May 20, 2022
Strathmore, AB – In the interest of recognizing public libraries that distinguish themselves through innovation, excellence in advocacy and service, and exercise creativity for the betterment of their communities, Marigold is delighted to announce the 2022 Making a Difference Award recipients.
Public libraries in Strathmore, Canmore, Banff, Irricana, Delia and Standard impressed the Marigold Board Advocacy Committee with their submissions earlier this year. The committee received a total of 13 submissions from member libraries who were proud of achievements in areas of programming, outreach, advocacy and public relations, partnerships and innovative use of technology. A winner and an honourable mention from a small, medium and large library were awarded in person at the annual Marigold Library System Conference that took place on May 11.
This year, Strathmore Municipal Library received the award in the large library category for their Book Buddies program. The committee acknowledged that it was a beneficial way to help students with their reading, but also to offer volunteers and students an opportunity to socialize when we all spent a lot of time at home. Marigold awarded the honourable mention in this category to Canmore Public Library and their 50th Anniversary Celebration during a pandemic. The committee was impressed with the amount of work that was dedicated to the cause and the variety of activities for all ages. It was a wonderful way to advocate for their library throughout the year.
Banff Public Library’s Library of Things program was the winner of the award in the medium library category. The committee recognized that although there are many libraries of things being created, their program was unique in the partnerships that were created with community organizations, as well as the fact that used and donated items were accepted rather than limiting the collection to new items only. The honourable mention for this category was given to the Irricana & Rural Municipal Library and their Family Activity Grab Bags program. The program proved to be an important way to connect with patrons by giving them the opportunity to enjoy activities together as a family. The inclusion of information on social service programs, events, and workshops was a great way to give participants additional support needed during the ongoing pandemic.
Marigold awarded the award for the small library category to the Delia Municipal Library and the partnership they created with IdeaLabs from Calgary to put on a week-long summer makerspace camp on Drone Engineering. Through this partnership they were able to offer a program that is typically more often seen in larger centers. Standard Municipal Library was the recipient for the honourable mention in the small library category. The committee was excited to see the way the library had created a place for preteens and teens within their small community. They recognized that this was missing in rural Alberta and in creating this space they increased visits from this demographic that is often declining in numbers at libraries. The committee members were very impressed at the initiative and community benefit that the rec room provides.
Marigold created the award in 2011. Winners of each category were presented with a certificate and a monetary award of $750. Those acknowledged with an honourable mention also received a certificate and a cheque for $250.
About Marigold:
Marigold Library System is a collaborative serving 43 member municipalities and two First Nations – Stoney Nakoda Nation and Siksika Nation – 36 member library boards, 35 libraries, 12 books deposits, two inter-library loan pickup lockers and over 340,000 people across south-central Alberta.
The regional system, a non-profit organization, was established in 1981. Since then Marigold has grown to the third largest library system in the province – behind Edmonton and Calgary. Marigold provides cost-effective public library services and support to residents and member libraries in rural Alberta. Marigold’s services include IT infrastructure, a network for resource sharing, expert consultation services and progressive public library services.
Marigold’s mission is to cultivate a collaborative community to support a range of responsive quality library services, training sessions, and programs.
Media contact:
Michelle Toombs
CEO Marigold Library System
403.934.5334
Laura Taylor
Deputy CEO Marigold Library System
403.934.5334