Library Policies
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment and so that everyone can enjoy fun and educational activities at the Library, all customers are expected to follow our Library Policies. We all deserve a pleasant environment where we can create, learn, be and work.
To access Board policies, visit our EPL Board of Trustees page.
Intellectual Freedom is a deeply held and foundational value of the public library. As a gathering place for ideas, EPL plays an important role protecting your right to uncensored access to content (collections, services, classes and events) representing wide ranging topics, beliefs and opinions that reflect the varied interests of the communities we serve.
With more than 3 million items in our collection and thousands of annual classes and events, we are certain that not all content offered by EPL will align with everyone’s values and tastes. We have processes in place to open conversations with our customers when one encounters an item or program that concerns them.
Request for Reconsideration of Library Material
From time to time, we receive customer concerns about a specific title or type of material selected for, or removed from the collection. When a concern is shared, it is taken seriously as we want to make certain that the fundamental principles of intellectual freedom are upheld. Read through our Customer Request to Reconsider Library Material policy and how you can submit a request for reconsideration of library material.
Request for Reconsideration of Programs
EPL offers a wide selection of programs to meet the needs and interests of our diverse communities. Like our vast collection, concerns about programs are taken seriously and we want to make certain that the fundamental principles of intellectual freedom are upheld. Read through our Customer Request to Reconsider Library Programs policy and how you can submit a expression of concern for library programs.
Customer Conduct
Edmonton Public Library customers and staff expect and deserve a welcoming and pleasant environment in which to use the Library’s services and facilities.
To ensure enjoyment of the library for all Edmontonians:
- Respect others and be courteous
- Use the Library’s materials, computers, equipment and furniture with care
- Tidy up after yourself using the recycle and garbage bins provided
Disruptive and/or inappropriate conduct requires staff involvement when it interferes with other persons’ use of the Library and/or when it could result in injury to self or others. Violations of library rules and expectations may result in restriction of Library privileges, including suspension from library facilities and services. Depending on the seriousness of the offence, violations may result in prosecution.
Social Media Community Guidelines
Our social media platforms are a place for you to share. We want to hear what you think!
We look forward to interacting with each and every one of you on our social media channels! Although we cannot commit to replying to every comment posted, we will answer your questions and engage in conversation whenever possible.
The views of participants in the Edmonton Public Library’s social media channels do not necessarily represent the views of EPL. EPL representatives will be monitoring the input and may participate or intervene, as appropriate. We may not see every inappropriate comment right away, but we will deal with them appropriately upon the next business day. We trust our community members (that’s you!) to be mature, respectful and to respond politely to each other.
Internet Access
Terms of Use
The Edmonton Public Library provides access to the Internet to fulfill its mission, "We Share."
You must read and agree to the conditions before continuing to use this service.
Customers must use their own cards or Internet passes to book or access computers.
Library computers may not be used to:
- Access sites or transmit materials that violate Canadian federal or provincial laws or City Bylaws and/or are defamatory, discriminatory or obscene.
- Send fraudulent, harassing or obscene email messages.
- Display overt sexual images.
The Edmonton Public Library also prohibits:
- Damaging or modifying the Library's computer equipment, software or network.
The Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.
Failure to comply with the EPL Public Internet Access Policy and the prohibited activities listed will result in loss of Internet access and possible banning from all library facilities. Unlawful activities may result in prosecution.
Photography and Videography Guidelines
At EPL, we strive to create an open and welcoming environment for all. As a public space, occasional personal photography and filming are permitted in our branches, provided it does not disrupt library services and/or customers.
For media inquiries, Media must obtain permission in advance from our Marketing and Communications Manager to film and/or photograph on library premises. However, media are free to capture images or footage of the library from outside the property without prior consent.
Meeting Rooms
Edmonton Public Library meeting rooms, theatres and event spaces (“Spaces”) are made available to the general public when such use does not interfere with other Library services and activities. The purpose of this policy is to establish priorities and conditions of use for EPL’s Spaces by the public.
