The Friends of Canmore Library organization was established in 1993 by a committed group of local library supporters. It's a CRA registered charity which exists to support the Canmore Public Library, normally providing the Library with annual grants in the range of $10,000 - $20,000 for the purchase of items beyond the scope of the Library's regular budget. Priorities include collection development - books, magazines, audio books and DVDs for adults and children - as well as library ... Read More
The Friends of Canmore Library organization was established in 1993 by a committed group of local library supporters. It's a CRA registered charity which exists to support the Canmore Public Library, normally providing the Library with annual grants in the range of $10,000 - $20,000 for the purchase of items beyond the scope of the Library's regular budget. Priorities include collection development - books, magazines, audio books and DVDs for adults and children - as well as library programs. In addition to new books and other materials, past Friends grants have provided custom storage for the Friends Program Room and technical equipment for filming & editing the Library's popular online programs (webcams, microphone, lighting, etc.).
Since 2003, the Friends have raised and contributed more than $390,000 to support Library operations, including the Canmore Library endowment fund.
In 2019, the Friends of Canmore Library Society provided a founding gift of $20,000 to the Canmore Library Endowment fund held by the Banff Canmore Community Foundation. As this fund grows, it will generate annual income for the Library.
When the Library moved into its new location in Elevation Place in the spring of 2013, the Friends presented the Library with a cheque for $100,000 to help cover the cost of new shelving and furnishings.
In 2015 the Friends of Canmore Library Society received two significant awards: the Mayor's Award for Volunteer Excellence in the corporate not-for-profit category and the 'Gabriele Schreiber Friends of the Year Award' in the large friends group category, from Friends of Canadian Libraries (FOCAL).
Membership in the Friends of Canmore Library Society is generally in the range of 175. Annual memberships are $5 for individuals and $10 for families. The membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st. One of the key benefits of Friends membership is early access to book sales.
The Friends of Canmore Library raises funds at three volunteer-run used book sales, in April, August and November each year. They also generate funds through beverage recycling and donations.
The Friends' monthly Speaker Series is a Canmore tradition which offers informative and entertaining presentations, often by adventurous local residents. Admission is by donation and programs take place between September and June.
For more information, contact us at friends@canmorelibrary.ab.ca.
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