Marigold is...
...a network of 35 public libraries in 41 municipalities in south-central Alberta, serving a population of 238, residents. Headquarters is located in Strathmore, Alberta, Canada.

Marigold also maintains 14 paperback deposits located in small communities. Residents do not require a library card to borrow from a deposit collection, which includes best sellers. Gently used books may be donated by community members.  The deposits work on an honour system. This map shows the location of Member Libraries and Paperback Deposits within Marigold's region.

Creating shared value
Marigold recognizes that participating municipalities and member libraries have varying service requirements, and Marigold delivers services accordingly. The guiding principle behind Marigold is to pool resources in order to ensure a positive return on investment, regardless of the size of the municipality.

Marigold Fast Facts, 2010:

• 9613 circulations of downloadable titles (electronic books and audobooks)
• 464 teens  in the Marigold area participated in our new Teen Summer Library Experience program
• 84, 876 items were shipped through Marigold's Shipping/Receiving Department
• 135 videoconference sessions hosted by Marigold Headquarters
  • 687 hours of staff travel time saved
  • 70,000 kilometres of driving saved
  • Marigold is a partner in the RISE NETWORK along with Chinook Arch and Shortgrass regional library systems.
• Over 110,000 km travelled by Marigold drivers to deliver materials to member libraries
• 120 IT visits (in person) to member libraries
• 95 consultation visits (in person) to member libraries
• 5234 books borrowed by Paperbacks-by-Mail patrons
• 63,551 items processed by headquarters staff
• 101,492 items ordered by staff
• over 3 million books, DVDs and resosurces available through TRACpac online catalogue.
  • Marigold is a partner in TRAC along with Yellowhead, Northern Lights and Peace regional library systems.
• Marigold also hosted an annual workshop for local librarians.
   

Definitions:
Paperbacks-by-Mail:  a mail service for books provided by Marigold Headquarters to residents who live far from a member library or who are housebound.

For more information about Marigold Library System, please call 1-800-332-1077 or 403-934-5334 or visit the contact us page.