Calgary's library system is 6th-busiest in North America

Calgary has one of the busiest library systems in North America, ranking up there with cities that dwarf it in size.

The Calgary Public Library (CPL)has set a new record for use, withmore than five million visits in 2011.

The CPL ranks as the sixth-busiest in North America, behind only three New York City libraries, Toronto and Los Angeles.

"When you look at our system, it's a young, responsive collection that really reflects current interest current thought.We really do add materials every couple of seconds," said Gerry Meeke, CEO of library services.

Meeke said it's a system that bucks convention.

"Our level of municipal funding is approximately half of what is in Toronto or Vancouverjust by way of example.And we're below the average by a fair bit," said Meeke.