Title of Blog Julie Reid

Studio Bell has an interesting new digital collection worth a browse. Maybe not a "library" exactly this collection is worth taking a peek at. The National Music Centre makes interviews with musicians, creators and oddities like the aeolian pianola searchable and viewable to all. There are fascinating shared collections on endless topics relating to music and oral histories available. 

Another unique collection is housed at the University of Calgary. They have a video game collection .  Contemporary and vintage games and gaming systems alike. They are always looking for donations, but you are always welcome to check out their unique collection. It could be a fun way to spend and cold or rainy Saturday and find some fun classics to play. Plus Taylor Family Digital Library building is a nice place to check out and the attached Nickle Galleries always have something worth stopping to see while you are there. 

Calgary is also home to a delightful tool lending library .  Anyone can sign up to become a member and borrow a variety of tools for a small yearly fee. The fee can even be waived if you have some tool expertise and are willing to volunteer some of your time at the library. They have everything from simple had tools right up to large power tools for major projects. Was your grandpa a plumber and some of his unique tools could use a new home? The tool library will happily take donations.  There is a great little video all about how it works below!

This little library is online Canada wide with local events. Seedy Saturday is coming up this Saturday, March 16th at the Hillhurst Community Hall.  They will have a variety of gardening based presentations and a seed exchange too! They have all kinds of great topics on their website for gardeners including pollination and heirloom seed preservation.  You can become a member on their website and exchange seed with gardeners from all over Canada.

Calgary has some hidden away special little libraries waiting to be discovered. In this blog we will explore a few of the library gems in Calgary and provide some information about each. First up is the musical instrument lending library through Calgary Public Library . It is located at the Memorial Park Library and is free to use by anyone with a CPL card. Please see the directions and hours listed on the link above.  The location has all kind of instruments and sheet music to borrow. They have quiet rooms that can be used as practice spaces and even free lessons that you can sign up for to try out an instrument with the help of a volunteer expert. Whether your interest is in the banjo or the violin this library sponsored by Sunlife Financial has something for all ages and interests.