Calgary Public Library Foundation

Education & Youth📍 Calgary, AB

Supporting literacy, learning, and community programs through Calgary's library system.

About Our Mission

To enhance and expand library services that promote literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement for all Calgarians.

Our Impact

Annual Impact
Serves 2.5M+ visitors annually
Total Impact
Over 25 years supporting Calgary libraries
Programs
50+ literacy and learning programs

Our Programs

  • Early literacy and children's programs
  • Adult literacy and ESL support
  • Digital literacy and technology training
  • Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation programs
  • Community outreach and mobile services
  • Special collections and archives

Volunteer Requirements

Minimum Age

16+ for most roles, 18+ for children's programs

Time Commitment

3 months minimum, 3-4 hours per week

Training

Library services and literacy support training, 8-12 hours

Police Check

Required for roles involving children; organization covers cost

ID Requirements

1 piece of government photo ID, volunteer agreement

Family Volunteering

Encouraged for family literacy events and reading programs

Application Process

Application → interview → training → branch assignment

Application Volume

Moderate demand — monthly orientation sessions

Volunteer Opportunities

Reading Buddy

Support children and adults with reading practice and literacy skills.

Schedule

Monday-Saturday, various times (2-3 hour sessions)

Time Commitment

Minimum 3 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Strong reading skills, patience, experience with children or adults learning

What You'll Do

  • One-on-one reading support
  • Literacy games
  • Reading comprehension
  • Encouragement and motivation
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Program Assistant

Help facilitate library programs for children, teens, and adults.

Schedule

Weekdays and weekends, program-dependent

Time Commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Program facilitation experience helpful, creativity, public speaking comfort

What You'll Do

  • Program setup
  • Activity assistance
  • Participant support
  • Material preparation
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Digital Literacy Mentor

Help community members learn computer and internet skills.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (flexible)

Time Commitment

Minimum 3 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Strong computer skills, teaching ability, patience with technology learners

What You'll Do

  • Computer training
  • Internet navigation
  • Email setup
  • Digital safety education
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Community Outreach Volunteer

Bring library services to underserved communities and populations.

Schedule

Various times including evenings and weekends

Time Commitment

Minimum 4 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Community engagement experience, cultural sensitivity, transportation helpful

What You'll Do

  • Mobile library support
  • Community events
  • Service promotion
  • Resource distribution
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Special Collections Assistant

Help preserve and organize historical documents and special materials.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Time Commitment

Minimum 3 hours per week

Qualifications Required

Attention to detail, research skills, interest in history and archives

What You'll Do

  • Document digitization
  • Cataloging
  • Research assistance
  • Collection maintenance
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Contact Information

Phone
(403) 260-2600
Location
Calgary, AB

Current Donation Needs

  • Books for all ages and reading levels
  • Educational technology and tablets
  • Art and craft supplies for programs
  • Gift cards for program prizes and incentives
  • Furniture and equipment for library spaces