Public libraries are known for books and research materials, but they also offer many programs that promote lifelong learning, connect patrons to technology, and advance our knowledge.

Today is a day to thank them and help them! Today is Library Giving Day 2021 

#LibraryGivingDay is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy public libraries to donate to their individual library system. And in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services, and materials provided by local libraries all over the country.

We got chatting with Acting Library Manager Sarah Gillie about what the day means! 

"So Library Giving Day is an International Day of giving and supporting libraries. It's actually a one-day event that promotes donating to your library and this particular giving day is more online donations. We are using this as an opportunity to kick off our library giving week or month."

There are a few ways to help them out! She mentioned online donations. You can do that HERE 

They also have a few ways to make your mark in the building. 

"In the library have our ‘Library Giving Tree’ where people can make donations of $2.00, five dollars, $10 and $20 and all of the donations are going to our library expansion fund to help support our new library that we are hoping to move into this year."

"There are Okotoks Library board members who have been hard at work trying to fundraise. Our goal is $250,000 for our first phase so every little bit helps. We really appreciate our community members supporting the library. We do recognize we are in the middle of a pandemic but we are planning for the future. More furniture, you know, more technology, more equipment. All of those things have to fill that new space so that we can serve the public."

If everything goes according to plan, they'll move in midway through 2021, and aim to open to the public in September. Progress on the building has been steady since work first began in 2020.

"Our fundraising efforts will actually continue on even after we move into the new building and you can donate online as well at Okotoks library.ca through our Canada helps web page."

 ~Logan