Edmonton Public Library

Earlier today, the Government of Alberta announced changes to the Libraries Act that will restrict access to resources in public libraries across the province. These changes affect 324 public library service points across Alberta, serving 99 per cent of Albertans. In response, the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) has issued a statement condemning this act of censorship. CAP Libraries is reviewing the legislation and will share further information in the coming days. Learn more at www.caplibraries.ca #EplDotCA #CAPLibraries #IntellectualFreedom

As global trade dynamics shift, tariffs are once again at the center of economic and policy discussions. But how do these trade taxes actually move through the economy, and who ultimately feels their impact? Join Dr. Beyza Ural Marchand from the University of Alberta on Tuesday, Apr. 21, for this online presentation that explores how tariffs function within global supply chains and how they influence the prices we pay, the wages we earn, and the industries that drive economic growth. Drawing on her research, Dr. Beyza Ural Marchand will also discuss how the costs and benefits of tariffs are distributed across households and industries: https://bit.ly/4lTvMgI #EPLDotCA #UofA #Tariffs

There’s something special about seeing ideas come to life when people come together. Last week, our teams explored what the next few years could look like at EPL, and we can’t wait to share more about what’s ahead. #EPLDotCA #BusinessPlan #StrategicGoals

Our Board of Trustees is leading the search for EPL’s next CEO in partnership with Boyden. Learn more about this fabulous opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/gfyVZN4r

Today is UNESCO's International Day for Digital Learning — a reminder that access to digital tools isn't just about convenience. For many people, it's about what gets preserved and what gets lost. Pat A. came to EPL’s Abbottsfield (Penny McKee) Branch with boxes of VHS tapes holding four decades of family history. The tapes were unplayable, and professional digitization would have cost thousands. At EPL’s Makerspace, Pat was able to digitize them herself — with help from staff along the way. “At first I just came to digitize tapes,” Pat says. “But the staff made it a pleasure.” Read Pat’s full story: https://bit.ly/40YhfqB #DigitalLearningDay #DigitalEquity #PublicLibraries #EdmontonPublicLibrary #Makerspace #CommunityImpact

🎓 Preparing for university or professional opportunities? Road to IELTS – Academic Edition supports students and professionals in achieving success on the IELTS Academic test. This test is required for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as some professional organizations. Sharpen your skills with practice tests, interactive exercises, and expert guidance. (Note: Latest version does not support Internet Explorer.) 👉 Access Road to IELTS with your EPL card today. https://bit.ly/40DrikI #EPLDotCA #IELTS #AcademicEnglish #ProfessionalDevelopment

Today, the Edmonton Public Library marks 113 years of service. On March 13, 1913, the Strathcona Library opened its doors. What began as two modest branches has grown into 21 locations serving neighbourhoods across Edmonton. In 2025 alone: ▶ 5 million in-person visits ▶ 12.3 million items borrowed ▶ Nearly 230,000 people attended classes and events For 113 years, EPL has been a place to read, learn, connect, and discover. Thank you, Edmonton, for being part of this story. Read more: epl.ca/EPLDay #EPLDotCA #YEG

We are very excited to share that Edmonton Public Library CEO Pilar Martinez has received the 2026 Trailblazer Award from YWCA Edmonton in recognition of her visionary leadership.    Over more than three decades, Pilar has championed barrier-free access, community-led services, and bold innovation, helping transform EPL into one of North America’s most forward-thinking library systems.  

As we continue to celebrate Freedom to Read Week, we’re reflecting on what it really means to protect intellectual freedom. At our Forward Thinking Speaker Series event earlier this week, Randy Boyagoda described civil discourse as a commitment to “thinking out loud together” — especially when it’s difficult. He spoke about the challenges we face today in practicing civil discourse. We live in a low-trust environment where meaningful dialogue is rare, and fear often takes the place of curiosity. When that happens, we lose opportunities to listen, understand, and learn from one another. At a time when these values are being tested, including close to home, Boyagoda’s perspective underscores the vital role libraries play in supporting inquiry, dialogue, and connection, not by eliminating friction, but by creating spaces where constructive friction can happen. As he summed it up: “You can’t learn civil discourse from a book. You learn it by practicing it.” #FreedomToReadWeek #SpeakerSeries #EPLDotCA

Last night, we were honoured to welcome Mayor Andrew Knack, who delivered a proclamation recognizing Freedom to Read Week. Freedom to Read Week is an important time for libraries across the nation. It encourages Canadians to reflect on their commitment to intellectual freedom and reminds us that access to knowledge and ideas, even challenging ones, is essential to a healthy, democratic community. Libraries play a vital role in protecting that freedom and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to read, learn, and explore. We’re thankful for the City of Edmonton’s support in this important work. #EPLDotCA #FreedomToReadWeek #IntellectualFreedom