1 week Ago By Julia Acebes
The Calgary Public Library is launching a $1-million fundraising campaign to put more books on its shelves. In the past five years, the average cost of a book in Canada has risen by 20 per cent, meaning the funds that used to cover the cost of five books now only buy four. The Fifth Book campaign, launched Tuesday with the Calgary Public Library Foundation, aims to restore those additional books to branches across the city.
Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library, said the cost of paper and publishing have increased. “This has reduced buying power for our collections,” she said. “We’re also experiencing population growth and inflation, and those things mean that there are fewer materials available for the community to access.
” Another challenge in acquiring new books is the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.
The library sources books from suppliers around the world, and a weaker loonie diminishes the library’s purchasing power. More than half of Calgarians — about 818,000 people — hold a library card, and the membership continues to grow by about 425 new members a day. Annual circulation at the library is more than 15 million, with digital, physical and audio books.
There aren’t enough books for everyone, according to Meilleur, who stressed the importance of open and free access to stories, information and inspiration. Members also often complain about long wait times. For more popular books, wait times can be more than 400 days.
“We get it. We’re readers,” she said. “I don’t like to be the 900th person in line for a hold time, either.
” The library’s collection team selects and purchases books to add to the shelves. Meilleur said they’re trying to meet the demand for bestsellers, while ensuring a diverse collection that reflects the interests of Calgarians. “The demand for library resources has never been heavier,” said Tracy Johnson, CEO of the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
The foundation is aiming to raise awareness through the Fifth Book campaign, which will be featured across library locations in the coming months. The library intends to put the funds raised during the campaign toward expanding both the print and digital collections to meet the growing demand. “The goal is to make sure that we bring those holds and wait times down,” Johnson said.
“What if one of those books that you removed was the book that inspired you to pursue your career? What if one of the books you removed was the book that taught you a skill that you use every day? What if the book that you removed was the book that sparked your love of reading and learning?” For more information about the campaign or to donate, visit libraryfoundation.ca/thefifthbook . RelatedFreedom to Read: Calgary Public Library addresses book challenges and bansTariffs may be 'catastrophic' for independent bookstores, publishers.
