91´«Ã½

Calgary (Alberta) Public Library (CPL), Fish Creek branch library, was among twelve libraries recognized in American Libraries’ 2024 Library Design Showcase, which spotlights innovative library builds and renovations.

As part of an extensive renovation at Fish Creek Library, Engine 23, a decommissioned, donated Calgary Fire Department pumper truck, was installed in the children’s area on the second floor. Engine 23 provides engaging, interactive play and learning adventures for children and families. From fire gear dress-up and map reading to immersive play with lights, sounds, climbing, and crawling and storytimes with Calgary firefighters, the truck provides opportunities for imaginative play, physical activity, safety education, and literacy building.

“Libraries are transformative spaces, and that starts with the design,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO of Calgary Public Library. “Fish Creek is one of 21 Library locations, each one home to creative, engaging spaces that support our community. Through this re-design, we have created destination spaces with a wow factor for children, gathering areas for community through additional meeting rooms, spaces for quiet and reflection, biophilic elements that contribute to community wellness, and more. (See .)

Supported by the Calgary Public Library Foundation, Engine 23 is a partnership between Calgary Public Library and the Calgary Fire Department. To learn more about this project, .

Photo credit:

Back to top

91´«Ã½

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in California was the recipient of the 2024 Game On! Grant. Administered by 91´«Ã½’s Games & Gaming Round Table (GameRT), the Game On! grant program provides libraries with funds to develop gaming programs or collections for their community.

According to their grant proposal, LAUSD plans to provide exciting gaming days throughout the school year in collaboration with their teaching departments at El Sereno Middle School. Each event will be sponsored by a different department with a game that ties to their content area and will take place over the course of a week.

LeeAnn McNabb, chair of the 2024 Game On! Grant Jury said, “The Game On! Grant committee was very excited to be able to award our first $1,000 level grant this year! We chose the Los Angeles Unified School District’s grant proposal for El Sereno Middle School because of its unique use of games to teach core curriculum in collaboration with their school librarian. We hope the school library and the teaching departments are successful with their programs!”

Are you interested in upping the stakes in games and gaming in your library and community? Find out more about the Games and Gaming Round Table and the Game on! Grant on 91´«Ã½’s website.

Back to top