[Edmonton, AB], [Nov 26, 2025] – Strathcona County Library, St. Albert Public Library (SAPL), and Edmonton Public Library (EPL) are pleased to announce Alexis Marie Chute and David Berry as their 2026 Writers in Residence. Through this collaboration, both writers will offer free support, mentorship, and programming to writers of all ages and experience levels across the metro region.
The Writer in Residence program is a long-standing partnership between the three libraries, now celebrating its 14th year of fostering literary talent and community engagement.
Alexis Marie Chute is an Edmonton-based author, artist, filmmaker, photographer, curator, and publisher whose work has been showcased internationally. She is the author of Expecting Sunshine (2017), adapted into an award-winning documentary, and the Amazon-bestselling YA fantasy trilogy Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Her recent nonfiction titles, including Prairie Spirits and Memorable Murals, celebrate Alberta’s art and culture. Chute also curates the Red Brick Common, Wild Skies Art Gallery, and InFocus Photo Exhibit, and will serve as Edmonton Public Library’s 2026 Writer in Residence.
"Alexis Marie Chute’s residency at EPL exemplifies the transformative power of literature to connect and inspire. Her award-winning work and dedication to the craft enrich our city’s cultural fabric and nurture the creative spark in writers at every stage of their journey." said Chief Executive Officer Pilar Martinez. "We are honoured to welcome her, grateful for the continued support of our partners and thrilled by the community’s enthusiasm for engaging with such a gifted and generous storyteller."
Chute will provide one-on-one mentorship and host creative programs throughout the year from her office on the second floor of the Stanley A. Milner Library.
David Berry is a writer and editor who grew up in Sherwood Park and now lives in Edmonton. He has worked as a critic, feature writer and essayist for the National Post, the Globe and Mail, the Walrus, CBC, Hazlitt and many others. He is the author of two non-fiction books: On Nostalgia (2020), and How Artists Make Money & How Money Makes Artists, released in October 2025.
“We’re delighted to welcome David back to his hometown as our 2026 Writer in Residence,” said Sharon Siga, CEO of Strathcona County Library. “This partnership brings an incredibly valuable service to our patrons and communities. Not only are there a wide variety of programs but aspiring writers can book time to meet one-on-one with Alexis and David and receive professional mentoring—all at no charge.”
As the regional Writer in Residence, Berry will offer writing programs and one-on-one consultations at Strathcona County Library from January through June, and at St. Albert Public Library from August through December. Strathcona County and St. Albert residents can access Writer in Residence programs and services at either library throughout the year.
“We’re thrilled to welcome David Berry as our 2026 Writer in Residence,” said Lisa Old, Interim CEO of St. Albert Public Library. “David’s thoughtful and engaging work resonates with readers and writers alike, and we’re excited for the inspiration and mentorship he’ll bring to our community. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting creativity, connection, and lifelong learning—values at the heart of everything we do at SAPL.”
While in residence, each writer will devote roughly half their time to mentoring other writers and the other half to working on personal projects.
The Writer in Residence program is wrapping up a successful 13th year. The 2025 writers, Rhonda Parrish and Anna Marie Sewell, engaged hundreds of writers through one-on-one support and creative programming. The 2026 program continues this legacy, empowering local voices and fostering a vibrant literary culture across the region.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
EPL is a gathering place for people and ideas, enabling a lifetime of learning, engagement, and possibility for every Edmontonian. One of the most visited places in Edmonton, EPL welcomes millions of visitors across our 21 branches each year. We deliver our incredible services to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. epl.ca/give
About St. Albert Public Library:
St. Albert Public Library (SAPL) is a vibrant community hub—your place to learn, connect, and grow. As one of Alberta’s busiest mid-sized libraries and the most visited destination in downtown St. Albert, SAPL is consistently recognized as SAPL is consistently recognized as a key strength of our city.
We’re proud to host STARFest – St. Albert Readers Festival, a nationally acclaimed literary celebration that brings leading authors and thought-provoking ideas to our community. In 2025, we marked 15 years of STARFest, celebrating its legacy of inspiring conversations and fostering a love of reading.
SAPL continues to evolve alongside the people we serve, offering innovative programs and services that reflect our community’s needs. In 2024, we received the Minister’s Award for Municipal and Public Library Excellence for our Community Tea and Bannock program, delivered in partnership with the St. Albert Métis District.
With welcoming locations in both the historic Downtown and Jensen Lakes Crossing, SAPL is committed to reducing barriers, fostering inclusion, pursuing Truth and Reconciliation, and creating opportunities for everyone to engage with ideas, resources, and each other. We’re here for you. We’re here for all.
About Strathcona County Library: Strathcona County Library is located in the heart of Sherwood Park but serves the entire Strathcona County, an area of 1,265 square kilometres, through the services of a Bookmobile and a partnership with Fort Saskatchewan Public Library. In 2010, we opened the doors to our newest home in the Strathcona County Community Centre. Spread out over 64,000 square feet on two floors, our main branch houses a 200,000+ collection that includes books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, newspapers, magazines and databases. We also host several hundred programs each year, ranging from early literacy development with infants to travel insurance for seniors. www.sclibrary.ca
About the Metro Edmonton Federation of Libraries
The Metro Edmonton Federation of Libraries consists of Edmonton Public Library, Fort Saskatchewan Public Library, St. Albert Public Library and Strathcona County Library. Libraries in the Federation collaborate on programs, projects and events.
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