For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, October 7, 2016 – Mayor Don Iveson is being celebrated internationally for championing, promoting and elevating Edmonton’s public library system.
Iveson is the 2016 recipient of the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Urban Leader Award, which was established in 2001 to recognize civic leaders and advocates for public libraries throughout North America.
“It’s an honour to receive this award but I share this recognition with the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) and all the people who make it one of North America’s best,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “As both mayor and an Edmontonian, I am impressed by and proud of our public library’s innovation and its integral role as a welcoming space in our city.”
Iveson served on EPL’s Board of Trustees for six years as a city councillor, during which time he never missed a meeting and was always prepared to listen and provide advice. A vocal supporter of library services, he voted in favour of much needed library capital projects, including rehabilitation of facilities and construction of new buildings.
EPL is also a key player in city-wide initiatives thanks to Iveson’s support, including leadership committees focused on ending homelessness and poverty in Edmonton, as well as advocating for Indigenous Peoples. He also led the establishment of Edmonton as a City of Learners, and worked with City Council to name EPL as the home for the project.
“As a city councillor and now Edmonton’s mayor, Mayor Don Iveson has a strong understanding of the vital role public libraries play in an engaged community,” said Pilar Martinez, CEO of EPL. “EPL is one of the most used, loved and valued institutions in our city. Strong support from our mayor has helped make this possible.”
Beyond championing EPL as a government official, Iveson offers his time and connections to help raise funds for library initiatives, including calling on the city’s development community to “Complete the Fleet” and raise the final $100,000 needed for the epl2go Literacy Vans.
He also uses library materials for a monthly video series aimed at children called “Mayor Reads”, and is a self-proclaimed library lover and user, frequently visiting EPL with his family.
The ULC, founded in 1971, is the premier membership association of North America's leading public library systems. The Urban Leader Award was established in 2001 to honour civic leader and former chair of ULC’s Executive Board Betty Jane Narver, a long-time Seattle leader.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 14 million in-branch and online visits across our 20 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content 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. www.epl.ca/give
For more information, contact
Heather McIntyre
Marketing Communications Specialist
Edmonton Public Library
780-496-7055
hmcintyre@epl.ca
