Exploring the Heart of Canadian Literature
Featured EPL Canadian Picks
Celebrating Homegrown Talent
At the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), our mission is simple: We Share! We share expertise, information, technology and space with Edmontonians for learning, connecting, creating, discovering, enjoying and enriching communities. Canadian public libraries play a key role in supporting and championing Canadian writers and publishers. Highlighting the richness and diversity of Canadian literature is a cornerstone of EPL’s collection development and a way to celebrate Canadian creators and share their works with our communities. We believe that Canadian voices deserve to be heard, recognized and shared. Given the perennial interest in Canadian literature, we are committed to supporting the authors and publishers that help create the rich tapestry of stories that bring unique perspectives and narratives to Canada’s literary landscape.
Our shelves reflect our rich and diverse society. EPL hosts a curated collection of Canadian literature that spans genres and generations. Whether you're exploring the streets of Halifax or the prairies of Alberta, our collections resonate with the varied experiences of Canadians. Our commitment to local authors shines through EPL initiatives like Capital City Press and our Writer in Residence program, both of which offer opportunities for the exchange of ideas and learning the craft of writing. If you are a local author and interested in presenting a talk at EPL, apply for a local author talk. As champions of Canadian literature, public libraries actively showcase authors and their works through collections and programs.
Canadian and local authors
From Coast to Coast: Canadian Book
Books from Capital City Press Featured Writers
I Read Canadian Day Booklist
EPL Guest Picks: How to be a Climate Optimist
Supporting the Canadian Publishing Landscape
Canadian authors, illustrators, translators, etc. benefit from having their works in public libraries through the Public Lending Rights program (PLR). Canadian creators with works in public libraries are eligible to receive yearly payments via PLR. The program paid more than $14.7 million to over 18,000 creators in 2022-2023. EPL also supports Payback, an annual royalty program administered by Access Copyright, a national nonprofit organization that represents tens of thousands of Canadian creators and publishers.
In the digital age, literature transcends pages and enters screens. We understand the challenges of navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, which is why we are constantly improving our services to ensure our collection is accessible to everyone. We are part of a collaborative effort with Book Publishers Association of Alberta to provide access to Alberta eBooks and Indigenous eBooks through the “Read Alberta Collection” and the “Prairie Indigenous eBook Collection.” Through these services, we’ve been able to celebrate local stories and provide customers with a more robust collection.
Digital Collections
Prairie Indigenous eBook Collection
Read Alberta Collection
OverDrive Read Local
A Story to Be Shared
Everything we do is meant to foster a love of reading and learning. By embracing Canadian literature and culture, we enhance our role in connecting Edmontonians with compelling Canadian content that resonates with their lives, passions and interests.
In a world bustling with stories, EPL stands as a bridge between Canadian authors and readers. Our commitment to Canadian literature and publishers enriches our community, fosters creativity, and celebrates the power of storytelling. Together, let's explore the heart of Canadian culture through the pages of our books and the spirit of our community.
