Celebrating Edmonton Public Library's Birthday
On Thursday, March 13, 1913, the Strathcona Library opened its doors. More than a century later, Edmonton Public Library continues to serve the city as a place for learning, discovery, and connection. In 2026, EPL marks 113 years of service to Edmonton.
From Humble Beginnings
EPL’s story began in 1913 with two modest branches serving the newly unified communities of Edmonton and Strathcona. On the north side, the Library operated from a single reading room perched above a meat market and liquor store in the Chisholm Block — an unassuming but lively start. Across the river, the Strathcona Branch welcomed its first visitors, laying the foundation for what would grow into a citywide library system.
Today, EPL has expanded to 21 branches serving neighbourhoods across Edmonton.
From card catalogues to digital collections, from streetcars delivering books to mobile outreach services, EPL has continually evolved — while staying committed to its core mission: ensuring access for all.
By the Numbers
In 2025:
- 5 million in-person visits
- 10.6 million website visits
- 12.3 million items borrowed
- 298,724 active memberships
- 1.26 million questions answered by staff
- Nearly 230,000 people attended classes and events
These numbers reflect more than usage — they show how deeply the library is woven into the life of the city.
A Place to Belong
For 113 years, EPL has been where Edmontonians come to read, learn, connect, and discover — a space that truly belongs to everyone.
It’s where children attend their first storytime, where students find quiet places to study, where newcomers practice English and build community, and where job seekers access the resources they need to take the next step. Anyone can walk through the doors and find books, technology, programs, and support — without barriers or membership fees.
Generation after generation has made the library part of their lives, carried by a shared belief that knowledge and community should be accessible to all. EPL remains a civic constant: a place where ideas are explored, connections grow, and everyone feels they belong.
Thank You, Edmonton
113 years is a milestone — but the real achievement is the community that continues to choose the library.
Whether you’ve been visiting for decades or just received your first library card, you are part of this story.
Here’s to 113 years of community, discovery, and access — and to the future we’ll continue building together.