Top Questions

Registration opens on the second Tuesday of each month at 12 p.m. (noon MT).
Because spaces are limited by funded capacity, registration is firstcome, firstserved and will close once monthly spots are filled. 

Families register directly through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by following the stepbystep instructions on our website. EPL staff cannot register on behalf of families, and we do not provide a direct registration link. 

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The branch will feature a dedicated program room, more study and seating spaces, collections, public computers, and a new interactive digital display for customers to enjoy!

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Unleash your inner glamour! This is a semi-formal event,  so get ready to dress to impress. Think floor-length gowns, elegant cocktail dresses, and for the gents, impeccably tailored suits with a sharp bow tie. It's a night to celebrate in style, so don't be afraid to add a touch of sparkle or a statement piece to your ensemble 

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The Kitchen is located on the south east corner of the second floor of the Stanley A. Milner Library, and is only accessible through the library entrances. The Kitchen’s windows overlook Centennial Plaza and the Citadel Theatre.

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We want to build a balanced collection to serve all of Edmonton. If you’re interested in a title that’s not in the EPL catalogue, let us know and we’ll consider your request. Suggestions are evaluated according to our Collection Development Policy.

You can request up to five items per month through our online catalogue. Track the progress of your suggestion within the Suggest a Purchase pages (after logging in). Before making your suggestion, check our catalogue to make sure we don't already carry it.

Suggest a new item (library card and PIN required)

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EPL staff can visit your school or class to promote literacy and showcase the research resources found at EPL branches. All sessions are free. To schedule one, please contact staff at your local branch.

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Library cards are free for all Edmonton Residents!

Including:

Not an Edmonton Resident?

Here are other card options:

  • ME Libraries Card: Almost all Alberta Public Libraries (full list) are part of this joint lending program. Sign up for ME Libraries today!
  • TAL Card: Members of The Alberta Library Consortium (find a Tal Library) can apply for the TAL card at any library in the consortium
  • Indigenous Reserve or Metis Settlement Residents: can get a full EPL membership.
  • Non-residents: If no other options fit we have a non-resident card. A $72 non-resident fee applies.

Please note: Remote access to our eBooks and other digital content is NOT available to reciprocal, TAL, ME Libraries, corporate, visitor and non-resident cards.

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No, there will be no pause to our programs and services. Classes, access to collection and computers, hold pickups and other services will continue to be offered until the new branch opens.

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All tickets include delicious complimentary hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening, perfect for grazing between the excitement. Plus, tantalize your taste buds at our special "food entertainment stations" – a unique twist that will keep you surprised and delighted. 

Immerse yourself in the night's entertainment! All ticket holders can enjoy free musical performances by our talented Capital City Record artists, along with captivating roving acts that will bring the party to every corner of the venue. 

Upgrade your experience! VIP tickets take your gala night to the next level. In addition to everything included in the general admission ticket, you'll gain access to our exclusive VIP area, a sophisticated space to relax and mingle. And to kick off your evening, you'll receive a complimentary drink ticket to toast to a night of unforgettable celebration. 

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Visit an EPL location to get your baby a free library card. Children under 36 months also receive a second free board book (also available in French) and an illustrated Welcome Baby Songs and Rhymes booklet (digital versions available in five world languages).

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Getting your FREE library card is simple.

Visit any EPL location with identification (Drivers’ License, Alberta Health Care Card, etc) and proof of Edmonton address in hand or sign up online for a 45-day temporary card to start experiencing some of the benefits of EPL membership before visiting a branch to get a full membership.

If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign for you, and they'll be responsible for what you borrow.

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This updated monthly process was developed in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to align with their program requirements and ensure a clear, consistent registration schedule. 

The number of new registrations each month is based on available funded capacity.

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General Admission ($150): Join the excitement and be part of the evening's festivities. This ticket includes access to the main event space, catering, and a night of unforgettable entertainment. 

Friend Package (10 Tickets for $1,350 - Save $150!): Gather your closest friends and enjoy the gala together! This package offers a discounted rate on admission for groups of 10, perfect for creating lasting memories. 

VIP Experience ($200): Elevate your gala evening with exclusive VIP access. This ticket grants you entry to a premium area with special amenities, along with all the perks of general admission. 

