Executive Brief

Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Public Library

February 2026

About the Edmonton Public Library (EPL)

Introduction

The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is the central public library system serving Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. With a history dating back to 1913, EPL has grown into one of Canada’s most dynamic and community-focused urban library systems. As Edmonton’s largest lender of information and entertainment, EPL provides free membership to all Edmontonians and is widely recognized as “the gathering place for people and ideas”—a place that fosters curiosity, learning, engagement, creativity, and lifelong opportunity for individuals and communities.

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision:
EPL envisions itself as the foundational gathering place in Edmonton that enables a lifetime of learning, engagement, and possibility for every Edmontonian.

Mission:
EPL’s mission is simple: “We Share!” EPL shares expertise, information, technology and space with Edmontonians for learning, connecting, creating, discovering, enjoying and enriching communities.

Values:
EPL’s shared values reflect its organizational commitments:

Customer Focused: Staff put people first with compassion, empathy and accessibility, adapting services to meet unique needs.
Innovative: The organization embraces progressive thinking, experimentation, and service development that spurs imagination and learning.
Knowledge Seekers: EPL fosters lifelong learning, enabling knowledge discovery and community growth.
One Library / One Team: Collaboration across staff and collections delivers exceptional experiences and unified service.
Idea Champions: EPL supports open, judgment-free dialogue and encourages diverse perspectives and forward thinking.
Responsible: The organization acts with integrity, accountability, and stewardship, maximizing community impact with careful use of public funds.

These elements collectively define EPL’s purpose, strategic focus, and cultural identity as a modern public library committed to community wellbeing and equitable access to information and ideas.

History & System Overview

Founded in 1913, EPL has expanded from its first branch to a modern library network with numerous locations across the city of Edmonton. Its services and collections have evolved alongside technological change and demographic growth, and the organization remains deeply rooted in civic life and community development. EPL also maintains historical resources, such as the Edmonton Public Library Archive, which preserves the institution’s longstanding heritage and cultural contributions.

Programs and Services

EPL offers a wide range of services designed to support literacy, learning, creativity, and community connection:

Collections & Resources: Comprehensive physical and digital collections including books, audiobooks, e-books, movies, music, magazines, and online databases.
Programs & Events: Free programming for all ages, from early literacy activities for children to workshops, talks, and events for adults and seniors.
Technology & Makerspaces: Access to technology tools, creative workstations, makerspace equipment, and digital content that support innovation and skill development.
Outreach & Community Services: Initiatives like epl2go literacy vans, home delivery, settlement support for newcomers, Indigenous services, and specialized outreach efforts expand EPL’s reach beyond its physical locations.
Cultural Platforms: Projects such as Capital City Records distribute and celebrate local music, reflecting the Library’s role in preserving and amplifying Edmonton’s cultural expression.

Strategic Plan

The Edmonton Public Library’s Strategic Plan defines its direction and priorities over a multi-year period, guiding how EPL will best serve Edmontonians in a changing and diverse community. The Strategic Plan is grounded in EPL’s Community-Led Service Philosophy (CLSP), a system-wide approach that emphasizes engagement, listening, and building relationships with communities to inform decision-making and service design.

Strategic Goals & Focus Areas (2024–2026)

EPL’s current strategic framework (2024–2026) centres on three core strategic goals that articulate where the Library will focus its energies to deliver the greatest value to Edmonton residents. These goals were shaped through community input and reflect evolving community expectations for library services:

1. EPL Is the Best Place to Learn

EPL serves as Edmonton’s hub for lifelong learning by supporting early and digital literacy, life skills development, and access to diverse technologies. The Library aims to be a destination for formal and informal learning for people of all ages, helping individuals pursue education, self-improvement, and new opportunities.

2. EPL Is the Best Place to Explore
EPL provides rich collections and experiences that enable people to read, watch, discover, and engage with a wide range of information, cultures, and perspectives. This goal emphasizes diversity in collections, enhancing intellectual freedom, and meeting the evolving recreational and informational needs of Edmontonians.

3. EPL Is the Best Place to Experience
The Library focuses on creating exceptional, inclusive experiences where everyone belongs. This includes welcoming physical spaces and innovative digital environments that encourage creativity, connection, and community participation.

How the Strategic Plan Works

Community-Led Service Philosophy: The CLSP is a foundation of EPL’s strategy, ensuring services are responsive to real community needs through ongoing engagement, feedback, and partnership.
Blueprint for Action: The Strategic Plan outlines what EPL will focus on within the three-year timeframe, while accompanying business and work plans articulate how these goals will be realized through specific actions, initiatives, and performance measures.
Adaptive and Inclusive: Rooted in community connection, the plan embraces innovation and flexibility to adapt to social, technological, and cultural shifts that influence how people learn, create, and connect.

This strategic framework positions EPL to strengthen equitable access to learning and knowledge, deepen community engagement, enhance user experiences, and reinforce the Library’s role as a central civic asset — the heart of Edmonton’s learning and cultural ecosystem.

Learn more about EPL’s Strategic Plan here.

Community Impact & Civic Role

EPL plays a central role in advancing equity, inclusion, and social wellbeing across Edmonton. By offering free access to knowledge, technology, learning opportunities, and spaces for dialogue, EPL reduces barriers to participation and strengthens civic life. The Library’s services support literacy, cultural engagement, economic opportunity, and community connection for residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Branches & Accessibility

EPL operates numerous branch locations across Edmonton, including the flagship Stanley A. Milner Library in downtown Edmonton, which serves as a hub for collections, programs, and public engagement. Branches are strategically located to meet community needs and provide equitable access to services across the city.

The Edmonton Public Library stands as a vital public resource that supports learning, culture, connection, and creativity across Edmonton. Anchored by a strong mission and strategic vision, EPL continues to evolve its services and spaces to meet the needs of a diverse and changing community, remaining a trusted place where information, ideas, and people come together.

Leadership

The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is guided by an experienced leadership team responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and community impact. EPL’s leaders are committed to service excellence, innovation, and inclusive access while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and community engagement.

Executive Team

Pilar Martinez — (Departing) Chief Executive Officer
Corrina Chetley-Irwin — Executive Director, Employee Experience
Sharon Day — Executive Director, Customer Experience
Cody Tomanek — Chief Financial Officer
Vicky Varga — Executive Director, Collections and Technology

Senior Directors

EPL’s leadership team also includes directors who provide strategic and operational direction in core areas:

Santiago Gomez — Director, Technology Services, responsible for technology infrastructure and innovation.
Dan Mirau & Madeline Gormley — Directors, Branch Services and Community Engagement, focusing on delivery of branch-based services and community-led programs.
Béné Garmier — Director of Marketing, Communications, and Fund Development, leading EPL’s brand strategy, stakeholder engagement, and communication initiatives.

Branch Leadership

EPL’s extensive branch network is supported by experienced local leaders who oversee community-focused services, programs, and daily operations at neighbourhood locations across Edmonton.

Governance — Board of Trustees

EPL’s strategic oversight and governance are provided by an independent Board of Trustees, appointed by City Council under the Alberta Libraries Act. The Board ensures accountability, advocates for the Library’s priorities, sets policy, and works with senior leadership to guide EPL’s long-term direction. Trustees represent community interests and help sustain EPL’s mission by fostering external relationships and ensuring compliance with legislative and financial requirements.