The Edmonton Public Library
Find More Than Just Information at the EPL
The Edmonton Public Library's diverse and up-to-date collection, wide range of programs to attend, and dedication to members of the local community keep it relevant in the modern age rather than reducing it to a dusty relic, affirming its continuing value as a local resource.
History of the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library was conceived in 1907 and began operations in 1913. The city had two libraries up until 1938, and beginning in the 1940s a now-defunct fleet of bookmobiles started to travel the city spreading literacy far and wide. Although Edmonton's main library was always located downtown, it wasn't until 1967 that the building seen today at 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square was opened in celebration of Canada's centennial. Today there are 16 locations throughout the city, but the Stanley A. Milner Library remains the city's main branch.
The Stanley A. Milner Library
The Stanley A. Miller Library's collection, Edmonton's largest, is spread over two floors, with fiction, children's, teen, and large print dominating the ground floor and magazines, foreign language and non-fiction primarily housed upstairs. The ever-popular non-fiction arts titles are an exception to this rule, located on the main floor where they are easily accessible. Free Internet terminals are interspersed throughout the building; users are limited to one hour per day due to high demand, but to avoid lineups, computer time can be booked up to seven days in advance.
Audio and Video at the Library
Why rent movies when you can borrow? The library's collection contains more than just PBS documentaries; the latest Hollywood flicks are on library shelves almost as quickly as at the local video store. EPL is well stocked with classic and foreign films, not to mention the ubiquitous educational documentary fare. And their CD collection is phenomenal; over 50,000 titles from world music to metal music are available within the Edmonton Public Library system.
Heritage Room and Aboriginal Collections
The Stanley A. Milner Library's wonderful Heritage Room is filled with books and documents focused on the history and culture of Edmonton, Alberta and Canada as a whole. Besides holding some really interesting, old, and rare books, it's a great place to check out for genealogy research; in addition to immigration and census documentation, you can even browse Edmonton directories from the city's earliest days.
The majority of EPL branches have collections dedicated to First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures. Basic conversational Cree classes are also offered periodically to those who register in advance.
In addition to these Cree courses, the library offers a wide variety of drop-in programs and sessions for kids, teens and adults. These range from screenings of classic and modern films and documentaries to one-on-one computer lessons to teenage board game sessions.
EPL Membership
Becoming a member at the Edmonton Public Library is inexpensive; however, if one still can't afford it, simply say so and they'll waive the membership fee. Just remember to return items on time, especially DVDs and audio CDs, to avoid racking up the late fees.
With all the Edmonton Public Library has to offer, a visit to a branch can be a great destination for an afternoon and a fun way to kill time. The main Stanley A. Miller branch is easily accessed through Churchill LRT Station, the downtown pedway system and many public transit routes; hours for all branches can be found on the library's website.
The Edmonton Public Library, with Churchill Square
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