epl.ca
Posted by Tamisan Bencz-Knight
on Jan 29, 2014
We sometimes forget the little “diamonds in the rough” and thanks to Pilar Martinez & Tina Thomas we now know a little more about the amazing work of the Edmonton Public Library. 
The mission of the Edmonton Public Library [EPL] is “we share!” I always knew you could borrow books and movies and even old cassettes, but the EPL does a lot more. Every day thousands of Edmontonians borrow books, read the newspaper, take a course, ask a question, use the Internet or just hang out at the EPL. In 2012, EPL was the second most visited place in Edmonton with 13 million visits. Only the Ottawa and Toronto public libraries see more.
EPL provides more than just books. Granted there is a HUGE collection of physical books available, there are newspapers and magazines too. Additionally, a “book club” option to borrow an entire kit; DVD and audio collection; a LARGE PRINT section; 5 million digital resources including the most popular magazines ready for download to take it with you [no need to return these ones]; and a partridge in a pear tree.
Great libraries shape great cities; they are instrumental to the economic, social and cultural foundation of a vibrant society. Some of the wonderful successes include:
- Efforts to reach underserved communities improved with the hiring of an intern Librarian to work with Community Librarians and the communities themselves to identify underserved groups and potential barriers. As a result, more than 100 membership cards were issued to Edmontonians without address identification.
- Four hundred and sixty-five [465] computers available for public use across Edmonton. This is free, easy, convenient and unrestricted access to computing resources.
- In 2012, 142,000 Edmontonians attended library programs delivered at schools, community centers and other areas outside the library.
- Library staff answered over 2 million questions and presented over 12,000 FREE programs, attended by over 280,000 people in 2012.
- As part of the “Building a Safer Community Through Inclusive Learning” project, three outreach workers were hired to support and empower at-risk Edmontonians through literacy, education and social support. In 2012, outreach staff connected with over 600 new clients and had over 6,000 encounters with community members. During that time they made nearly 300 housing referrals, nearly 100 employment referrals, 90 income support referrals, 70 referrals to medical care, and nearly 40 addictions referrals.
WOW – what an amazing resource to all of us. For more information or to donate, please visit www.epl.ca.