Skip to content

Library Link: Grow a Reader campaign impacts literacy

The Grow a Reader campaign is one way to donate to APL's success. Year after year, this popular program raises important funds for the library.
ll-may11
The Grow-a-Reader program raises valuable funds for Airdrie Public Library.

Last week, we discussed the importance of literacy and the impact it has on better social outcomes in terms of mental and physical health, employment, financial stability, and housing and food security.

This week, we’d like to talk about Airdrie Public Library’s (APL) annual Grow a Reader fundraiser and how your support of this initiative impacts our free programs and collections.

Last year, more than 170,000 people came through our doors, with over 23,000 of those attending 901 in-person programs and borrowing more than 580,000 items.

It’s worthwhile understanding how a public library can afford to do this.

APL is a board-run, non-profit society and, like other public libraries in Alberta, we are a service provided by municipalities under the Libraries Act. In our case, we are governed by a board comprised of Airdrie City councillors and volunteers.

Alberta libraries are funded through the local tax base, with additional funding at the regional library system level and by a provincial library operating grant.

This funding provides brick-and-mortar services and staff payroll, but everything else – such as collections, and all the nuts, bolts, and widgets required to meet the literacy needs of the communities these libraries serve – come from the generous support of local businesses, collaboration with other social agencies, various grants, and from donations given by Albertans.

The Grow a Reader campaign is one way to donate to APL's success. Year after year, this popular program raises important funds for the library.

It’s easy to participate, donate online through our website or stop by in person at the library.

The money you generously donate goes to purchasing new children’s books and materials for the programming that parents and their children and caregivers enjoy.

This year’s campaign runs until Wednesday, May 31.

For more information on how to donate, or on any of APL’s programs and services visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or stop by during open hours.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks