Taylor Family Digital Library – Do What the Locals Do – Episode 21

Calgary Activities at Taylor Family Digital Library - U of C

Have you heard of the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) and what it has to offer activity-wise? If not, we have much to share with you about this state-of-the-art facility located at the University of Calgary’s main campus.

You might be wondering what there is to do at TFDL that makes it feature in our Calgary Activities – Do What the Locals Do series.

As one of the newest libraries in the city, TFDL decked out to the max with state-of-the-art technology, software and library utilities plus a vast array of literature will keep you intrigued from dusk till dawn – and maybe even longer – because of its 24-hour open policy during certain months.

More specifically, here are three activities that you and your family can enjoy at the Taylor Family Digital Library anytime!

Location

[mappress mapid="177"]

#1 - Reading

Any Calgary library has a massive selection of books, newspapers, magazines and other literature collections available to read.

I would suggest that the TFDL has a much bigger and diverse selection of books for you to choose from than most, if not all of Calgary’s Public Libraries!

Across its six floors, about 24,000 square metres of space equivalent to the size of three CFL football fields, you’ll find more than 600,000 of the newest and popular books and journals.

From traditional Chinese texts and ancient Roman history to epic fantasy novels and technical writing guides, there is a category of literature that will tickle the fancy of any reader that goes.

#2 – Connecting

An exciting feature of TFDL is the state-of-the-art technology available for everyone to use. That includes over 200 Macintosh / Windows computers fully-equipped with the latest and greatest software programs to help with any task you might have such as:

• Advanced editing of an article to include unique formatting and photos

• Scanning and / or photocopying material to be used whenever you need

• Transfer of data from the internet onto your personal USB flash drive to take home for later

• Surfing the world-wide-web in search of a niche topic that you absolutely love

• Playing the latest and greatest video games on the designated gamer computers (3^rd floor)

Also featured at the TFDL is a vast store of collections of images, films, audio recordings, maps and other media that is accessible to all visitors. They include:

• Over 1.4 million maps and air photos

• Nearly 3.4 million images in the digital collection

• 16,990 film / video materials

• 43,026 audio materials

• 847,461 architectural drawings

• 3,677,896 microfilm units

What can you discover using these resources?

• The growth of Calgary over the past four decades using the air photo collection

• Hear the original story of the sinking of the famous ship the Titanic in the microfilm collection

• See the evolution of architecture throughout Canada’s history using the architectural collection

As you can see, the research opportunities can connect you to a whole new world of information and discovery. What will you choose to discover at the TFDL?

#3 – Enjoying

Part of the fun at the TFDL is the opportunity to use the facilities it has in whichever way you like.

Whether that be finding a spot in the silent Arts & Culture Reading Room on the 5^th floor, or perhaps a busier seat in front of the Good Earth Café on the main level - it’s all up to you.

That includes hopping on over to the university campus and grabbing a bite to eat at the food court located in MacEwan Hall, or perhaps a full fitness workout and steam shower afterwards at the fitness facility near the Olympic Oval. Also see Calgary Activities - Olympic Oval today!

The TFDL is also home to one of Calgary’s most exciting museums – the Nickel Galleries – although that will be the topic of another episode of do what the locals do that is yet to come!

I Love the Taylor Family Digital Library

The TFDL and University of Calgary is full of awesome activities and events not only for students, but for the public to engage in as well.

Even if you aren’t interested in participating in on-campus events, we highly recommend you check out the TFDL the next time you’re in the mood for some reading in a sophisticated and relaxed environment!

More Local Activities

See more of the Best Calgary Activities and Events today! Until next time, be sure to check us out at Calgaryism on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest and greatest local activities and events... we are looking forward to seeing you there!