Introducing Rajah Maggay
Meet Rajah Maggay, who is running to join our City Council in Ward Nakota Isga. We have asked all candidates to share their thoughts on the Edmonton Public Library through a short questionnaire. Here's what Rajah had to say.
Q&A with Rajah Maggay
What is your favourite library memory or experience?
Growing up, I spent a lot of my time in the library, our home branch was Stanley A. Milner and my mom would take me every weekend. I would sit in the same section and grab new books to read for the week and from there my love of reading grew.
That love of reading is something I've taken with me my whole life, I'd volunteer at the school library, do the summer reading program each summer, my first job was as a student page at the Jasper Place Library, I worked at a bookstore afterwards and even opened a popup bookshop called In Her Words Bookshop that would travel around different markets in the city.
That is the kind of life long impact that libraries in our city have. Beyond a specific memory the Edmonton Public Library has been a constant for me that I will always cherish.
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
It depends on the person's taste but at the moment A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.
It takes place in a future where robots existed but made the conscious decision to move to the wild since they had realized that if they progressed in the human world they would deeply harm humanity. The story follows a tea monk who travels along the country side giving advice and a cup of tea to provide comfort to those who need it and meets a robot from the wild. They accompany each other on the trip and teach each other about humanity and the goodness in people.
This book was one of the first books that I read in 2024, around that time I was deciding what I wanted to do next in my life and running for office came up in my mind because of the opportunity to serve the community that I care so deeply about and this book inspired me. It's a short, uplifting read that really makes the reader reflect.
What vital role does EPL play in a thriving and vibrant Edmonton?
Edmonton Public Library plays an incredibly critical role in a thriving and vibrant Edmonton. From my own experience of how EPL has shaped me to what I hear from folks every day. The library is the one place that folks can go where they don't have to spend money to enjoy an amazing amenity within their city.
Beyond that EPL provides programs for everyone, whether that new parents, young kids looking to connect, newcomers learning English, or computer classes for seniors. EPL is essential to our city and they provide a place to belong.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be and why?
I would choose to be Matilda from Matilda by Roald Dahl, that was one of my favourite books as a kid and has always been an inspiration for me on how to stand up for yourself and others with compassion.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned at your local library?
Libraries are constantly teaching me lessons and recently they've taught me a lot about how to foster a sense of community and belonging. Even if you are reading by yourself or taking part in a program with your friends, no matter what you choose to do in the library or how you choose to enjoy it, it is a place where you can fully belong.
If you could host a program at the library, what would it be about?
I would host a placemaking program where folks could share their favourite stories of the city, whether that's how they came to the city, a favourite spot to hang out at, or a place where they regularly went to as a kid because I think as a city, we need to celebrate more and be proud of our community.
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.
Add a comment to: Rajah Maggay – City Councillor Candidate