Fish Creek Public Library

Amazing service and food was impeccable. Family friendly. Been there twice and will continue to go.

I’ve always been happy with the service visiting this location of the Calgary Public Library, but this review is more about the on-​line Calgary Public Library site, which I’ve used for some time. Sometimes I use it to renew items, but mostly to checkout and download audio books before going on long road trips. (They continue to try and update the site to be more user friendly and there’s still some work to be done.) Today I had an issue concerning an audio book I had on hold. When I logged on it said that I had a fine of $ 2 because I didn’t pick up the hold, however I hadn’t received a notification about it. I tried their on-​line chat and was also helped with a DVD renewal — the site wouldn’t allow me to renew it (even though I hadn’t renewed it yet). The librarian on the live chat renewed it for me and I was told to call the Library Member Services about the fine. The woman I spoke to was very friendly and helpful. She confirmed the email address had been entered incorrectly, which is why I didn’t receive a notification. She waived the fine and offered to put it on hold for me again. It’s amazing more people don’t use the Library’s services to their full extent for such a low annual cost! Books, audio books, CDs and movies!

My fella’s holds were shifted because of the flood and the circulation assistant was super understanding and helpful! She made sure he wouldn’t be penalized, and that he’d be able to pick up the books from our home branch (which is finally open again!)

I’ve been a patron at the Fish Creek Library for 11 years and a volunteer for at least 5. This location, I would argue, is the best in Calgary.
Among the biggest of the 18 CPL locations, it provides ample quiet space in the 1^st and 3^rd floors. Unlike other busier branches, computers aren’t always occupied (unless of course if you go during peak times, around 4−7PM weekdays, most weekends, and when programs like Computer Buddies are in session). The librarians have been there forever, and will probably be there for a while yet, so don’t be shy and greet them like old friends.
There is plenty of selection in books/​music/​DVD, although it is a little lacking on reference/​research materials. Kids and teens will love this location, as most of the 2^nd floor is tailored especially for them. There are programs year-​round, too, that will help keep them busy.
The library’s proximity to Southcentre Mall, Trico Centre and Safeway makes it extremely convenient for families and individuals alike. If you’re too lazy to pop over to the Starbucks at Safeway or inside the mall for a cuppa, there is even a brand new latte machine on the 1^st floor.
The only thing that I rue about this branch is its hours, which runs 10 – 9 M-​Tr, 10 – 5 F-​S and 12 – 5 Su (closed Sundays mid-​May to mid-​Sept & most holidays). But those are standard CPL hours, so unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done about that.
Anyway, I love this little pyramid down South. It is, hands down, my favorite library.
And FYI, The washrooms on the 2^nd floor (by the kids’ area) smell divine.

I’ve never been much of a library geek, and the only reason I have a library card was so that I could access the internet for group study sessions.
None-​the-​less, there are many reasons I personally love this place and the first would be because it’s large. The third level I found quite usual these past few years of my university life because it’s a good place to have a group meeting and speak at a little more than a whisper without feeling guilty about it. The size also means they have an excellent selection of everything you would possibly want (fiction, non-​fiction, crafts, DVD’s, music, foreign books, etc.). There are plenty of seating areas, a number of computers, and the place has this relaxed feel to it. The location (as long as you’re in the south) is also quite nice since it’s close to Southcentre, in case you’re tempted to do a little shopping, perhaps grab some Starbucks or food, etc.
It’s also built like a pyramid, and what is cooler than a pyramid library? Nothing.

Prima facie, this has been an epicenter of my life. I can still remember the very first ride home from the airport on June 20, 1992, when we turned onto southbound Bonaventure Dr off Anderson Rd, and I saw a futuristic pyramid to the right hand side and chirped, «What is that edifice!» I was duly informed it was the library, and I have never been the same since.
I can still remember the current main entrance facing Southcentre Mall was actually the basement: there used to be a ramp leading to the second floor, much like the current fire exit onto Bonaventure Dr. It was always a great thrill to ride my bike and gather up books and magazines: I was partial to Tintin and kids’ animal mags. It is a direct correlation that as I continued to visit the library, the more my English improved. My love of music also germinated here: well do I remember endlessly renewing cassette tapes (!!) of Beck’s «Odelay» and Radiohead’s «The Bends», and my first musical heroes Van Halen.
I have rarely stopped coming here: I would estimate that I have visited this library at least once a week, nearly every week, for the past nineteen years. Sometime I stagger out with a leaning tower of books and CDs, sometimes I drop in to see the New & Notable section. Their turnaround time for new books is usually pretty fast, though higher profile books tend to get backlogged pretty quick. They are also quite good about stocking newer editions of works — if you are searching for a first edition John Le Carre book, best of luck to you! The recent expansion into carrying Blu-​Rays is also quite welcome, though their DVD collection is nothing to sneeze at; they have tons of hard-​to-​find Criterion Collection movies at your disposal.
Libraries enrich the world and the mind, and Fish Creek has certainly enriched mine!

Modeled after the great the pyramid of Tutankahmun or maybe the alien version in Stargate, the Fish Creek Library branch has been around since the 1980’s and has never failed to provide me a great place to study, a place to read and chill, as well as a key south location to pick up books/​/​CDs/​films.
I remember stepping into this wonder when I was a doe-​eyed sprout. I was blown away by the rows and columns of books that was available to me. Even now I am amused by how Fish Creek has stayed modern over these past years.
They have a wireless connection in the main floor for laptop users, as well tables and couches located in every area. Computer locations for internet access. There is also specialized computer stations where one can «create», which I assume has programs to suit these needs. Recently the Library has started carrying Blu-​Ray movies and Fish Creek has a convenient New & Notables section right beneath the staircase.
I just wish the library would have more extended weekend hours, especially this location.