Calgarians encouraged to donate to library campaign

A new tool highlights how much money Calgary library users save by borrowing versus buying. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

A new tool highlights how much money Calgary library users save by borrowing versus buying.

Based on the Calgary Public Library Foundation book borrowing calculator, members could be saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The foundation hopes members will share some of their savings by donating to the Fifth Book Campaign.

“(It’s) about keeping pace with that demand and ensuring that rising costs don’t mean fewer stories on our shelves,” said Tracy Johnson, Calgary Public Library Foundation CEO.

To date, $650,000 has been raised for the campaign, adding more than 21,500 new books.

“It’s critical that we can get the right book into the right hands at the right time,” said Heather Robertson, Calgary Public Library executive director of service design and innovation.

The foundation has set a goal of raising $1 million annually for the campaign.

Last year, the CPL recorded its highest circulation ever, with more than 17.5 million checkouts.