Opening the Door to Indigenous Arts and Culture
Calgary Public Library

Calgary’s Central Library hosts the permanent installations of 11 Indigenous artists throughout its space, one being a big metal buffalo that is pretty hard to miss! Its body is made up of hundreds of letters strung together to form 120 words in the language of the Blackfoot Confederacy. The statue, called Education is the New Buffalo, stands about shoulder height, if not a bit taller than its creator Lionel Peyachew.

“A long time ago, we were all dependent on the buffalo. That was how we survived,” Peyachew said. “But now, all new survival is education.”

Peyachew is a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and an associate professor of Indigenous fine arts at First Nations University of Canada. He said the sculpture represents how Indigenous Peoples’ way of life has changed. The Calgary Public Library is one of dozens in urban centers across Canada prioritizing Indigenous representation in their space. New developments, such as the Ādisōke facility in Ottawa and the Dawes Road branch in Toronto, are being built to feature permanent installations of Indigenous art and Indigenous-led building design.

Kelli Morning Bull, a member of the Piikani Nation in southern Alberta and Indigenous design lead for the Calgary Public Library, said one of the initiatives she’s most proud of is the Elders’ Guidance Circle program, which began in 2019. Individuals or groups can submit requests to meet with an elder or knowledge keeper from the Treaty 7 and Calgary area.

Read the full article from the National Observer.

Celebrating the Forest of Stories in Douglas County
Douglas County Libraries

Presented by Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the Forest of Stories is a free, interactive exhibit of decorated, book-themed trees! The "forest" includes more than 150 trees decked in beloved stories, from favorite children’s tales to classic literature, crime thrillers, horror, comedy, mysteries, larger-than-life characters, and more. Visitors will find different themed trees at each library location, some decked with life-size trimmings, memorabilia, and artifacts, among other unique details.

Forest of Stories is free and open during library operating hours, no ticket or registration required. Families looking for kid-friendly entertainment and tree-peeping opportunities over the holidays and upcoming school breaks can find something to enjoy at every location.

“I just love this event!” said Elaine McCain, Chair of Douglas County Libraries Foundation, the presenting sponsor of this year’s exhibit. “Forest of Stories is a wonderful community event that is accessible to everyone—no tickets are required. Library customers of all ages can experience the joy of stories through amazing decorated trees set to sparkle for the holidays,” said McCain.

Every division in DCL has helped bring this immersive, districtwide display to life, including library volunteers who have donated time to fluff, decorate, and assist with tree installations.

Learn more on the Douglas County Libraries website.

Bringing the Library to the Airport
Houston Public Library

The Houston Public Library and Houston Airports celebrated the launch of the self-service BOOKLink automat this month. The convenient cabinet features five shelves of books for adults, teens and children. Books are offered in English and Spanish, as 38% of Houston residents speak Spanish and the airport is a primary gateway to Latin America. The machines, which work like vending machines, can be accessed with or without a Houston Public Library card.

While Houston Public Library cardholders can check out physical books, anyone can check out an e-book and/or audiobook. The machine is also a convenient way for library users to return books, too. The QR code that appears on the BOOKLink screen can be used to borrow free e-books and other digital formats, including audiobooks, with just an email address—a library card is not required.

The BOOKLink at Hobby Airport is the first one at any Houston airport and aligns with the airport system’s vision: Establish Houston Airports as a 5-star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated. Literature can open the reader to a new world of ideas, experiences, cultures and understanding. Books, like airplanes, can transport the reader to far-off places where new adventures can tug at the heartstrings or get hearts pounding. BOOKLink is available to passengers, airport visitors and aviation workers.

Read more from the official Houston Airports website.

Honoring a Rich Tapestry of Diverse Communities and Culture
DeKalb County Public Library

Spanning the months of December 2023 and January 2024, the annual Doris K. Wells Heritage Festival brings an array of programs to the DeKalb County Public Library. The Doris K. Wells Heritage Festival is named in honor of DeKalb County Public Library’s first African-American librarian, the late Doris K. Wells. The festival originated in 1983 as the Kwanzaa Awareness Festival at the Scott Candler branch.

“We invite everyone to join us in a two-month celebration of stories, traditions and shared experiences,” said Alison Weissinger, director, DeKalb County Public Library. “Our aim is to foster a sense of community and appreciation for the rich heritage that makes DeKalb County so special.”

The more than 20 programs will feature storytelling, food, crafts, informational workshops and more. Highlights include Gullah Tales & Stories of Strength and Perseverance, a First Fruits, Family and Community Kwanzaa Celebration and the Frederick Douglas Reese Foundation Discussion and Exhibit where grandsons of civil rights activist Dr. Frederick D. Reese will educate participants about the Selma Teachers’ March and how the actions of their grandfather and the “Courageous Eight” shaped the Voting Rights Act.

Learn more from the DeKalb County Public Library website.