For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 — The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) celebrated the grand opening of the revitalized Stanley A. Milner Library on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Lucky Edmontonians who found a Golden Ticket and attended the Grand Opening Celebration were treated to incredible live performances by Dancing Cree and Kita no Taiko and virtual fireworks on the multi-storey interactive digital wall.
“The new Stanley A. Milner Library will become a focal point for the community and culture in downtown Edmonton. This library will bring together all members of the community, and provide a, modern and accessible space to connect with friends, family and community groups, while creating a cultural hub that Edmontonians can be proud of for generations to come,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities.”
The $84.5 million renewal project was approved by Edmonton City Council in December 2014, with significant contribution from the City of Edmonton and a commitment from EPL to contribute $10 million through community fundraising. The governments of Canada and Alberta contributed $4 million in joint federal-provincial funding for the revitalization in May 2018.
“We have built cathedrals of creativity, knowledge and inclusion in every part of our city. As you travel from library to library you can’t help but be a proud Edmontonian, and the Stanley A. Milner Library continues that tradition,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “The Library is a place where everyone is welcome, and with the inclusion of Thunderbird House and additional outreach offices at the downtown Library, Edmontonians have a place to gather, learn and feel a sense of community and connection to one another. As both mayor and an Edmontonian, I am constantly impressed by and proud of our public library’s innovation and its integral role as a welcoming space in our city.”
EPL met and exceeded their ambitious target of raising $10 million and raised over $18 million thanks to the generosity of donors, including 18,000 donations from 5,000 community members and organizations.
“Edmontonians helped make the Milner Library possible,” said EPL CEO Pilar Martinez. “We are humbled by their generosity and incredibly excited for them to experience all that our renewed downtown Library has to offer.”
The revitalized Milner Library includes a children’s library three times the former size, 10,000 square foot Makerspace, Fabrication Lab, multi-storey interactive digital wall, Thunderbird House (Indigenous gathering space), Gamerspace, the new Fresh Finds collection featuring recommendations from local Edmonton celebrities, over 150,000 items to borrow, and much more.
“Libraries are vital to the health of Alberta’s communities. I am thrilled to see the Stanley A. Milner Library re-open its doors to the public and I look forward to watching it serve Albertans for generations to come.” - The Honourable Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
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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 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. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give, opens a new window
Media Contact:
Marina Afonso, Communications Specialist, Edmonton Public Library
Marina.Afonso@epl.ca, opens a new window
780.819.4337
