A Micro Library with a Big Impact
Calgary Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
The Walden Micro Library at Calgary Public Library is a converted mini-greenhouse filled with books that patrons are invited to borrow and return at their convenience – no check-out required. At first glance, the 8’ x 8’ Micro Library looks like a small greenhouse; however, when you open the door, patrons are welcomed into a cozy space with metal bookshelves against glass walls. There’s no need for a Library card – everyone is welcome to pick from hundreds of books as they please.
Embracing low-tech charm, this welcoming, temporary pop-up space in one of Calgary’s newest communities invites discovery and feedback from Walden community members on Library services while also creating relationships. It has been a popular spot for patrons to browse, borrow, and return books with circulation rivaling our mobile truck programs. The Micro Library is building essential library habits while they wait for their permanent Library location to be built in their neighbourhood in the coming years.
Challenge/Opportunity
As Calgary’s population grows, so does the demand for services. In 2023, Calgary Public Library welcomed nearly 150,000 new members. There were more than 6.7 million visits to Library locations, more than 17 million items checked out, and 14,581 programs delivered.
With this record-breaking use, the Library is preparing to open four new locations in new communities in the city. However, the development of these locations is still multiple years out. The Library recognized a need to identify new approaches to building connections and providing Library services before the permanent locations open. The Walden Micro Library was one of a handful of pilots explored to meet this need.
The project has offered valuable insight into what services or structure would work best for patrons in this area before its new community location opens adjacent to the Micro Library. It also allowed Walden residents to discover a more walkable and bikeable Calgary Public Library experience.
Key Elements of Innovation
The Library plays a role in creating equitable access to learning and enrichment in the city. The Walden Micro Library created an accessible space in a neighbourhood currently underserved by the Library.
The self-directed nature meant patrons had more ownership over the space. Kids can easily ride their bikes to the Micro Library and it became a stopping point on family strolls, enhancing a feeling of connection to the Library and community.
A checkout-less model used good condition book discards, increasing community access and engagement and giving a second life to materials we could no longer accommodate in Library facilities. The space is enhanced with outdoor pop-up storytimes, and use of the Mobile Early Learning Centre – a mobile trailer full of physical literacy tools, including toys.
Engagement with our members and partners, including collecting feedback on comment cards, drives our decision making to deliver impactful services that are meaningful for the community.
Achieved Outcomes
For being a “micro” sized project, the Walden Micro Library made a big impact. It has become a destination in the community; a gathering space for neighbours. There was a noticeable shift from something that could be used, to something that belongs to everyone. Residents added an outdoor table to the two chairs provided by the Library, showing the community ownership and investment in the Micro Library.
“My family loves this! My kids ask to come all the time.” “This is one of the best things to happen this summer.” The feedback box received 213 responses, of which 90% were positive. Patrons expressed gratitude for a closer location, with their nearest existing community Library location located across a six-lane freeway.
An estimated 200 books are circulated weekly, surpassing the annual circulation from the mobile book truck program.
What initially began as a three-month pilot project was extended for another year to allow for further experimentation with outreach programming.
