Shaun Hunter, Calgary Public Library’s Historian in Residence, is presenting a talk on July 29. You need only your Library Card to register.
Don’t miss reading Shaun’s article BY CLICKING HERE. Especially interesting is a literary map, where you can find photos and stories for each site.
May I suggest finding a comfortable lawn chair, a shady spot and something cool to sip, as you settle in?
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta’s magazine Westword published an article about our Club in their October-December issue. Moorea Gray wrote the article, and we have been granted kind permission to post this article on our website.
To read the article, click on its name, below.
THE CALGARY WOMEN’S LITERARY CLUB
A book club with a difference (then and now)
Moorea Gray
Here’s another chance to enjoy more from Natalie Meisner, as playwright and actor! The Calgary Public Library downtown is hosting a free play, but with only 40 spots available, it’s worthwhile to book a seat for the 7:00 – 8:30 pm performance. You can reserve seats, if you follow the link below.
How honoured we were, to have Mr. Bill Ptacek, CEO of the Calgary Public Library, join our Club’s special events over the last few years. As if he didn’t have anything else to do! (Search “Bill Ptacek” for more on this site.)
As reported by Christina Frangou, he “dedicated his career to public libraries in both U.S. and Canadian cities, modernizing, expanding and reshaping them into places where people can gather.” He made an enormous difference to our entire City, and in June was named Calgary’s Citizen of the Year.
We join so many other Calgarians in mourning his passing.
“Life isn’t worth living if you don’t have a good book going as far as I’m concerned.” (Bill Ptacek)
Frangou, Christina. “The American who helped Calgary’s libraries begin a new chapter.” August 19, 2019.
While the weather didn’t exactly cooperate, looking rather wintry with clouds, a cool temperature and plenty of snow-covered ground from the previous weekend’s devastating blizzard, inside the elegant surroundings of the Calgary Golf & Country Club was a different story. Spring was all around us thanks to our programs featuring blue hydrangeas complemented by the beautiful floral centerpieces on each table, also featuring blue hydrangeas arranged to perfection by our President Doloris Duval, and even a sprinkling of gorgeous Spring dresses worn by some of our more intrepid members. Any club that can keep meeting throughout two world wars isn’t going to let the weather get the better of it!
Continue reading… Calgary’s new Central Library, in its popular list called “52 Places to Go This Year.” (Calgary entry by Elaine Glusac)
CLICK HERE to find #20, and then contemplate visiting the 51 other Places recommended!
The women of the Calgary Women’s Literary Club have been very busy celebrating over the past few weeks!
In November, Christine Gingerick and Robin Padanyi hosted our group on a private tour of the breathtaking new Calgary Public Library. We learned behind the scenes information about the design and construction of the building itself and about the evolving philosophies surrounding libraries today. Our tour concluded with Robin guiding the group to our very own CALGARY WOMEN’S LITERARY CLUB window on which the dedication reads:
Donated by members past and present of The Calgary Women’s Literary Club, established 1906.
Doloris Duval
On September 27th a special plaque was unveiled, commemorating the Memorial Park Library becoming a national historic site. It details the vision and hard effort by Annie Davidson and the women of the Calgary Women’s Literary Club to build a library. Doloris and Margaret were delighted to be part of such a heartfelt ceremony, which was attended by CPL’s own Bill Ptacek, and representatives of City Parks and Parks Canada, among others.
Sept 27 2018 plaque unveiling at Memorial Park Library
CBC’s Rachel Ward was in touch with Mary Carwardine.
Click here for the charming article that ensued.
… and click here for more on the Memorial Park Library.
At this year’s Spring Luncheon we welcomed Ellen Humphrey, Julia Harrington and Christine Gingerick, from the Calgary Public Library. Ellen shared wonderful slides and stories of change. She contrasted photos from early days at the Memorial Park Library to the new downtown jewel soon to be unveiled. From a “Hush! Hush!” space of quiet and books, we now have tech-friendly, event-filled spaces that welcome hustle and bustle alongside those books. For those of us nostalgic for a quiet reading room full of books, the CPL has got that covered too!
Our Spring Luncheon and AGM in the elegant Calgary Golf and Country Club caps off our 2017-2018 year of Favorite Authors! For posterity, here are some “snaps”. We thank Cecilia and her helpers, who added so many special touches! The tables were gorgeous.
P.S. Your webmaster tried to capture everyone: Regrettably, I note that I missed Doloris, our incoming President, no less. Did I miss anyone else? I hope not!
From website: brucehunter.ca
On November 21, 2017, we were so lucky to welcome the Calgary Public Library’s Author in Residence, Bruce Hunter, in his last week of tenure!
Rosemary Griebel, Director of Reading Services of the CPL introduced us to this award-winning writer of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, essays and interviews. The Library is celebrating the 30th year of this outstanding program, and as Author in Residence for the last three months, Bruce has been offering public programs and readings. He also mentors aspiring writers, providing advice and feedback on their manuscripts. Our community has benefitted greatly: Bruce Hunter is renowned in Canada for his support of emerging and established authors.
Especially for those who were not with us – and even for those who were — please click here for an interview which highlights his strength of character.
There is nothing like seeing Bruce Hunter in person, to appreciate the spirit of this inspiring author.
And click below, to find out what Bruce shared on November 21st – at least as captured by hand-written notes.
Bruce Hunter Presentation Summary