Marigold Library System

Airdrie Public Library is a member of the Marigold Regional Library System!

Alberta's libraries are all about sharing. Most are part of a province wide network of seven regional systems and two large urban systems. Regional systems are associations of municipalities committed to providing networked and enhanced services to their residents.

Airdrie Public Library is part of the Marigold Library regional system. Established in March 1981 under the Libraries Act of Alberta, Marigold Library System, is a cooperative network of equal and autonomous libraries offering public library service to 41 participating municipalities, in south-central Alberta. Marigold provides a means for independent libraries to work together to maximize value and minimize costs.

Online Catalogue Accessible from Home

Being part of the Marigold Library System helps Airdrie Public Library to increase and improve its collection and to provide an online accessible library catalogue. Most library cardholders in Alberta have access to online services from home or work. They are able to place holds and renew items anywhere, anytime through their TRAC / TAL cards. This card provides access to a multitude of services. APL resident cardholders have access to books in participating TAL libraries, including public, college, university, and special libraries throughout Alberta. The card also gives Airdrie residents remote access to Marigold's e-resources and to TRACpac.

What is TRACpac? This map notes the four regional library systems that belong to TRAC. The four systems (Northern Lights, Peace, Yellowhead, Marigold) share the TRACpac catalogue of nearly 3 million items. Whereas TAL libraries offer restricted services, there are no restrictions within the TRAC system. APL resident cardholders are able to order items or even walk into any TRAC library in the Province and use it as their own.

21st Century Library Service

The most exciting aspect of being an Airdrie Public Library cardholder is the ability to access this huge library catalogue from home or work using the Internet. Cardholders are able to place holds on items or renew borrowed items 24/7. Imagine being able to view all the items you have out and any that need to be renewed, from home! You can borrow items not just from your Library, but from libraries across Alberta. The items are delivered right to the Library's door and you get a phone call or e-mail letting you know, as soon as your requests are available for pick-up. It's that easy!