Summer at the Library
So many options for fun and learning in August and all year long!
With us rolling into August, many of us are probably wondering what else is there to do to enjoy the last dregs of summer. Well Edmonton’s public libraries have been offering a plethora of different programs throughout the summer to keep you, your family, and/or your kids entertained. From book clubs to crafting to free movies, there are endless amounts of things to choose from. I have compiled a list of the different programs that you can register for or just show up to.
A note about Stanley A. Milner Library:
This library offers an assortment of other options for classes and programs. The Kitchen is a program series offering instructions on how to cook different meals, offered for both teens and adults. They also offer Make it at Milner, which is a program series in the Makerspace and Making. Both of these programs book up fast! So keep an eye out for your next event!
Programs for Adults:
Vocabulary Club: English Conversation Class
A great chance for anyone learning English to start speaking a conversation! You can learn about different English words and how to use them. The class is relaxed and designed for people’s English levels at 2, 3, or 4. Or can respond to simple/straightforward questions. No need to register! You can just show up!
Hosted at:
Sprucewood Library: August 6, August 13, and August 20.
Stanley A. Milner: August 3
Book Clubs of EPL – We Never Asked for Wings
Every month, the library hosts a book club based on different books that they’ve chosen. At Sprucewood this month, they’re reading We Never Asked for Wings by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood library: August 7th from 2pm – 3pm
Navigating the Application: Support for Newcomers
Online forms can be scary to approach on your own — especially when you’re new to the English language and new to technology. If you register for the event at the library, you can book a 30 minute block of technology help to help navigate the online forms. “Please be aware that the volunteer will help with the technology aspects of completing the application. The volunteer does not provide advice or interpretation of the content needed to complete the application form.”
This program extends past the end of summer.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood on August 3, August 10, August 17, August 24, August 31
Stanley A. Milner on August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22, August 29
Food for Thought: A Culinary Book Club
Combine your love of reading with your love of food! Registration is required for this book club, but it is offered every month! On August 11, the book is "The Anthropocene Reviewed" by John Green, and will be making Hawaiian pizza flatbread with pina colada mocktails. While on August 26, the book is "How to Pronounce Knife" by Souvankham Thammavongsa and you can make Summer Rolls with dipping sauce.
There is a $5 charge.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 11, August 26
Computer Skills
This is a class series where you can register to learn about different skills for using the computer. Like how to search the internet, create an email account, Introduction to Using Email
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 12
Stanley A. Milner: August 18, August 25
Adobe Illustrator: Introduction to the Basics
Learn the basics of the adobe illustrator workspace and how to create a custom vector graphic.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 14
Studio Lab Certification Class
The studio lab space is for audio/visual creators of any skill level. Photographers, videographers, and podcastors can come use this space once you have become certified through this course.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 15, 1pm – 3:30pm.
Laser Cutter Certification
The library runs through the basics of laser cutting and how to design your own projects (using Inkscape). This certification is offered past the end of summer.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 17, 2pm – 4pm
Tech Time
A drop-in 20-minute timeslot. The library offers one-on-one help for your tech related questions. Do you have questions about Microsoft? Need a hand setting up a new device? This is the best time to get your specific questions answered and helped with.
Hosted at:
Highlands Library every Tuesday from 4pm – 5:30pm
Life Skills: Tenant Empowerment Certificate Course
This is a free course offered by the City of Edmonton to help people learn to become a great tenant and navigate the rental market. Offered over the course of 4-weeks, this will give you the knowledge to navigate housing for you. Over the weeks, you can learn your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, the responsibilities of your landlord, and more. Registration is limited to 15 people.
Hosted at:
Highlands Library starting August 29th. Then will be every Thursday from 10:30am to 1:30pm.
Math for the Trades
This is a course for people who are working towards preparing for their trades entrance exam. Covering the basics like fractions, decimals, ratios, charts, algebra, geometry, and everything in between. However this course requires an assessment to join. To join, please email math@palsedmonton.ca
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner on August 4, August 11, August 18, August 25
Fab Lab Workshop
Do you need a hand with your latest project? Does it include sewing, soldering or laser cutting? Head on over to the library for help to get your project finished. You must be certified with the equipment you’re using to attend the class. You register for certification classes throughout the month.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 6, August 14, August 20, August 25
Lego for Adults
Need I say more?