VIP Group Package (10 Tickets for $1,800 - Save $200!): Make it a night to remember with the VIP treatment for your entire group! This package provides discounted VIP access for 10 guests, with exclusive space and premium amenities. 

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A list of acceptable personal identifications to sign up for a library card can be found on our website.

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We understand it can be disappointing when registration fills fast. The program is very popular, and the number of new monthly spots is limited by donor funded capacity. 

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Fueling young imaginations! Every dollar raised at this incredible gala will go directly towards launching EPL's exciting new Cook Up a Story Summer Camps program. This innovative program promises to ignite a love of storytelling and literacy in young minds. By attending the gala, you're not just enjoying a wonderful evening, you're investing in the future of our community's young storytellers! 

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With your library card, you can borrow books, movies, music and more for free. We have materials available in 20 languages from around the world, including Arabic. We also have English learning language resources for children, teens and adults.

You can use your library card to access eBooks, audiobooks, music, movies, same day newspapers from around the world and more than 100 databases and online language learning tools.

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Protocol is a traditional set of rules or etiquette that demonstrates respect for the Elder. When seeking knowledge from an Elder, learners present the Elder with an offering of tobacco or another gift and make their request. 

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Yes, and Library cards are free for all Edmonton Residents!

Some schools even allow you to use your student card as your EPL card! This is called an L-Pass.
  • U of A students and faculty - access EPL free with U of A L-Pass.
  • MacEwan University students, staff and faculty - access EPL free with MacEwan L-Pass.
  • Concordia University College students and faculty - access EPL free with Concordia L-Pass (does not work in IE8 or earlier).
  • Norquest students - access EPL free with Norquest L-Pass.
  • King's University students - register here with your King's University library card number and PIN.

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Welcome to the Gala! The festivities will be held within the stunning Stanley A. Milner Library. Look for our friendly EPL staff stationed at the main library entrance to guide you on your way to an unforgettable evening. Please note that access won't be available through the parkade for this event.

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We license our digital content from a number of companies (library vendors). The vendors require us to only allow our customers to access their products. For most products we are only licensed for the citizens of Edmonton. Your library card confirms your identity for the library vendors websites.

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Heritage Valley Branch hours of service will remain the same: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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We have tested a variety of ticketing models at our events, including giving all tickets away for free. Unfortunately, this is not the best practice for us or our customers due to high no-show rates. We often had hundreds of customers missing out on tickets only to have a significant number of no-shows at the event. We have learned that a small cost holds our customers accountable to use their ticket while still making it a very affordable event.

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We have removed late fees because they present a barrier to some customers and want to ensure EPL provides equitable access to our collections.

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We recommend testing for at least seven days but testing for the full loan period of three weeks will give a more accurate reading.

The Radon Screening Kits should give you an idea of the radon levels in your home. After this preliminary screening, you can decide if you want to continue monitoring your home by purchasing a longer-term radon testing kit.

See the guide book available via the QR code on the label for more details.

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The Radon Screening Kits at EPL include an Airthing screening device, which allows you to get an initial reading of radon levels in your home. Please note the Radon Screening Kits are not a replacement for long-term radon testing kits that are available for purchase. See the guide book available via the QR code on the label for more details.

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In an effort to create a barrier-free experience, if you have a disability or impairment that will impact your participation in our event please email us at events@epl.ca at least one week ahead of time to allow us to find solutions to best support you.

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Early literacy is important:

  • The early years are essential for literacy: reading can come at any age, but language skills cannot. (Diane McGuinness, Growing a Reader from Birth)
  • Did you know that your baby has been listening to your voice since before he or she was born? Babies are born prepared to learn!
  • By age 4, the brain is 90% of its adult size. (Dr. Bruce Perry, The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog)
  • Early Literacy is not expensive; babies learn best when spending time with a loving caregiver. (Jane Cobb, What’ll I Do With the Baby-o?)
  • Early Literacy lasts a lifetime. Knowledge of alphabet letters at entry into kindergarten is a strong predictor of reading ability in 10th grade.
  • Children can’t learn to talk unless adults talk to them. (Mem Fox, Reading Magic). Talk all the time!

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