By Jessie Bach

First celebrated in 2006, Canadian Library Month takes place every October and provides an opportunity for libraries to raise awareness of the valuable role they play in the lives of Canadians. This month is a time to celebrate the spaces, stories, and people that make libraries essential to our communities. Here in Alberta, and all across Canada, our public libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They are vibrant, welcoming hubs of connection, learning, and literacy.

There’s a lot to celebrate about our public libraries—the cozy reading nooks, the beautiful buildings, the libraries of things, the free tech help, and of course, the books! But libraries are about so much more. This October, in celebration of Canadian Library Month, I want to share what I love most about Alberta’s libraries.

They are committed to intellectual freedom and our freedom to read

Alberta’s public libraries are committed to intellectual freedom. There’s a saying out there that goes something like “a good library will have something in it to offend everyone.” While this is almost certainly true, I prefer to flip that on its head—“a good library has something in it for everyone.”

At the core of intellectual freedom is the freedom to read what you want. Library staff build their collections with the goal of representing all interests, preferences, and needs. They trust that their patrons can assess and analyze information and ideas for themselves and their families and offer training and other resources to help build that skill.

It’s important to remember that public libraries do not endorse the contents of the books in their collections; rather, libraries defend people’s right to access information from a variety of voices and viewpoints. And that’s something pretty special.

The culture of sharing more than just books

Don’t get me wrong, the sharing of books, movies, and more at our public libraries is one of their greatest strengths! Alberta’s Provincial Resource Sharing Operational Policy for Public Libraries ensures that every Albertan has access to most of the items held in every public library collection in the province. Participating in the sharing economy saves libraries and library patrons money; it’s great for our wallets, and good for our planet.

Beyond just what you can borrow, libraries are also in the business of sharing space, time, and expertise. If you have a question, library staff will share their knowledge and research skills to help you find the answer. If you need somewhere warm, comfortable, and quiet to spend an afternoon, the library has a chair where you can sit. Community members share their interests and hobbies with others by leading free classes where you can learn a new skill.

As a librarian, the culture of sharing extends to my work, too. Very little is proprietary in the public library space and if I, or my organization, need help drafting a policy, getting a new program off the ground, or designing an informational brochure, help is usually only an email to a colleague away. Librarians across the province collaborate and share their work with each other all the time. To put my own spin on another old cliché, it’s less “many hands make light work” and more, “many hands can get a boatload of stuff done!”

They are deeply rooted in their communities From High Level to Cardston, Alberta’s public libraries are at the centre of their communities. In many smaller places, the library may be the only space in town to hold meetings, host programs, or put on community events. The library provides a third space (that is, somewhere beyond just home and work) where people can go and not be expected to spend any money.

For newcomers to a community, the library is often their first stop to learn more about the services available to them and to connect with others navigating a new home. They offer free access to technology and Wi-Fi, thus combatting the digital divide that affects so many Albertans who cannot access reliable or affordable internet at home. For children and teens, the library is a safe, accepting environment where they can explore their interests, find a quiet place to study, or just hang out with their friends and play Roblox or Minecraft.

Libraries also showcase local culture by hosting author talks and promoting local books, curating art shows, and celebrating diverse voices. They regularly partner with other local organizations like municipal governments, non-profits, and educational institutions to facilitate access to community services and share information.

#LibrariesForLife

The theme for Canadian Library Month 2025 is “Libraries for Life,” which is fitting—Alberta’s public libraries are there for us through all ages and stages. From mom and baby singalong groups to tech troubleshooting classes for seniors, Gay–Straight Alliance clubs for teens to online book clubs for busy professionals, storytimes for toddlers, and “crafternoons” for kids, you’ll find it all at Alberta’s public libraries. No matter who you are, how old you are, or what you’re into, the library will have something just for you. How cool is that?!

So, how can you show your library some love this October? I have a few ideas:

1. If you don’t have one yet, get a library card!

2. Check out a book (or ten, or even 100). The best way to celebrate your library is to use it.

3. Attend one of the exciting events held at your library this October.

4. Connect with your local library on social media, engage with their content, and share their posts. Share your own library story and use the hashtags #CanadianLibraryMonth and #LibrariesForLife.

5. Spread the word—tell your friends and family how great the library is!

And lastly, thank a library worker! It’s their dedication to intellectual freedom, sharing, and community that make our libraries such wonderful places.