Modern public libraries, unlike their more austere predecessors, have become community places where families gather to play and learn.
You see it everyday at Airdrie Public Library (APL), where not just mothers and children, but entire families, participate in literacy-focused programs and events.
More than 26,000 Airdronians took part in the more than 1,600 programs APL offered in 2018 – with children’s programming the most popular, by far.
Based on the growing gate count and a marked increase in library cardholders, APL is on track to easily surpass those numbers this year.
Our building, however, isn’t getting any larger, which is why we constantly seek out new and innovative ways to make your library experience as positive and enriching as possible.
In the area of preschool children, for instance, we have several useful resources that will help your family navigate through busy days and the vast world of learning.
Our Grabs N Go Bags offer parents a quick option for a selection of age-specific, pre-chosen books for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Collections in the Children’s Area are searchable by theme, using colourful and recognizable symbols, making it possible for even the youngest learner to quickly find something they like.
Staying with themes, our 20 preschool-themed backpacks contain books and toys on everything from dinosaurs to bugs to the human body; you just check them out like regular books.
We also have children’s DVD and music collections, a French and dual language collection, a fairy tale section and a very cool online resource called Great Books for Babies. This staff-created list of recommended books for children newborn to five years old is easy to use, saving you valuable time.
Then, there’s the aquatic aspect of our children’s collection, Gil-bert the Reading Fish. Hundreds of children have sat beside Gil-bert’s tank and read to him while he blows bubbles. He loves listening to young readers almost as much as he does blowing bubbles.
For more information on any of the library’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca, call 403-948-0600 or drop by the library.
