Edmonton Public Library
| Edmonton Public Library | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Country | Canada |
| Established | 1909 |
| Location | Edmonton, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 53°32′35″N 113°29′23″W / 53.5430°N 113.4897°WCoordinates: 53°32′35″N 113°29′23″W / 53.5430°N 113.4897°W |
| Branches | 17 |
| Collection | |
| Size | 2,020,998 (2009)[1] |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 12,014,589 (2009)[1] |
| Population served | 782,439 (2009)[1] |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $43,691,055 (2009)[1] |
| Director | Linda Cook[2] |
| Website | Edmonton Public Library |
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is a publicly funded library in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, available for use by any member of the public. Children are eligible for free library cards, while adults pay an annual fee (though this fee can be waived for low income individuals). University of Alberta students can receive free access using the L-Pass program.[3] In 2009, more than 14.1 million visits were made to the Edmonton Public Library.[1]
EPL has more than two million items in its collection including books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and online resources.[1] There are 17 branches, the oldest of which is the Old Strathcona Branch (opened in 1913) and the newest is the eplGO site at the University of Alberta's main campus (opened in 2008).[4]
The Stanley A. Milner Library in downtown Edmonton is the main library building, and was opened in 1967. It replaced a Carnegie-funded library built on Jasper Avenue in 1923, which sat on the site now occupied by Telus Plaza. The new library was originally named the "Centennial Library" in honour of the Canadian Centennial in 1967. The building occupies the former site of Market Square, Edmonton's main square and home of the city market from 1900 to 1965. In addition to a large collection of items, the Stanley A. Milner Library offers services to people with special needs including: braille materials, large-print materials, talking books, descriptive DVDs and home service for shut-ins. It also offers assistive technologies for customers such as: TTY for the deaf, closed circuit TVs that enlarge or enhance print, magnifiers, specialized software, LEAP computer work stations, and alternative keyboards.[5]
EPL delivers free programs and events for preschoolers, children, teens, and adults in all of its branches. Program information is provided in the "Library Guide" printed three times per year, and through the EPL website.[6]
The Edmonton Public Library maintains partnerships with the University of Alberta, Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools, the Centre for Family Literacy, the Arts District, and Edmonton Transit System. Each branch is assigned a regional list of public and catholic schools for which is provides many services. EPL also works with community groups such as the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, Multicultural Health Brokers and a variety of literacy-based organizations.
EPL is a member of "The Alberta Library" (TAL), a province-wide system that allows access to material from every member library in Alberta.[7]
[edit] Branches
Edmonton Public Library currently has 17 branches across Edmonton.[4] Two new branches will also be opening in 2013 as part of new community recreation centres in Clareview and The Meadows, which combine library branches with sports and recreation centres. The current Jasper Place Branch is also being replaced with a new building, expected to open in 2012. A demolition of the Highlands Branch has also been approved, and is currently in the design phase.[8] The current 1964 built Meisian box is obsolete in many areas, and it has been determined that the needs of the public could best be serve with a new building. A public forum was held on 16 November to discuss future plans for the site. The current branches are:
- Stanley A. Milner Library (main library)
- Abbottsfield - Penny McKee Branch
- Calder Branch
- Capilano Branch
- Castle Downs Branch
- eplGo (within the University of Alberta's Cameron Library)
- Highlands Branch
- Idylwylde Branch
- Jasper Place Branch
- Lois Hole Branch
- Londonderry Branch
- Mill Woods Branch
- Old Strathcona Branch
- Riverbend Branch
- Sprucewood Branch
- Whitemud Crossing Branch
- Woodcroft Branch
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Edmonton Public Library - 2009 Annual Report
- ^ Edmonton Public Library Directors
- ^ "Edmonton Public Library Partnership". Library.ualberta.ca. http://www.library.ualberta.ca/epl/. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
- ^ a b http://epl.ca/about-epl/branches-and-hours
- ^ "Assistive Services | Edmonton Public Library". Epl.ca. http://epl.ca/services/assistive-services. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
- ^ "Programs and Events | Edmonton Public Library". Epl.ca. http://epl.ca/programs-and-events. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
- ^ "Services". The Alberta Library. http://www.thealbertalibrary.ab.ca/about/members.html. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
- ^ "Building Projects | Edmonton Public Library". Epl.ca. http://epl.ca/about-epl/building_projects. Retrieved 2010-11-14.
