Who are the "PEOPLE" of EPL?
How does EPL serve them?

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Indigenous People

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• EPL has partnered with Canadian Native Friendship Center to teach both children and adults to make traditional arts and crafts ("Traditional Arts and Crafts", n.d.). They also offer Cree language learning programs to anyone interested in learning this traditional language which not only builds connections but ensures the continuance of this native language ("nehiyawe: Cree Language Learning", n.d.).

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• EPL facilitates the sharing of the stories of indigenous people with Voices of Amiskwaciy by hosting a website that enables participants to share their stories but also provides forums for indigenous people and Canadian newcomers to meet and connect.​

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Authors and Writers of all Types

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• EPL hosts a Writers in Residence program. These resident authors provide writing workshops for new and emerging writers with showcases that highlight new and emerging literary works. ("Writer-in-Residence", n.d.).  New and previously unpublished writers can print their own books using EPL's Espresso Book Machine ("Book Printing", n.d.).

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• Edmonton's Poet Laureate program is supported jointly by the City of Edmonton, the Edmonton Public Library and the Edmonton Arts Council.  Open mic poetry nights are held to encourage poets to share their works ("Poet Laureate", n.d.).   

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Artistic and Technology Content Creators

 

• With their ability to embrace new technologies, most EPL branches have makerspaces that are filled with emerging technologies to enable patrons to be their creative best. Technology offerings include sound booths, green screens and virtual reality visors and computers.  They also offer access to equipment that saves the past by allowing patrons to digitize their old home movies ("EPL Makerspace", n.d.).

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• Since Libraries are public spaces many visual artists have the opportunity to display their works of art for the community in public galleries in the various branches.  Keeping with their Community-Led mission, local artists are given preference ("Community Gallery FAQs", n.d.). 

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People Experiencing Homelessness

 

• As is the case with many urban libraries, EPL librarians noticed an increasing number of people who they suspected of experiencing homelessness spending their days in the library.  With their mantra of "great libraries welcome everyone"("Community Outreach Services, n.d.), EPL hired registered social workers who treat these people with dignity and respect by offering educational services and social support.

 

• EPL partners with many community organizations to not only provide information to marginalized groups of people but they give them the means to take control of their lives. For example, programs like the Housing Workshop (n.d.) offered jointly with the Bissell Centre teach program attendees how to search for and find low cost housing, emergency housing and rental subsidies. 

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Children & Teens

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• Welcome Baby Literacy Kits are given to all visitors to Public Health Centers during baby’s 2 month immunization visit.  Babies can get library cards and a free board book (available in multiple languages) at their first visit to an EPL branch ("Welcome Baby FAQ's", n.d.). 

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• Junior and senior high students can find a safe place and homework help at EPL branches. New immigrant teens can visit the library after school for the "Learning Table" program which provides homework help and English language practice. No registration is required for this program which lowers barriers to attendance. ("The Learning Table", n.d.) 

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Immigrants and Canadian Newcomers

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• Community librarians in every EPL branch help Canadian newcomers with settlement services such as sharing information on housing and government programs, providing english language learning services and helping newcomers develop social networks ("Newcomers to Canada", n.d.). 

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• EPL has created Family Language Kits which contain 4 bilingual picture books, 1 picture dictionary, 1 Teach Me English book and CD. in English and Cree, Spanish, French, Arabic, Somali, Punjabi, Urdu, German, Tagalong, Japanese, Hindi, Chinese which can be checked out. Not only do these kits introduce children to reading and the English language, they also help parents practice their English skills. ("English Language Learners", n.d.).

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Job Seekers

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• From job search advice to high speed internet access, to many career, government  and industry databases, all EPL branches support those looking for jobs. In addition, they provide many volunteer opportunities that allow job seekers to make important business connections ("Career Corner", n.d.). 

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• Those searching for employment can also attend career counseling programs and resume review sessions at many of the branches ("Career Corner", n.d.). 

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Next, visit the PLACE page of this website to see how EPL meets this challenge.