literarylife with Wyatt Tremblay
I retired from Airdrie Public Library (APL) as a communications specialist at the end of February, after almost a decade of working in an institution whose entire purpose is to improve people’s lives. It was the most fulfilling employment I’ve ever had.
However, like any job, there were things I didn’t know about our library. Here are five of those:
- APL is funded through municipal taxes and provincial operating grants. However, the funding formula hasn’t kept up with Airdrie’s population growth and library use, which is why APL holds fundraisers and applies for grants.
- APL is the largest provider of free, lifelong programming in Airdrie. For instance, the library provided more than 1,100 sessions (programs and events) to more than 42,000 participants in 2025.
- APL is considered a safe “third place,” separate from a person’s home or work/school that offers neutral ground for community connection, informal socializing and equitable learning opportunities.
- APL is the most used mid-sized library in Alberta, with more than 900,000 items borrowed in 2025 by more than 38,000 cardholders. There were almost 400,000 visits to the library last year.
- APL partners with numerous Airdrie and area organizations and service groups to provide a wide variety of programming.
Before working at APL, I had assumed that a much-loved library like ours had just always existed. However, I’ve learned that a library board and a staff of passionate and committed people, most of whom are our neighbours, have worked tirelessly to make this invaluable community hub what it is today.
One last thing before I go: here are some of programs coming up this spring (from March to May):
Crepe Paper Florals is a hands-on workshop that explores making flowers from crepe paper.
Fingearobics: The Fun of Violin Playing is a refresher violin group that will explore playing through fun with familiar music. There are also programs on needle felting, watercolour painting and a spring cello concert.
APL also has health, financial, and equity and inclusion programs in partnership with Healthier Together Airdrie, the Credit Counselling Society, Welcoming Airdrie, and Rocky View Immigrant Services. Discover ways to stay healthy, manage your finances, and build awareness around systemic racism and the language of inclusion.
Teens and school-age youth will find many familiar programs, including Friday Night Hangout, Family STEAM, Junior Artists, Crochet it Up and the ever-popular LEGO Club.
Preschool programs will see the return of Night Owls. Children are invited to attend in their favourite jammies before bed — with their parents — for songs and a story time. Many of the children’s programs are now drop-in, including Crafty Kids, Toddlertime, Rhymes and Songs, and many more.
APL secured a licence for Code Combat, a game-based learning platform. This program will jump-start participants personal coding journeys through real-world programming concepts.
Finally, Pink Tea, Mario Mania, Minecraft Mayhem, a mini golf fundraiser, an AirdrieEaster in partnership with the Latins of Airdrie Society, and Children’s Fest are a few other upcoming events.
Learn more by checking out the calendar at www.yourapl.ca.
