Chinook Arch Regional Library System receives grant

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Sunny South News

Chinook Arch Regional Library System recently received a grant of $17,578 from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta’s Henry S. Varley Fund for Rural Life.

Joey Going, Communications Specialist for the Chinook Arch Regional Library System, said the grant will be used to purchase and make available 100 Envoy Connect players with preloaded audiobooks, and to expand the physical audiobook collection.

Going further stated that the grant directly benefits seniors, individuals with visual impairments, and residents in 40 rural communities in Southwest Alberta and will enable access to screen-free reading for seniors, individuals with visual impairments, and those with literacy challenges. 

“This project will bridge the digital divide and foster inclusive access to literature and information in our rural communities,” said Going. “The project will address a critical accessibility gap created by the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) discontinuing DAISY reader CDs in July 2025. Many patrons, especially seniors and those without internet access, depend on these CDs for reading. Without an alternative, they risk losing access to this essential library services.”

Chinook Arch Regional Library System Associate Director Dothlyn McFarlane is likewise excited that the grant will make reading more accessible and that the Chinook Arch Regional Library System is ‘super excited’ that the project ‘Accessible Audiobook Services for Seniors and Rural Communities’ was selected by the Community Foundation of Southwest Alberta.

“This funding gives us the opportunity to expand our vision of ‘Thriving Libraries’. Thriving Communities by making reading accessible to seniors and individuals with print disabilities in Southwestern Alberta,” said McFarlane. “This project ensures every rural resident has access to books that meet their educational, informational, and recreational needs for lifelong learning. We are grateful to the Community Foundation for their generosity to organizations like ours that work to enhance the lives of rural residents.”

Going stated that in 2024, rural-based patrons borrowed over 9,000 audio books within the system, and this investment will go back into the rural local economy to enhance future access to literature for those with barriers to traditional reading, encourage intergenerational learning and community engagement, and support mental wellness and reduce isolation through storytelling.

“This project will ensure continued access to reading materials for vulnerable populations and promote inclusion, literacy, and well-being in rural Alberta,” said Going. “We are very much looking forward to moving ahead with this project. We are grateful to the Community Foundation for the support.”