Airdrie Public Library Expansion

The Cause

Airdrie Public Library (APL) is a dynamic community resource, that strives to continually assess and adapt to the everchanging needs of our rapidly growing community. The community has spoken, and it has asked for a larger space, more programming, more loanable resources and more comfortable spaces to gather, relax and learn regardless of age, race, or economic status.
Construction of the new library is forging ahead with the opening set for Fall 2025. To fill our new space, APL is fundraising $1.5 million, with $810,000 committed to date. At APL, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone in our community has a place to connect, discover and to be. As part of our ongoing efforts to better serve our patrons, we are requesting the Field Law Foundation to help in expanding our Library of Things collection.
At APL we embrace the slogan “It’s different here’’ and work hard to change the image of what a library is and what it offers. One of the ways we do this is with our Library of Things. It offers our 28,000+ card holders the ability to borrow physical items beyond books. Many people are feeling to weight of financial stress, and APL wants to offer resources that improve the quality of life for our community. These items range from a wattage meter, pickleball equipment to crafting tools. We hope to continue to expand our lendable items to include more tools and equipment.
With your help, we aim to implement a comprehensive plan that focuses on purchasing practical items in these three main categories:
1. Home Improvement – Increasing our collection of tools will give patrons the ability to complete home improvements at a lower cost. We aim to offer gardening tools, air quality monitors, foldable ladders, and more.
2. Recreational – With the expanded space of the new library, APL will have room for more recreational items. These items will range from crafting supplies, sports equipment, lawn games, to musical instruments. This empowers patrons to try new hobbies without the financial investment.
3. Educational – Supporting patrons as they learn is a core value for APL. Patrons will have access to technology like Chromebooks as well as coding kits for adults and children. The Library of Things also hopes to offer reader pens, digital scanners, microscopes, and telescopes.

Who Will it Benefit?

Airdrie Public Library serves the community of Airdrie and Rockyview County. All residents in our catchment are eligible to receive a free library card. In 2023 APL had over 200,772 people walk through our doors. The 28,519 card holders borrowed over 625,000 items. By expanding the Library of Things, APL will be able to offer more resources to our growing community.
APL offers a wide range of high-quality programs and services for all to enjoy, regardless of
income, ethnicity and/or abilities, from birth up to seniors. Preschool programs include Babytime, Storytime, Rhymes & Songs, and Wiggle Wednesday. Makerspace and STEAM programs are very popular with our school age and teen members. Adults enjoy a wide variety of community building educational & recreational programs from money management to knitting. We offer services for all including computer access, information services, printing/copying/faxing, study space and exam proctoring. Central to the Library's service are our 80,000 loanable resources.