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 6,
Make Music: Electronic Jam Session
A drop-in jam session to use the library’s sampling and beat making equipment. This program is extended past the end of summer, and happens every third Sunday of the month.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 18, 1pm – 3pm
Make Tax Time Pay
This is a free tax filing program available to people in the Edmonton area with low to moderate incomes. If you have a simple tax situation, are not self-employed, do not have a rental, and several other criteria, then Make Tax Time Pay is right for you! This program is offered outside of the summer.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 24, 11:30am – 2:30pm
No Expectations Art for Adults
Drop in and express your creativity in a no pressure environment. All supplies are provided, but there are no instructions! Just space and tools to create.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 24, 2pm – 4pm
Sewing Basics Level 2 – Aprons Part 1 & 2
Come and make an apron at the library. Participants must have taken the sewing certification course and at least one Sewing Basics class.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 27, 6pm – 8pm
Learn Downtown: Conservation to Collecting
An introduction to museum techniques to preserve your personal history and the collection process at RAM.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 28, 12:15 – 1pm
Craft & Chat - Crocheting
Join the library and crochet while chatting! Yarn and crochet hooks are available to make small crocheted animals. No registration required.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 28, 2pm – 3:30pm
Cricut Coffee Mugs Using Sublimation!
Take ordinary coffee mugs and turn them into personalized masterpieces! “Sublimation printing is a digital printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto different materials. In this case, coffee mugs. You print a design onto special transfer paper using sublimation inks. Then, you place the paper onto a mug and heat it with a Cricut Mug Press.”
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 31, 1:30pm – 4pm
Preschoolers & Toddlers & Babies
Read, Code, Play!
Introduce your preschooler to vocabulary and concepts used in computer coding through stories, songs, and other activities! This is a 6-week class program and there are only two classes left for the summer. Register online.
Hosted at
Stanley A. Milner August 1, August 8
“Enjoy delightful stories, songs, books, rhymes, finger plays and more, especially for babies. Cuddle with your baby and connect with other caregivers. Ages 0-12 months.”
This program extends past the end of summer.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 12, August 19, August 26
Stanley A. Milner: August 12, August 19, August 26
Summer Starts at EPL — To the Moon and Back
Read, play, and create your very own moon! Suitable for preschool children.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 10 from 2pm – 2:45pm
Highlands August 9 from 11am – 12pm
Summer Starts at EPL — Balloon Twisting with Demmi Dupri
A professional balloon twister and entertainer who specializes in unique balloon creations. Suitable for young children and families.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 8 from 11am – 12pm
Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn
Bring your child (up to age three) to join in for songs, rhymes, and signs! Parents/caregivers will interact with their child while learning strategies to enhance communication and development through repetition, visuals and movement.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood: August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30
Highlands: August 4, August 6, August 7, August 11, August 13, August 14, August 18
Stanley A. Milner: August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22, August 29
Summer Starts at EPL: Make Some Noise
Great for preschoolers. Explore the world of sounds with the library and make some noise!
Hosted at:
Highlands August 12 from 11am – 12pm
Music Makers: Sing Yourself Silly
Introduce and nurture musical literacy through games, singing, and movement. Great for kids aged 4 – 5.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 15, 10am – 10:45am
Children
Summer starts at EPL – The Bug Club!
Learn about bugs in the bug club! Appropriate for children ages 6 – 8
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 1 from 3pm – 4pm
3D Printing Club for Kids
A class to teach your child how to design and print a 3D model in TinkerCad — they’ll learn what works and what doesn’t. The library will print each design for free. While the class does not require registration, there is a limit of 10 participants.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner on August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22
Summer Starts at EPL: Ozobot Space Race
Program tiny robots to travel on colour-coded racetracks! Who’s robot can travel the farthest and the fastest? Great for children ages 6 – 8.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 3
LEGO at the Library
Come to the library to design and build a LEGO creation! Great for kids ages 6 – 8 and 9 – 12.
Hosted at
Sprucewood: August 4, August 11, August 18th, August 25
Highlands: August 3, August 4, August 10, August 11, August 17, August 18, August 24, August 25, August 31
Summer Starts at EPL: Be a Paleo Artist
Recreate what you imagine extinct animals would look like based on their skeletons! Great for children ages 6 – 8.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 6 from 7pm – 8pm
Summer Starts at EPL: The Idea Engine - Writing with Prompts
Writer-in-Residence Premee Mohamed will teach the kids about the different parts that make a story. Then, they’ll jump into creating an ‘idea box’ for new story ideas and then write based on these ideas! “This is a registered program with a limit of 25 participants. Participants should bring something to write on (notebook, laptop, etc.), pens of varying colours, blank or lined index cards (optional).”
