Our Library, Our Stories: 2024 Endowment Fund Campaign
Our Library, Our Stories
2024 Canmore Public Library Endowment Fund Campaign
With the theme “Our Library, Our Stories”, this year’s Endowment Fund campaign runs from November 1 to December 10!
Our 2024 Library Champions all have a close relationship with the Canmore Public Library; a former president of the Library Board; a current Library Board member; a former CPL librarian who is now the librarian at Canmore Community High School; and the long-time treasurer of the Friends of the Canmore Library. They have all shared personal stories about how the Canmore Library has influenced and enriched their lives.
Please join our Library Champions in their support of the Canmore Public Library by making a donation! You can make an online donation through the Banff Canmore Foundation.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL BE MATCHED UP TO $27,000.
Once again, generous local Library supporters have stepped forward to offer $27,000 in matching funds, making your donation go even further. Our thanks to Margie and Elliot Bingham, Carla Cumming Sojonky, the Carling-Bain Family and the Friends of the Canmore Public Library.
Learn more about all the ways you can make a contribution below.
Meet Library Champion Anne Baker
Meet Library Champion Anne Baker. Anne is a retired CFO and long-time Bow Valley resident. A lifelong user of libraries, Anne appreciates that libraries have something for everyone in every stage of life. From a young mum attending Tales for Two’s to a senior with plenty of time to read, the library has played a key role in her life in Canmore.
"Our library was the first place I was allowed to walk to on my own as a little girl. My grandma was a librarian at our local public library, so I realize I wasn’t as independent as I felt since I was going from parent to grandparent, but what a payoff when I arrived!
My grandma had all the time in the world to talk about books, show me books, help me choose books, and read books with me. I have many happy memories of our library and my time there."
Anne shared with us that her favourite thing about the Canmore Library is... the librarians! She said "I have recently switched to an electronic reader, and as usual, depended on the expertise of a librarian to get it working optimally. So, my favourite thing is the same as when I was a little girl – the librarians. They are the gateway to all the library has to offer."
Meet Library Champion Willie Fung
Meet Library Champion Willie Fung. Willie currently sits on the Canmore Library Board. He told us "It gives me a sense of pride when I tell people that I am a sitting Board member of the Canmore Public Library because I see the positive contributions of the Library, not just to the town residents but to visitors who frequent our community year round.
Even though I am saddened by my decision to step down from the Board at the end of this term, I also see my replacement bringing new ideas to the Library and it’s future. With the current Board membership and Library staff, I have no doubt that their leadership and guidance will continue to serve the Town and it’s residents to their fullest potential."
When asked about the importance of telling and sharing stories, Willie let us know that he thinks it is critical that we record as much as we can to preserve our history and legacy, and thinks there's no better place than a library as the keeper of such records and data. He added that "Humans have at their very base, a need for interaction with other humans and libraries definitely provide a safe venue for that very purpose."
Meet Library Champion Deserae Komar
Meet Library Champion Deserae Komar. Coming all the way from NW Ontario, Deserae and her family have been living the sweet life in Canmore for 16 years. Originally chasing her museum dream in the mountains, Deserae had a plot twist moment when she heard the books whispering her name and made the leap to the library world.
"Libraries have always been a huge part of my life, not just as a place, but as a magical realm of endless fun - my best childhood memories are all library-themed!"
When asked about how the Canmore Library affects their day-to-day life, Deserae told us that as a school librarian, the Canmore Library is her "secret weapon". Not only does she utilizing our e-Resources for research and tutoring, she uses the CPL to borrow physical materials, scout out potential purchases, and discover Storytime gems and inspiration.
"The library wasn't just a spot for stories and daydreams; it is a hub for fresh faces to mingle and connect with kindred spirits. Thanks to the Books for Babies program, I crossed paths with loads of fellow new moms, some of whom are still close to my heart even after 15 years."
Meet Library Champion Sally Scherer
Meet Library Champion Sally Scherer. Sally now calls Canmore home, but is originally from south-western Ontario. She is married to Curtis, and they are co-owners of Enlightened Organizing. She's a history grad, former librarian, retired Home Stager & organizer, avid reader, and devoted aunt. Sally is the long time Treasurer of the Friends of Canmore Library Society.
"We moved to Canmore in 2003 and the Canmore Library – located where ArtsPlace is now – was among my very first stops. It happens there was a book sale underway, run by Friends of the Library. I got chatting with a volunteer member of the Friends’ board. Before I knew it, I was on the Friends’ board too – and I still am!"
"One thing that surprises me about the Canmore Library is the number and wide variety of public programs offered. I love that our Library has such reach – and such impact – in the community."
SECURING YOUR TRIBUTE THROUGH THE BANFF CANMORE FOUNDATION
The Banff Canmore Foundation (BCF) allows the Library Board to harness BCF’s administrative and financial investment management power. It also helps both organizations strengthen relationships with a wider network of community-minded people. Working together, it can only get stronger.
To contribute online: Banff Canmore Foundation – Canmore Library Endowment. Your contribution will be Matched up to $27,000!
If you prefer, contributions can be made via cheques made payable to “Banff Canmore Foundation” with “Canmore Public Library Fund” written in the Re:/Memo line. They can be dropped off at the Library front desk or mailed to the Banff Canmore Foundation, 214 Banff Avenue, Box 3100, Banff AB T1L 1C7. (Please do NOT make cheques payable to the Library directly.) All donations over $10 receive a charitable tax receipt.
If you would like to include the library’s endowment fund in your will, please contact Laurie Edward, BCF’s Executive Director, at ledward@banffcanmorefoundation.org to discuss how you can create a permanent legacy via your estate.
To learn more about our Endowment Fund and how it works, visit this page on our website.
Endowments are forever, and it is our goal to build a fund to sustain our local library for generations to come! Donations to endowment funds can be made during your lifetime or in your will; they are a terrific way to leave a lasting legacy---one that will live on for decades beyond one’s own life span.
We appreciate your support!