
Best Destinations for Book Lovers in Edmonton, Canada
1. Edmonton Public Library (EPL)
The EPL is Canada's largest municipal library system. It offers a vast collection of books and digital resources.
- Size: Home to over 3.2 million items, the largest collection in western Canada.
- Programs: Offers programs for readers of all ages and interests, including author talks and workshops.
- Accessibility: 21 branch locations across Edmonton, ensuring easy access to resources for all citizens.
2. The Writer's Studio at Grant MacEwan University
A creative writing school offering workshops and classes for aspiring authors.
- Workshops: Provides a variety of workshops on different genres and aspects of writing.
- Community: Fosters a supportive community for writers to learn, grow, and share their work.
- Expert Instructors: Features instructors who are established authors and publishing professionals.
3. The Bookshelf at West Edmonton Mall
A quaint bookstore located inside the West Edmonton Mall, offering a selection of new and used books.
- Selection: Carries a wide variety of books, including hard-to-find titles.
- Used Books: Offers a large selection of used books at affordable prices.
- Location: Ideal for shopping enthusiasts, located inside one of the largest malls in North America.
4. The University of Alberta's Rare Books Collection
A unique collection of rare and valuable books housed at the University of Alberta.
- Rarity: Includes some of the rarest and most valuable books in Canada.
- Research: Open to researchers and scholars for study and reference.
- Historic Value: Features books that date back several centuries, providing a glimpse into the past.
5. The Literary Salon
A monthly literary event featuring readings from local and visiting authors.
- Local Authors: Provides a platform for local authors to share their work with the community.
- Visiting Authors: Brings in visiting authors from across Canada and around the world.
- Community Engagement: Encourages dialogue between authors and audience members, fostering a love for literature.
6. The Wandering Sage Bookstore
A cozy independent bookstore offering a curated selection of books.
- Curated Selection: Features a carefully selected assortment of books, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Events: Hosts author readings and events, creating a vibrant literary community.
- Community Space: Serves as a community space where book lovers can gather, discuss books, and share ideas.
7. The Canadian Aviation and Space Museum Library
A specialized library focusing on aviation and space history, with a collection of books, journals, and other resources.
- Specialized Collection: Features a unique collection focused on aviation and space history.
- Research: Open to researchers, students, and enthusiasts for study and reference.
- Interdisciplinary: Provides resources for those interested in history, technology, science, and more.
8. The UAlberta Bookstore
A university bookstore offering a wide selection of textbooks and literature.
- Textbooks: Stocks a comprehensive range of textbooks for University of Alberta students.
- Literature Selection: Carries a variety of literature, including bestsellers and classic works.
- Campus Location: Ideal for students, located on the University of Alberta campus.
9. The Devouring Dark Bookstore
A fantasy and science fiction-focused bookstore offering a vast selection of books.
- Specialized Selection: Carries an extensive collection of fantasy, science fiction, and related genres.
- Rare Finds: Features hard-to-find titles and out-of-print books.
- Community: Hosts events and discussions for fans of the genres, fostering a sense of community.
10. The Audre Lorde Memorial Library
A feminist library offering resources and a space for women's and gender studies.
- Specialized Collection: Features a collection focused on women's and gender studies.
- Community Space: Serves as a safe space for discussions, meetings, and events related to feminism and gender studies.
- Research Resources: Provides resources for researchers, students, and activists in women's and gender studies.
11. The Stratford Library
A small but charming library located in the historic town of Stratford, offering books and community programs.
- Historic Location: Located in a picturesque, historically significant town.
- Community Engagement: Offers programs and events for the local community, fostering a love for literature.
- Selection: Features a carefully selected assortment of books, catering to a variety of readers.
12. The Edmonton Poetry Festival
A city-wide celebration of poetry featuring readings, workshops, and performances.
- Poetry Focus: Dedicated to the celebration and promotion of poetry.
- Community Engagement: Encourages participation from local poets, audiences, and schools.
- Variety of Events: Offers a diverse range of events, catering to different interests and tastes in poetry.
13. The Canadian Mennonite University Library
A library serving the Canadian Mennonite University, offering resources for research and study.
- Specialized Collection: Features a collection focused on Mennonite studies, theology, and related topics.
- Research Resources: Provides resources for researchers, students, and scholars in Mennonite studies.
- Community Space: Serves as a space for study, research, and community engagement related to Mennonite culture.
14. The University of Alberta's NeWCITY Library
A cutting-edge library focused on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Specialized Collection: Features a collection focused on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
- Technology Resources: Offers state-of-the-art technology resources for students and researchers.
- Collaborative Space: Provides collaborative spaces for students, entrepreneurs, and innovators to work together.
15. The Edmonton Word on the Street Festival
A city-wide literary festival featuring readings, panel discussions, and book signings.
- Diversity: Showcases a diverse range of authors, genres, and voices.
- Community Engagement: Encourages participation from readers, writers, and the wider community.
- Variety of Events: Offers a diverse range of events, catering to different interests and tastes in literature.