Looking for some fun activities for the family for the upcoming long weekend?

1. Calgary Public Library is always first on the list. Visit any of our branches for books and DVDs to keep the kids occupied in case of rain.

Many of our branches offer a Drop-in Storytime - Drop in for stories, songs and finger plays the whole family can enjoy. Ages 2 to 5 with a parent/caregiver. Check out the full list of Saturday programs here. The library will be closed on Sunday, May 19 and Monday May 20.

2. Heritage Park Opening Weekend

Enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast with your regular admission or with your annual pass. Breakfast is available for the first 500 guests before 10:30 a.m. on all three days.

On Saturday and Sunday, "1812 On Tour", a travelling experience, brings to life the stories of the War of 1812 and offers something for everyone. Come play period games, get a temporary tattoo, or be part of the Xplorers program.

3. Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

Fun and free! Lots of pathways to wander and enjoy the flora and the fauna. Sunrise to sunset, year-round.

The Nature Centre will be closed March 18 - 22 for painting. The Sanctuary will remain open regular hours.

Admission is free; however, the Sanctuary gratefully accepts donations.

4. Calgary Parks

Calgary has lots of parks to visit as well as a great system of pathways. The Pathways and Bikeways Map can be downloaded as an electronic version or accessed via an app.

5. GreenFools Theatre Society

Green Fools Theatre, a non-profit, charitable society that creates, performs, and teaches physical theatre arts focusing on masks, puppets and stilts, presents Elephant Song. Pay-what-you-can for this indoor puppet and music show. Suitable for all ages.

6. Serbian Fest

Join the Calgary-Serbian community for cultural and sports events during the May long weekend (May 18 &19). This event will feature a broad entertainment program showcasing some of the best cultural displays that the Serbian community has to offer. Come out and join us for some fabulous homemade Serbian food, cultural exhibits, sports competitions, and much more.

7. Calaway Park

The Grand Opening is on Saturday, May 18 with all the usual fun rides and tempting treats.

8. Bow Habitat Station

Catch and release fishing in the Trout Pond May 15 to October 31.

9. Bass Pro Shop

Free events for kids at the Bass Pro Shop in Cross Iron Mall.

10. Iron Horse Park (Town of Airdrie)

Take a ride on a miniature train on 1.6 kilometres of track on opening day Sunday May 19th. There is also a snack bar and picnic tables. It's open to the public every Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., weather permitting, until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October.

How could I resist this book? As a librarian and a fitness enthusiast, The World's Strongest Librarian by Josh Hanagarne seemed like the perfect selection for my final blog post (I will be on temporary hiatus).

I was immediately intrigued by this title as it is not something you read about everyday. I started doing some background research on Josh Hanagarne and discovered what I believe to be a fascinating and inspirational story.

Hanagarne is a librarian who suffers from an extreme case of Tourette's syndrome. One day his father asked him to come to the gym and that day changed his life. Hanagarne talks about the transformative power strength training has had over his Tourette's and how his family, friends, teachers and books provided him with the most tremedous support system, never allowing him to give up.

The World's Strongest Librarian is set to release on May 7, 2013 — put it on hold today! I look forward to hearing what you think of The World's Strongest Librarian or any other stories about great librarians!

Thinking of staying close to home this summer? Hoping to explore Alberta?

Join us for Travel Day 2013 and find out about great Alberta staycations.

Saturday, May 4

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

John Dutton Theatre

Central Library, 2nd Floor

616 Macleod Trail SE

Travel Alberta the Budget Way (10 – 11 a.m.)

Find out about free and inexpensive ways to enjoy travelling around Alberta.

Day Trips from Calgary (11 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Learn about the amazing landscapes, communities and history of South-Central Alberta, all within a two-hour drive of Calgary! Presented by Day Trips from Calgary author, Bill Corbett.

Brown Bag Lunch and Travel Film (12 – 1 p.m.)

Bring your own bag lunch and watch Long Horizons, a documentary on the intriguing prairie landscapes of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

West on One – History along the Highway (1 – 2 p.m.)

Discover fascinating facts and stories behind the scenery as you travel the Trans-Canada Highway from Calgary to Lake Louise. Presented by author Kathryn Manry.

I Love Parks (2 – 3 p.m.)

Learn about the many parks you can visit close to Calgary, why they are important and the many activities you can enjoy in them. Presented by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

The Hiking Lifestyle (3 – 4 p.m.)

Check out beginner and intermediate level hikes found in Kananaskis country and learn bear and other safety tips to ensure hiking can become a lifestyle for the rest of your life. Presented by Julie Walker, Guide, Full Circle Adventures.

Please register in person, online or by phone at 403-260-2620.

Did you know the library has books on just about any way that you can think of to see the world? You can find out about travelling fast.. or slow; by foot, by bike, by rail, by boat, or by motorbike. Here are just a few samples to whet your appetite.

Go Fast!!

