The Fifth Book Campaign for Calgary Public Library’s Collections

The average price of a book in Canada has risen by 20% since 2019. This means for every five books that Calgary Public Library could previously afford, today, it can only buy four. This means the fifth book doesn’t make it to the Library’s shelves. Meanwhile, Calgarians are joining the Library in record numbers. An average of 425 Calgarians per day signed up for Library cards in 2024. Today, more than 818,000 Calgarians have a Library card—that’s 58% of our city. Major membership growth increases demand for collections items. New and popular releases often receive hundreds—and sometimes even thousands—of holds when released. Calgary Public Library Foundation is embarking on a journey for every book and every reader. We have an immediate need to raise $1 million this year for expanded and enhanced Library collections. Additionally, the Library Foundation is preparing for the future with a goal to grow a collections endowment, ensuring the Library is always well-supported in providing books to Calgarians. The Fifth Book Campaign will put the right book in the right hands, at the right time. Donate today at thefifthbook.ca.