Introducing Annie Chua-Frith
Meet Annie Chua-Frith, who is running to join our City Council in Ward Sspomitapi. We have asked all candidates to share their thoughts on the Edmonton Public Library through a short questionnaire. Here's what Annie had to say.
Q&A with Annie Chua-Frith
What is your favourite library memory or experience?
When I first migrated to Canada, the library became my sanctuary. Every day after work, I would head to the local branch—not just to learn more about Edmonton, but to stay connected with my family back home in the Philippines through the internet. It was more than just a building with books—it was a bridge between my new life and the one I left behind.
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“The Book of Joy” by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one that deeply resonated with me. It’s a conversation between two spiritual giants who’ve faced immense hardship, yet radiate compassion, resilience, and joy. Their insights remind us that joy isn’t the absence of suffering—it’s how we rise through it, together.
In a time when our communities are striving for change, this book offers a gentle but powerful reminder: empathy and connection are the roots of lasting transformation.
What vital role does EPL play in a thriving and vibrant Edmonton?
EPL is more than a place to borrow books—it’s a cornerstone of equity, learning, and connection. When I first arrived in Canada, the library was my lifeline. It gave me access to information, technology, and a quiet space to grow roots in a new city. Today, it continues to be a hub where newcomers, families, students, and lifelong learners come together.
From early literacy programs to digital access, from cultural events to safe spaces for dialogue—EPL empowers Edmontonians to thrive. It reflects the city’s diversity, nurtures its potential, and helps build a future where everyone belongs.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
I’d be Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She’s smart, fiercely loyal, and never afraid to speak up for what’s right—even when it’s unpopular. When I first moved to Canada, I found strength in characters like her: women who use knowledge, compassion, and courage to make a difference. Just like Hermione, I believe that change starts with learning, listening, and standing up for others.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned at your local library?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned at my local library is that knowledge builds belonging. When I first arrived in Edmonton, the library was my gateway to understanding a new city, a new culture, and a new way of life. It taught me that learning isn’t just about books—it’s about connection, empowerment, and community. Whether I was researching local history or emailing my family back in the Philippines, the library reminded me that I wasn’t alone. It gave me the tools to grow, and the space to feel at home.
If you could host a program at the library, what would it be about?
I’d host a program called “Voices of Change: Civic Conversations for a Stronger Edmonton.” It would be a space where newcomers, youth, and longtime residents could come together to learn about local governance, share their hopes for the city, and build confidence in participating in civic life. We’d explore everything from how elections work to how everyday people can influence policy and create change—through storytelling, workshops, and dialogue.
Libraries are places of learning, but they’re also places of empowerment. I’d love to help spark that sense of agency in others, just as the library once did for me.
Learn More About the 2025 Municipal Election
Curious how to show your love for EPL during this election? Stop by your local branch or visit our election page, opens a new window for ways to advocate for the Library, as EPL is the heart of our city.
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