Do you know about the expansive collection of e-magazines available to Albertans through your local public library? We regularly share the content that’s posted to magazine websites, but there’s so much more to discover! Maybe you want to read an issue or two before subscribing to a magazine? Or there’s a specific story you’re interested in reading? You might discover a magazine you’ve never seen before! 

The Read Alberta Collection has over 50 eMagazine titles—created right here in the province—thanks to a partnership between the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA), the Public Library Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs, and of course our amazing public libraries throughout the province. 

AMPA Executive Director Suzanne Trudel describes the diverse content: “Whether readers are passionate about business and politics, parenting, outdoor adventures, sports, arts, literature, food, city life, or more, there’s a magazine for every interest and every Albertan. This outstanding collection helps readers discover more about their communities—and themselves—through stories that matter to them.”

Here are some of the more recent e-magazine issues available to library patrons:

Birthing Magazine, Winter 2025 

• Explore some of the many stories about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, going back to the earliest recorded times that are still relevant to this day, on topics including decolonizing parenting, breastfeeding myths, ancient symbols of fertility, and more.

Creative Scrapbooker, Spring 2025 

• From stunning pastel designs to expert techniques that bring your stories to life. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, you’ll love learning how to master stencils, create perfect textures with paste, and turn everyday memories into keepsake treasures. 

Canadian Cowboy Country, Feb/Mar 2025

• Interviews with multi-time barrel racing champion Jerri Duce, award-winning musician Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys, and horse breeder Jason Wheeler, plus a feature story on modern TV westerns Billy the Kid and Heartland.

Westword, Jan-Mar 2025

• The Writers’ Guild of Alberta magazine for writers about writing, with a feature story by Peter Midgley on writing about moral and ethical issues. Plus, Sarah Brinley on turning craft into confidence, Natasha Deen on the business side of writing, and Shari Narine on the complicated task of reportage.

On Spec Magazine, Vol 34 Issue 130

• Short fiction and poetry in the genre of the Fantastic—Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Magic Realism, etc. New work from Kevin Cockle, Sarah Totton, Cat Girczyc, and Mike Rimar, to name just a few. Plus, a story by Pascal Raud and Paul Côté, with translation by Margaret Sankey.

Filling Station, Issue 83 

• An issue with a bit of love and something to believe in, featuring new work from emerging and innovative writers including: Juliet Bader, Laurel Benjamin, Frances Boyle, Andrew Brobyn, Mary Katherine Carr, [sarah] Cavar, Heitor Costa & Luc Murray Mercier, Emily H. Cox, and many, many more. 

King Snow Magazine, Vol 16, Issue 3

• A magazine about snowboarding! This issue includes (but isn’t limited to): the best photos of the season, the importance of mentorship in snowboarding, Seb Toutant talking about Olympic gold, and the future of women’s snowboarding.

The Prairie Journal, Issue 82

• An arts, literary and cultural magazine publishing creative writing by newcomers and established writers. This is the Alberta Muse issue, which features content for Alberta Culture Days written primarily by local provincial authors.

Mountain Life – Rocky Mountains, Winter 2024/25

• Writer Matt Coté gets philosophical about the ephemeral ski track; Andrew Findlay examines the impact of climate change on Rocky Mountain water sources at the Coldwater Laboratory in Kananaskis Country; and Kevin Hjertaas digs into creative ways to find backcountry lodging.

The Polyglot, Issue 13: Manaig

• This issue is guest edited by Mila Bongco-Philipzig, and celebrates artists and writers of Philippine heritage, offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultures of the nation and a variety of languages and dialects. There is multimodal art, crafted from soil, clay with rice husks, plastic nets, and recycled materials, as well as poetry, calligrams, stories, a recipe, and drag artistry. Featured languages include Tagalog, Bicolano, Kiniray-a, Ilokano, English, Bisaya, and Talaandig.

There are years of incredible e-magazine content to browse in the Read Alberta Collection. It’s time to start reading! Find your local library’s collection today at https://albertamagazines.com/emagazine-access/