November 25, 2011
Volunteer Calgary announces changes to library service
Volunteer Calgary today announced the end of its direct library service and the beginning of the development of non-profit management resources at the Calgary Public Library (CPL).
“Resources to support self-directed learning and development in non-profit management are important for our sector,” said Jamie Niessen, President and CEO, Volunteer Calgary. “Non-profit management resources will be available at the Calgary Public Library. This addresses key barriers identified in accessing our services, more service locations, more hours of service and more convenient hours of service.”
The move will enable Volunteer Calgary to focus on delivering the unique services that it is able to provide to the voluntary sector while allowing CPL staff to lend their expertise in sharing and further developing the collection. CPL will offer 18 service locations in the New Year and nearly twice as many hours of service each week. In addition, CPL will provide access to digital resources that Volunteer Calgary was unable to provide to members.
Volunteer Calgary will maintain a commitment to the acquisition of materials focused on non-profit management with a $25,000 donation to CPL over the next five years. This donation is equivalent to the existing materials acquisition budget and will be funded with the organization’s earned revenues.
“After discussions with our major funders, we were able to re-direct some $100,000 of funding to programs only Volunteer Calgary provides to the voluntary sector,” added Niessen. “We are grateful to all our staff and volunteers who served our member needs for so many years in the Library. We look forward to the availability of resources at CPL and the opportunity to reach and empower an even larger audience and engage Calgarians in ways to make our community stronger.”
This announcement is effective immediately. The current Volunteer Calgary Library has officially ceased its lending policy. Anyone wishing to return materials previously checked out can do so during regular office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Volunteer Calgary offices located at 1170, 1202 Centre Street SE. All materials must be returned to Volunteer Calgary by December 6, 2011.
Volunteer Calgary’s mission is leading, promoting, connecting, and strengthening volunteerism. It has played a key role in the development of volunteerism in Calgary for 55 years. Through its services and programs, it enhances the ability of almost 400 member non-profit organizations to manage volunteers and links thousands of Calgarians with unique volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Calgary’s vision statement is “People with passion and purpose leading the way to vibrant communities.”
All inquiries :
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Karen Franco, Director, Communications
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Janet Burstall, Manager, Learning and Development
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