Optimistic Outlooks, Overcoming Obstacles & Literary Legends: It’s the 2024 EPL Speaker Series!

EPL Unveils 2024 Forward Thinking Speaker Series Lineup

Edmonton, AB - Edmonton Public Library’s beloved Forward Thinking Speaker Series is back and we are excited to announce our 2024 line up of speakers. 

Chris Turner – How to be a climate optimist (April 16) 

Kicking the year off with some much-needed climate optimism, the series begins Tuesday, April 16 with renowned journalist and best-selling author, Chris Turner. Presented by Gridworks Energy Group, Turner’s presentation, “How to be a Climate Optimist”, will offer a hopeful perspective on tackling climate change, replacing despair with actionable solutions. 

Dr. Marie Wilson – Keeping reconciliation alive (June 19) 

On June 19th, the series welcomes Dr. Marie Wilson, one of the three Commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In this moderated event, Dr. Wilson will discuss her new book North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner and what we can do to further reconciliation across Canada. 

Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser – Dealing with criticism and pressure (October 27) 

Hockey fans won't want to miss Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, a five-time Olympic medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer, joining the series on October 27th. In her talk, “Dealing with Criticism and Pressure”, Dr. Wickenheiser will discuss the mental game behind her achievements, offering valuable lessons on overcoming obstacles and achieving excellence that apply far beyond the ice rink. 

Margaret Atwood – An evening with Margaret Atwood (November 13) 

The series culminates in a highly anticipated event on November 13th: An Evening with Margaret Atwood. Canada's celebrated author, best known for her dystopian masterpiece The Handmaid's Tale, will take the stage at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium for an intimate conversation about the importance of freedom of expression. 

About the Speaker Series 

The Forward Thinking Speaker Series started in 2015 and has hosted over 40 events, featuring speakers such as Neil Gaiman, George Takei, Sir Salman Rushdie, Arlene Dickinson, and Monica Lewinsky. The Series invites thought leaders with a variety of life experiences to share their stories, insights, and perspectives. These events embody EPL’s vision to be a gathering place for people and ideas. 

Tickets and Information 

For tickets and more information about the speakers and their presentations, visit epl.ca/speaker-series. Tickets can be purchased closer to the date of each event. 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from and be inspired by some of the most remarkable minds of our time! 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Erika Nakatsui, Communications Specialist 

780-819-4337 

About Edmonton Public Library (EPL) 

The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is a gathering place for people and ideas, enabling a lifetime of learning, engagement and possibility for every Edmontonian. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in-branch and online visits across our 21 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.

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