The Bob Edwards Award recognizes a Canadian who personifies the spirit of Bob Edwards, the irascible and pugnacious editor of the Calgary Eye Opener newspaper from 1902 to 1922.

Imagine going back in time one hundred years, to an evening of elegance at the turn of the century. Guests will experience 1912 as we capture the essence of the era at every turn, including a hearty, period inspired dinner menu and white glove service. The evening's program will take place throughout the meal including honouring this year's winner Mary Walsh and her incredible career in Canadian television.

All proceeds support building readers for life at the Calgary Public Library. An individual ticket provides entry for one person to the Bob Edwards Award Gala and a portion of the ticket price will be eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

If you could share anything with this future generation, what would it be? A recipe? A doodle? A prediction? A poem? Words of wisdom? A funny story?

As part of the Calgary Public Library’s 100th Birthday, we’re giving you a chance to write a message to the future. It’s easy – submit your message via our submission form or write your message on a bookmark at any Calgary Public Library branch. We’ll put your bookmark in a sealed time capsule to be opened and read in the year 2062.

To Submit:

1. Write only on the special archival bookmark paper with a pencil, pencil crayon, or ballpoint pen (colours are OK). Do not use wax crayons, felt markers, metallic ink, glitter, etc.
2. You must use your real name and phone number. If you’re under 18, you need your parent’s permission.
3. You can write or draw anything you want! But remember, 50 years isn’t all that far away, and all submissions are public documents. Don’t write anything you might regret!
4. You can also submit via text by texting DEAR FUTURE followed by your message to Virgin Radio at 985985.

The deadline to submit an entry or drop off your bookmark is OCTOBER 31, 2012, so act fast!

Nose Hill LibraryMany people growing up in Calgary’s north remember the old ATCO trailers that were the home of the former Varsity branch. The avid readers in this community formed a Friends of the Library group that were determined to see a new branch built.

You can imagine their delight when the new bright and airy Nose Hill branch opened its doors April 15, 1988, with a cathedral ceiling and a multitude of windows.

Community connections are strong here, as seen by the branch’s dedication to hosting the annual Jane’s Walk in which volunteers tour the community in honour of urban activist Jane Jacobs.

“To boldly go where Canadians have gone before!” From the CF-105 Arrow to the Canadarm, Canada has always been on the cutting edge of aerospace technology, helping the world to explore the skies, our solar system and beyond. Whether it is the jumbo jets that allow us to explore our amazing planet, a rich history of Canadian astronauts, or the future of space exploration, Canada has always been at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

Ever wonder what it is like to wear a space suit? What it feels like to walk with zero gravity? Is there another life form out there? Join us as Aerospace Educator, Brian Ewenson, and other experts give answers to your universal questions. Learn about helicopters! Build and launch a rocket! Join us this fall for fun-filled adventures as we delve into the magical world of our aerospace technology and the exploration of our universe. A series of programs and events at various library locations for all ages will allow you to explore the infinite and beyond.

Check out the programs listing for more information and to register.

			University of Calgary staff and students in front of Calgary Public Library, 1912

Education has always been part of the mandate of the Calgary Public Library. The goal of our first Chief Librarian, Alexander Calhoun, was that the library should be “primarily an educational force in the community”- “a people’s university”. To further that goal, many initiatives have been undertaken. In 1912, Calgary’s first attempt at a university was holding classes in what is now Memorial Park Library, Calgary College students attended classes until 1915 when a provincial commission rejected the college’s bid for degree-granting status for a third time.

In 1929, Calhoun offered the basement rooms once used by the failed Calgary College to a new private school for boys, Strathcona. That arrangement lasted only one year, as the school was so successful, it needed more space almost immediately and moved to a house in Mount Royal.

Schools, teachers and students remain an important focus to the Calgary Public Library. Our staff still visit schools, endeavouring to introduce students to the joy of reading. We have programs in place for learners of all ages – offering English language, literacy, career development and of course, the opportunity for all to discover new and wonderful things on our shelves.