Historically the Banff Film Festival showings usually commence the first full week in January (weekday evenings and Saturday afternoon). Typically, a volunteer’s work time starts at about 6:15 PM on weeknights or at 1:15 PM on Saturday.

Due to the very high rental fees for the films this is one of the few events at the Library for which there is an admission fee. Utilizing volunteers to take tickets, hand out programs, sometimes sell 50/50 tickets or make and sell popcorn helps the Library keep ticket prices as low as possible. Funds derived from these initiatives are donated back to the Library.

Because of raffle requirements by Alberta Gaming and Liquor commission, generally volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. If interested, please register as a potential volunteer.

Booktique volunteers meet weekly to receive, assess, organize, price, and shelve books and audio-visual items in the Booktique areas.  New volunteers are always welcome.  Forms are available on the side of the Booktique shelving at the Main Branch of the LPL.  Individuals are encouraged to complete the form and leave it with a Library staff member to pass on to the friends.  Please note that the form provides an opportunity to specify several areas in which a volunteer may be interested in participating.

When stock approaches the limits of the small storage space allocated to the Friends, a book sale is arranged.  The Booktique volunteers then undertake the process of organizing and boxing books to arrange them by category.  While the format of the book sales has changed over the years, these sales offer great opportunity to purchase bags of books at bargain prices.  Typically, the sale comprises a one-day bag sale where patrons are encouraged to bring their own bags to fill.

Occasionally, the LPL has kindly offered the Friends the opportunity to sell used computer equipment.  CPUs, monitors, and occasionally, other computer items, are available for sale.  While unique computer sales have been held, this equipment has also been made available during an annual book sale. The availability of computer equipment is dependent upon equipment upgrades required by the LPL and what is made available to the Friends.

The Friends take advantage of Alberta’s mandate for charitable organizations to share in the proceeds raised through provincial casinos. Once every three years, the Friends’ volunteers participate in a two day commitment at Casino Lethbridge.

The Word on the Street (WOTS) event is held in September each year.  This unique event, focusing on literacy, affords the LPL an opportunity to connect with the community of Lethbridge and surrounding areas.  WOTS features many activities for children and adults  to enjoy.  In particular, children may enjoy listening to various story tellers or having their faces painted.  Adults may especially appreciate the visiting Canadian authors, who read from their latest books or present workshops for aspiring authors.  Each year provides a distinct variety of live music, informative panel discussions, demonstrations, and workshops.  WOTS also provides an opportunity to explore the cultural diversity demonstrated in various displays and food vendors.  Joining the marketplace of vendors, the Friends, through the Booktique, offer books, audio-books, CDs, and DVDs, for sale at bargain prices.

Importantly, since 2017, the Friends have been a major financial supporter of WOTS.