36 Hours (2012): 125 Weekends in Europe - Dream weekends with practical itineraries from Paris to Perm. Culture, history, natural beauty, fine cuisine, artistic masterpieces, cutting-edge architecture and style-- Europe overflows with so many riches that a lifetime seems too short to appreciate them. But with the right guidance, you can go far in a single weekend . Stylishly written and carefully researched, this updated and expanded collection of the popular New York Times 36 Hours feature offers you 125 well-crafted itineraries for quick but memorable European trips, accompanied by hundreds of color photographs to fire your imagination.

36 Hours (2011): 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada - The ultimate travel guide to the USA and Canada To travel in North America is to face a delicious quandary: over these vast spaces, with so many riches from glittering cities to eccentric small towns and heart-stoppingly beautiful mountains and plains, how to experience as much as possible in limited time? One answer is the quick hit, a jam-packed adventure that delivers a full sense of a single place's opportunities and personalities over a well-plotted two-night stay. The New York Times has been offering up dream weekends with practical itineraries in its popular weekly "36 Hours" column since 2002.

Go Slow!

Go Slow France (2010): Special Places to Stay, Slow Travel and Slow Food - Go Slow France is the third book in Sawday's hugely successful Go Slow series. Discover 47 of France's most exquisite châteaux, B&Bs and hotels chosen as places to 'go slow'.

Slow Dorset, [2012] : Local, Characterful Guides to Britain's Special Places - Slow Dorset is a personal celebration of what makes Dorset special - an invitation to slow down and enjoy its beauty. The author takes you on a personal journey through the county introducing some of Dorset's best kept secrets and hidden delights including little known walks, cycle rides, pubs, local craftsmen and visitor attractions.

Go By Foot!

We have several different series of books that cover walking tours.

We have books that help you tour a city step by step, or a pilgrimage route, like the Camino de Santiago.

We have books with walking tours with a literary theme or those with a walk into history.

You can find them in our catalogue by searching "walking guidebooks".

Go by Bike!

Our books on cycling cover the world - from specific locations such as Oregon and the Kettle Valley Railroad in B.C. to the fifty places to bike before you die.

We also have books on cycling for all ages. Just search guidebooks cycling.

By Rail or By Boat!

The same applies to travelling by Rail; search railroad guidebooks (ignore the first few titles, they can't be borrowed).

For travel by Boat, search guidebooks cruises. You can find cruises everywhere from Alaska to the Caribbean to the Greek Islands.

By Car Or Even By Motorcycle!

If travelling by Car, search using the phrase guidebooks automobile.

If touring on a motorcycle, use the phrase guidebooks motorcycles.

However you go, the library has books to help you plan a great travel adventure! Knowing before you go helps you make the most of your trip. Happy trails!

Military FitnessHave you ever wondered what the next fitness craze will be? I am always curious about what crazy invention or fitness class they will come up with next. Well, for 2013 it looks like we are getting back to basics and mixing things up a bit. Here is a list (not exhaustive) of some of the fitness trends you may see this year:

1. Crossfit: a combination of strength and conditioning. There are a number of websites dedicated to the crossfit movement and gyms popping up for this sole purpose. Don't be fooled - this is a challenging workout!

2. Hot Yoga: I am sure you have all seen these studios all over town. This is your usual yoga moves coupled with a maxed out thermostat. Make sure you bring lots of water!

3. Demographic Specific Programming: these are exercise classes geared to a targeted group. You may have seen us do Tai Chi for Seniors at the library or checked out one of our many exercise DVD's for 50+, children, or expectant mothers.

4. Express Workouts: how great is this? You workout done in 20 minutes!!! Need I say more......Cardio Core 4 x 4

5. Back to Basics: this is aimed at getting us back to the push ups, jumping jacks, jump rope and sit ups of the past. I say, if it ain't broke.....

6. Corporate Wellness: a lot of organizations have recognized the need for a corporate wellness program. More and more offices have taken steps to institute fitness and wellnes programs inside and outside the workplace. Recently, our branch staff did a 12 week challenge. Each week staff were given a nutrition and fitness challenge -- for example, drink more water and take the stairs rather than the elevator. Staff had a blast and at the end of the 12 weeks admitted feeling better! I can't wait to do it again!!

7. Fusion Classes: essentially this is combination classes. I found examples of Piloxing - a combo of boxing and pilates or how about Spoga, that's spin andComplete Idiots Guide to Weight Training yoga!

8. Weight Training: certainly no surprise here and continues along the back to basics line of thinking.

9. Bootcamps: these are EVERYWHERE! I see them at the gym, parks, and community centre's. They can be hard work but also a lot of fun!

10. Core Training: I mentioned Core Training in my last blog post as I am a big fan. Exercises can be tailCore Strength for 50+ored to any level of fitness.

These are just a sample of the current trends. ALWAYS consult with your Doctor before starting a diet or exercise program. I have included a few resources you can find at your local library, jump on the trend wagon!