For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, April 1, 2018 – Library services are within easy reach of residents in downtown Edmonton through a new location in the city’s new river valley funicular.
The FUNicular Branch, featuring a sampling of EPL’s foundational services, is the first model of its kind in the world. The new location is specifically designed for people who are constantly on the move and who are comfortable in small places.
“We’re so thrilled to bring our library services to new heights and offer this unique opportunity to our customers,” said Pilar Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of EPL. This innovative location allows us to deliver traditional services in a new and FUN way while also trying new services perfect for this picturesque location.”
The new branch, located at 10065 100 Street, includes a micro makerspace, one computer station, snow shoe and kayak borrowing, unlimited Wi-Fi, a collection of popular DVDs, video games and bestsellers, customer holds, and will even host new classes and events such as birdwatching, speed dating, paper airplane lessons and astronomy 101.
“The funicular has been a great addition to our incredible river valley, ensuring accessibility for everyone,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “I look forward to trying EPL’s birdwatching course on my next trip.”
EPL continues to look for fast and cost-effective ways to bring library services to neighbourhoods without easy access to public library service, and the river valley is one of them. The new FUNicular Branch is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can be booked for special events such as book clubs, study groups and thumb war competitions. .
EPL has several approved building projects at various stages of planning, design and construction. The new Heritage Valley Branch opens April 4 while the Londonderry Branch will relocate within the mall this summer. A relocated Capilano Branch is also well underway, while the revitalization of the Stanley A. Milner Library also continues. For more information, visit epl.ca/building-projects.
For more information, visit epl.ca/funicular-branch
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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 15.4 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
Marina Fernandes
Communications Coordinator
Edmonton Public Library
780-442-5019
