13 Reasons to Get a Library Card

Your library card can do more than you might expect.

At Edmonton Public Library, a single card connects you to movies, video games, online courses, language learning tools, recording studios, and creative technology.

Signing up, opens a new window is easy, free, and takes five minutes. Once you have a card, you can start discovering everything the library has to offer. Here are 13 ways your EPL library card can support your learning, creativity, and everyday life.

Ways Your EPL Card Can Help

1. Stream Movies and TV Shows

Your library card gives you access to streaming services like hoopla and Kanopy, where you can watch movies, documentaries, TV series, and more.

You’ll find everything from classic cinema to indie films—and even Broadway recordings like Hamilton: One Shot at Broadway.

Kanopy Kids also offers a curated selection of family-friendly shows.

Who needs another streaming subscription?

2. Learn English

EPL offers free tools and programs to support English language learners.

With your library card, you can use online resources like Transparent Language Online, opens a new window, Road to IELTS, opens a new window, Mango Languages, opens a new window, and Clear Pronunciation, opens a new window to practise reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Many branches also host programs, opens a new window where learners can practise conversational English in a welcoming environment.

3. Learn Another Language

Planning a trip? Studying for school? Or just curious about another culture?

EPL offers access to Mango Language Learning, opens a new window or AV2 World Languages, opens a new window, where you can learn dozens of languages at different skill levels.

You can also explore EPL’s World Languages Collection, opens a new window, which includes books, newspapers, and magazines in many languages spoken in Edmonton.

4. Borrow Video Games

Libraries have games too.

EPL lends popular video games, opens a new window for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and more. If a title is in high demand, you can place a hold and pick it up at your local branch.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, visit the Stanley A. Milner Makerspace, opens a new window, where you can play retro arcade games and classic consoles.

5. Take Free Online Courses

Thinking about learning something new?

With your library card, you can take thousands of online courses through LinkedIn Learning, opens a new window and Gale Courses, opens a new window. Topics include software skills, business, accounting, marketing, digital literacy, and more.

It’s a great way to upgrade your skills—especially if you’re exploring new career opportunities.

6. Read Newspapers from Around the World

Your EPL card unlocks access to thousands of newspapers and magazines.

You can read publications like the Edmonton Journal, opens a new window and The New York Times, opens a new window, plus international newspapers through platforms like PressReader, opens a new window, Flipster, opens a new window.

All free, and all available from your phone or computer.

7. Get Creative in the Makerspace

Some libraries lend tools. EPL goes a step further.

EPL Makerspaces, opens a new window across the city offer creative technology, including:

Sound booths for recording music or podcasts
Equipment to digitize VHS tapes and photos
Green screens and video tools
Robotics kits and coding tools

Some locations also offer 3D printing, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, and heat presses (material fees may apply).

8. Read Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels

From superheroes to manga to indie graphic novels, EPL has a huge collection of comics for readers of all ages.

You can borrow physical copies or explore digital titles online, opens a new window — including popular series from Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

9. Discover Recipes from Around the World

Looking for cooking inspiration?

The AtoZ World Food, opens a new window database includes recipes and culinary traditions from 174 countries.

You can also browse EPL’s extensive cookbook collection or attend cooking classes at The Kitchen, opens a new window at Stanley A. Milner Library.

10. Listen to Audiobooks and eBooks

With apps like Libby by OverDrive, opens a new window, your library card turns your phone into a portable library.

Borrow audiobooks and eBooks instantly and read or listen wherever you are—commuting, walking the dog, or relaxing at home.

11. Find Your Next Favourite Book

Not sure what to read next?

Try NoveList, opens a new window, which helps you discover new books based on authors and titles you already enjoy.

You can also browse EPL Picks, staff-curated lists filled with hidden gems, popular reads, and fresh recommendations.

12. Explore a New Hobby

Interested in birdwatching? Genealogy research? Gardening? Photography?

EPL’s collections and online resources, opens a new window can help you dive into a new interest without buying a stack of books first.

13. Discover Music and Attend Events

EPL also hosts hundreds of free events and classes, opens a new window every year — including workshops, storytimes, language programs, author talks, and creative activities.

There’s always something new to explore.

Bonus Perk (No Card Required): Use Wi-Fi Without Buying a Coffee

Looking for a place to get online?

All EPL locations offer public Wi-Fi and computer access. Whether you're finishing homework, applying for jobs, or catching up online, the library is a comfortable place to connect — no purchase required.

Get Started Today

With an EPL library card, you can explore books, digital resources, creative spaces, and learning opportunities across Edmonton.