Introducing Capital City Scents*—EPL’s First Official Fragrance Collection

Two hand-poured soy candles. One collection. Proceeds support your Edmonton Public Library.

You've been asking for this. Some of you literally have. 

Over the years, customers have told us the books in the library smell good. Comforting. Nostalgic. Like childhood, or a rainy afternoon, or somewhere you want to stay a little longer. A small but notable number have asked if they can take the smell home. 

As of today, they can — in candle form. 

"People are clearly responding to something atmospheric when they walk into the library," said Paige Turner, Reading Experience Coordinator. "We felt it was worth exploring whether that could be translated into a home format without losing its institutional character." 

There is actually a science to it. The smell most people associate with old books comes largely from vanillin — a compound released as the lignin in paper breaks down over time. It is the same chemical that gives vanilla its scent, which may explain why old books smell comforting rather than musty. Newer books offer something different: a sharper, ink-forward profile that comes from the paper, binding and printing process. Both are distinct. Both are, apparently, very appealing. EPL staff have heard about it for years. 

What is Capital City Scents? 

Capital City Scents is EPL's first official fragrance collection — two hand-poured soy candles developed in collaboration with a local Edmonton artisanal candle maker known for sustainable, non-toxic, all-natural scents. The process involved careful testing to capture the character of library materials without producing anything too literal, too perfumed or too gift-shop-adjacent. 

Each candle offers a 40-hour burn time and is priced at $24.99. All proceeds support EPL programs and services across Edmonton. 

The Scents 

• Old Paperback is warm, slightly sweet and quietly familiar — developed for readers who appreciate the unmistakable scent of a well-loved book that has circulated widely and aged with dignity. 

• Fresh Hardcover offers a cleaner, sharper profile, with notes intended to evoke crisp pages, fresh ink and the quiet optimism of opening a new book you fully intend to return on time. 

Initial feedback from EPL's market test group has been encouraging. "I will purchase Old Paperback for home and Fresh Hardcover for my workspace," said one participant. "One is for comfort. One is for aspiration." 

And One More Thing 

EPL is also offering a limited-edition scented bookmark. 

It is made of paper. It smells like paper. 

Pick up Capital City Scents at all 21 EPL branches. The bookmark is available while supplies last for $2.99.

*12:00 p.m. update: This is an April Fools' Day announcement. Capital City Scents is not a real product. Happy April 1.