Building Communities, One Story at a Time
When Stories Spark Action
One of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods is Heritage Valley—a vibrant, expanding community with new families arriving every week.
It’s also home to one of EPL’s smallest libraries.
Despite its modest footprint, the Heritage Valley Branch has become a vital part of the community, often matching (or even exceeding) the activity levels of much larger branches. But that success also brought growing pains.
The small space couldn’t keep up with its demand. Classes filled quickly, waitlists grew, and the cozy branch felt even smaller. Recognizing the impact, City Council approved EPL’s 2023 funding request to expand the branch, nearly tripling its size in a new location planned to open in fall 2025.
We invited Heritage Valley residents to share their ideas for the new space, using in-person and online tools.
The responses painted a clear picture. Classes were a standout hit, and many customers voiced the need for more room and larger class sizes.
Another recurring theme in the responses we received was accessibility. Heritage Valley has limited transit, and the nearest alternative branch is over 10 kilometers away. Many residents emphasized the importance of having a library close to home which was a perfect reflection of the City of Edmonton’s vision for 15-minute communities.
Even our youngest library lovers joined in, submitting drawings of their dream libraries.
While the messages varied, one theme stood out loud and clear: More.
More space. More books. More technology. More programs.
And alongside those requests came an outpouring of appreciation.
By the end of the campaign, we’d gathered thousands of responses and a mountain of heartfelt notes. The feedback was more than helpful; it was moving.
As we prepare to open the new Heritage Valley Branch, we do so with excitement, pride, and deep gratitude. The ideas and energy from our community have helped shape every decision, from the layout and lighting to the number of beanbag chairs.
The little branch that could is about to get bigger, and even better!
“This has to be the most welcoming library I’ve ever visited. Thank you for your help.”
This story is a powerful example of how EPL’s resources help young readers seek to understand different experiences and inspire them to take meaningful action. Anne expressed her gratitude for how EPL provided her daughter with the opportunity to explore someone else’s journey, and how it gave her the tools to engage with that experience in a real-world setting.
This is just one of many stories in which EPL’s collection sparks curiosity, fosters empathy, and encourages understanding in the community. It reinforces how stories can promote inclusivity. By offering resources that invite Edmontonians of all ages to learn, engage, and make a difference, we help create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
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