October is Canadian Library Month, and there’s no better time to discover everything that EPL has to offer! From finding your next great read to learning something new, and exploring different perspectives, libraries are places where everyone can feel welcome. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular, learn more about all the amazing things happening at EPL in October and how you can be involved:
Canadian Library Month BINGO
Stop by any EPL branch to pick up a Freedom to Read Week BINGO card (or download one HERE) to get started.
Between Thursday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 31, complete five activities in a row, column, or diagonally to complete your BINGO card. Once completed, bring it back to any EPL branch and you'll be entered to win one of five signed books from the following authors:
- Louise Penny & Mellissa Fung
- Rainn Wilson
- Christine Sinclair
- Marie Wilson
- Hayley Wickenheiser
You can also take a picture of your completed card and share it with us on Instagram or Facebook. Be sure to tag us so we can see and celebrate your entry! (@EPLdotCA)
Deadline to submit your entry is Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Winners will be contacted by Monday, Nov. 9, 2026.
Intellectual Freedom isn’t Just a Value, it’s Your Right
One of the most important roles libraries play is protecting intellectual freedom. Intellectual freedom is your right to read, watch, listen and explore ideas without barriers. Every book, every film, every voice—yours to discover. We champion the right for all thoughts to be heard and promote intellectual freedom by encouraging you to take responsibility for your own ideas and values, while respecting the rights of others to hold different opinions and make their own choices.
This Canadian Library Month, take a moment to celebrate your freedom to read and discover. Pick up a book that challenges your thinking, explore a topic you’ve always been curious about or learn more about the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to access information.
Stay informed and empowered. Get updates, recommended reading lists, and details on upcoming EPL programs about supporting your right to read, learn, and explore by signing up for our intellectual freedom newsletter, Ideas in Flight.
There's Something for Everyone, All Month Long
Don't miss any of these free programs in October:
Family Films at the Library
Various dates and locations
Join us for a fun family movie! EPL has a great selection of children’s films that the entire family will love and the best part is that they're all free! Don't miss the spooky fun in October where we'll be screening family friendly hits like Goosebumps, The Witches, Hotel Transylvania, The Addams Family, and so many more.
Musician in Residence Open House
Monday, Oct. 5 at the Stanley A. Milner Library
Meet Robin Cisek, EPL's newest Musician in Residence! Network with other artists and industry members, and share what music programming you would like to see at EPL.
How To Festival
Oct. 19, 20 & 24 at various locations and online
EPL's annual How To Festival is a chance to learn something new from someone who already knows how to do it. A variety of experts from professionals to enthusiasts will share their skills with you.
Odyssey Days Events
Various dates and locations
Are you a fan of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey or do you prefer Homer's The Odyssey? Regardless of which one is your favourite, you're invited to join us a several events in October that celebrate the story that mesmerized audiences in the theatre this summer.
For a deep-dive into the differences between the book and film, don't miss Odyssey Days: From Homer to Hollywood at the Stanley A. Milner Library on Thursday, Oct. 29th. Join University of Alberta Classics Professor Kelly MacFarlane for a discussion of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey as an adaptation of Homer's Odyssey. What did Nolan keep, omit, adapt, and why? How was The Odyssey an Odyssey for our times?
Learn more about the history of Canadian Library Month and some of the other special days and weeks of the month including Canadian Library Workers Day on Friday, Oct. 16.
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