Here are a few highlights from September 2026 at RDPL!
Possibility Exchange
Library Managers Shelley, Alla, and Tatiana joined Library Board members Natalie, Maureen, and Adam at the Community Foundation of Central Alberta’s Possibility Exchange on September 3. Wonderful connections were rekindled and new friends found.
Deer Writers & Readers Fest
The Deer Writers & Readers Fest took place on Saturday, September 19, welcoming approximately 111 writers and readers to the Downtown Branch for a day of writing presentations and Authors’ Alley, where attendees had the opportunity to discover new authors and connect with the local literary community.
Adult Literacy & Youth Literacy Program Highlights
The Adult Literacy Program welcomed 7 new tutors and 31 new learners in September. Eighteen pairs were matched with 122 learners still on the waitlist. In order to provide some learning opportunities to individuals on the waitlist, the Adult Literacy Program started 2 language learning opportunities. Fifty-nine (59) learners are currently enrolled in the opportunities that focus on different levels of English language practice.
Youth Literacy has been busy with match introductions, and had 15 matches start in September. The Youth Literacy team has also been busy with many volunteer interviews and orientation meetings, and will be able to continue making matches with our waitlisted learners throughout the fall.
Slide into the Library: A Night of Niche Presentations
Slide into the Library: A Night of Niche Presentations ran for a second time on September 16th. Sam Odishaw, Ruby Wilkinson, Chantelle Bornn, and Karyn Goodwillie presented on a wide variety of topics from “Gaming for a Non-Gamer” to “Ranking National Animals.” The audience was engaged and entertained, with many providing feedback afterwards about the event.
“I loved all of the presentations. Simple, but detailed conversations.”
“Had no idea what to expect. Loved it!”
“It was all great - such random, niche topics. I learned so much!”
You can watch two of the presentations, The Interesting World of Bookkeeping, opens a new window with Chantelle Bornn and Gaming for a Non-Gamer, opens a new window with Sam Odishaw on YouTube.
Adventures with Katja
RDPL facility service dog Katja, opens a new window has resumed visits to schools, kicking off September with a special visit to Father Henri Voisin School. She loved all the stories and cuddles she received from FHV students and staff! To invite Katja to your school, fill out the Pawsitive Impact: Outreach Program form, opens a new window on our website.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
To celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day, we held a special storytime at the Downtown Branch, that included stories, target practice with marshmallows and cardboard cannons, pirate-themed crafts and a scavenger hunt.
Special Guest at On the Same Page Book Club
Brett Popplewell, author of Outsider: An Old Man, A Mountain and the Search for A Hidden Past, opens a new window joined us virtually on Wednesday, September 16 for a casual and engaging conversation about his award-winning book. We met several new faces with a total of 18 people joining in the conversation. He also spoke briefly about his article in The Walrus, opens a new window, a Canadian magazine, titled "How to Trick Your Brain into Making Life Feel Longer and Richer" (Aug. 2025 issue), adding another fascinating layer to the conversation among our book club friends. Book Club facilitator Val's lasting takeaway from this author visit is to inject novelty into your day, journal it in a paragraph, and reflect on the joy you bring to your life.
To learn more about RDPL's many book clubs, visit rdpl.org/bookclubs, opens a new window.
Fancy Women Bike Ride: Tweed & Tea
September brought our 2026 Fancy Women Bike Ride season to a stylish close with the Tweed & Tea Ride. Despite the grey skies and a little drizzle, riders embraced the weather and enjoyed a beautiful trip through Red Deer in their best tweed-inspired outfits. The ride was a wonderful celebration of active living, friendship, and the joy of exploring our city by bicycle, followed by a well-earned tea gathering at the Dawe Branch. It was a lovely way to wrap up another season of rides and a reminder that great company – and the right clothes – can make even gloomy weather perfect for cycling.
Capstone Block Party!
RDPL on Wheels headed to the Capstone Block Party in September, giving us another great opportunity to take the library out into the community. Throughout the event, we connected with more than 300 people, sharing information about library services, programs, resources, and everything coming up for the fall season. Community events like this give us a chance to meet people where they are, answer questions, and introduce both new and familiar faces to the many ways the library can support learning, recreation, and connection throughout the year.
Want us to bring RDPL on Wheels to your upcoming event? Fill out the RDPL On Wheels Outreach Request Form, opens a new window on our website.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Storytime & Nêhiyawêtân Program
To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we hosted Elder Linda Ophus at a special storytime on September 30. We had an incredible turnout of over 50 children and at least 25 adults. Elder Linda shared some of her teachings and culture with participants and everyone learned several Cree phrases, including how to count to 10! At the end of the program, our Library Board Chair presented Elder Linda with the MAMPLE award (Minister's Awards for Municipal and Public Library Excellence) for her work with the Let's Speak Cree Nêhiyawêtân program here at RDPL.
Farewell to our Pantodont Fossil!
We said a fond farewell to our pantodont fossil exhibit, which has been on display at the library since September 2025. Over the past year, the exhibit inspired a variety of dinosaur- and palaeontology-themed programs and was a highlight for many library visitors. We are grateful to the Royal Tyrrell Museum for the opportunity to host this fascinating exhibit, and our pantodont will certainly be missed!
We hope you enjoyed our September 2026 highlights!
Add a comment to: Monthly Highlights: September 2026