thank you to our many library Waldos: Simon, Erin, Karen, and of course, Katja. We had approximately 30 kids in for an afternoon of scavenger hunts and more.
Olson Memorial Celebration of Books
As part of Library Month and the Olson Memorial Celebration of Books, we were thrilled to host award winning picture book author and champion Hoop Dancer, Sandra Lamouche. Sandra presented to hundreds of students at our partner schools, Ecole Barrie Wilson School and St. Patrick’s Community School, as well as at a public event in the evening on Thursday, October 22 in the Children’s Department of the Downtown Branch.
Fall Book Sale
The Friends of the RDPL Society had a very successful fall book sale. Dozens of volunteers set out and organized thousands of books and other materials donated and sorted throughout the year by even more volunteers. The multi-day book sale took in over $4000, which will be donated to RDPL projects. Previous Friends supported projects include outfitting the Collicutt Branch and the Library Van, furniture reupholstery, summer reading programming and much more. We are so grateful for our Friends, and to everyone who came out to shop the sale in support of your library!
Perspectives Speaker Series at RDP
The Library Board and a few staff and managers attended author David Robertson's Freedom to Read and Book Banning talk at Red Deer Polytechnic on October 28, part of RDP's Perspectives speaker series. As you know, intellectual freedom is one of our core values and something we are all deeply passionate about. It is also particularly timely in Alberta right now, so any opportunity to learn more, broaden our understanding, and consider different perspectives is certainly welcome and valued.
RDPL at the Nerd Expo!
We made our first appearance at the Nerd Expo this October, bringing library services, collections, and plenty of enthusiasm to one of Red Deer’s biggest fan events. Over the weekend, library staff connected with hundreds of attendees, issued and renewed memberships, shared information about programs and resources, and celebrated everything from comics and fantasy to gaming and fandom culture. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet library users in a new setting and introduce even more people to the many ways RDPL supports curiosity, creativity, and connection. Stay tuned for the Nerd Expo in February that is going to be bigger and more fun than October one. RDPL plans to be there again!
14th Annual Star Wars Reads Day
The Force was strong at RDPL during our 14th annual Star Wars Reads Day! Families and fans of all ages joined us for a fun-filled celebration inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Costumes, activities, books, and plenty of Star Wars spirit made the day another memorable community event and a great way to celebrate reading, imagination, and fandom together.
Cozy Evenings: Pumpkin Creations
October’s Cozy Evenings brought a little extra autumn charm to the Dawe Branch as participants created adorable decorative pumpkins together. The activity offered a relaxed opportunity to be creative, enjoy conversation, and spend time with familiar faces. As always, the program provided a warm and welcoming space for connection, creativity, and community.
Youth Literacy Program: A Strong Start to the Year
The 2026–2027 Youth Literacy Program is off to a strong start, with 31 tutor-learner matches now meeting regularly to build literacy skills, confidence, and a love of learning. We are still looking for more volunteer tutors, as 20 learners remain on the waiting list. Volunteers play an important role in helping young people succeed, and anyone interested in giving one hour a week to support a learner is encouraged to connect with the library and learn more about this rewarding opportunity.
To apply for this volunteer opportunity, please head over to the Better Impact volunteer database using the links below. You can also download the free mobile app, opens a new window to apply and manage your volunteering.
Youth Volunteer Application (under 18),
Adult Volunteer Application (18+)
Outreach Presentation at FSCA
Thank you to Family Services of Central Alberta for inviting library staff to give an overview of library programs and services during a recent staff meeting! For more information on outreach visits or to book a visit or tour, visit rdpl.org/tours.
A Spooktacular Day of Learning
On October 30, we closed our doors for our annual Staff Development Day, a special opportunity for our team to gather, connect, and learn together. Since it fell on the eve of Halloween, the day was packed with festive costumes, insightful learning, and plenty of laughs.
Staff engaged in a wide variety of sessions, balancing critical training with fun team-building activities:
Highlights from the day included:
- Important Discussions: We celebrated our long-service staff, screened The Librarians film, and received updates on how we are navigating Bill 28 to protect access to library materials.
- Engaging Workshops: Staff participated in breakout sessions ranging from The Not-So-Scary Guide to Naloxone with special guests from Turning Point and Booklists for Beginners to behind-the-scenes tours of the Technical Services department and a deeper dive into some of the specialized kits that we loan out.
- Creative Breakouts: Team members enjoyed intellectual freedom crafting, Halloween-themed yoga, a Ghostface Tapestry DIY craft, and Frightful Favourites Adult Storytime.
With staff spread across so many branches, departments, and roles, having a dedicated day to reconnect, learn, and grow as a team allows us to return refreshed and ready to serve our community! We had a blast!
We hope you enjoyed our October 2026 highlights!
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