Hosted at:
Highlands August 8
Summer Starts at EPL: Friendship Bracelets
A crafting program! Great for children aged 9 – 12.
Hosted at:
Highlands August 10 from 1pm – 2pm
Stanley A. Milner: August 23, 2pm – 3pm
Cricut Club for Kids
Want to learn how to make stickers, greeting cards, t-shirt designs, and more? Come to the library to learn how to use the Cricut Design space to create your own designs. Registration is required and it’s great for kids aged 9 – 12.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 11, August 25
Dungeons and Dragons for Kids
Always wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons? Head on over to the library to battle monsters and save the realms. You have to register to play.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 13, August 20
Stanley A. Milner: August 9, August 16, August 23
Summer Starts at EPL: Lego Lands: Alien Planets Edition
Get inspired by stories, rhymes, and songs, then create a landscape on an alien planet using LEGO! Great for kids ages 6 – 8.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 15 from 3pm – 4pm
Summer Starts at EPL: Root Robots: Lost in Space
Learn about coding in this simulation of robots being lost in space! Code the constellations and you can help bring the robots home. Great for kids aged 9 – 12.
Hosted at:
Highlands August 15 from 3pm – 4pm
Stanley A. Milner: August 9, 2pm – 3pm
Summer Starts at EPL: Return of the Sphero
Star Wars robot games! Great for kids aged 6 – 8
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 16
Summer Starts at EPL: Sky Stories
Create your own constellation and story and a star finder to help navigate the stars. Learn about constellations and stories that people tell about them. Great for kids aged 9 – 12.
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 17
Summer Starts at EPL: Astronaut Academy
Astronaut training! Your child can become an astronaut: by creating straw powered rockets, practice zero-gravity maneuvers, and learn how astronauts communicate in space. Great for children 6–8 and 9–12
Hosted at:
Highlands August 21 from 3pm – 4pm
Summer Starts at EPL: Lunar Adventures
A fun and interactive way to learn about phases of the moon! Great for kids ages 6 – 8
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 22
Kids Cook Culture: Summer Starts in the Kitchen
Join the library to explore diverse food traditions in the kitchen! This round the kids will be making mango lassis and turkey gyoza. Registration is required and opens August 6. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Great for kids ages 6–8 and 9–12. Registration fills up fast!
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 20, 10am – 1pm
Teens
Dungeons and Dragons for Teens!
Have you always wanted to play D&D but you’re not sure where to start? Register at the library to prepare for battle with monsters and magic. Great for teens aged 13 – 17 years old.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23
Adobe Illustrator: Introduction to the Basics
Learn the basics of the adobe illustrator workspace and how to create a custom vector graphic.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 14
Laser Cutter Certification
The library runs through the basics of laser cutting and how to design your own projects (using Inkscape). This certification is offered past the end of summer.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 17, 2pm – 4pm
No Expectations Art for Adults
Drop in and express your creativity in a no pressure environment. All supplies are provided, but there are no instructions! Just space and tools to create.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 24, 2pm — 4pm
Family + All Ages
Storytime
Join the library for a quick 15-minute segment of stories, rhymes, and songs. Offered at Stanley A. Milner library every Thursday from 11:30am – 11:45am. This program extends past the end of summer.
Family Gamer Night
Join the library for cooperative video game fun! This extends past the end of summer.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 6, August 13, August 20, August 27
Summer Starts at EPL: Music and Stars with Beth Portman
Beth Portman sings upbeat music while using a blanket as her stage. Using a looper station, she shows children what elements go into making music and how the looper station works.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 7
Summer Reads 2024: Board Games with GOBfest
Come to the library for an afternoon of board games! Or come and ask about which board game is right for you!
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner August 11
Elder-in-Residence
The elder in residences hosts biweekly programs centred on Indigenous knowledge and works to ensure that ceremony is an active part of the library system. The current elder-in-residence is Kokum Lorette Goulet.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 15 & August 22 1 – 3pm for drop in visits.
Library Lunchtime Concerts
Live music for lunch! Offered once a month throughout the year! For August it will be the Daniel Gervais Trio.
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 19, 12:15 – 1pm
Puppet Show
Hosted at:
Stanley A. Milner: August 25, 11am – 11:30am
Summer Starts at EPL: Crash Land into School!
Celebrate the end of summer with different activities offered at the Edmonton Public Library!
Hosted at:
Sprucewood August 24 2pm – 3pm
Highlands August 24 11am – 12pm
Stanley A. Milner: August 24, 10am – 5pm
Films at The Library:
Sprucewood:
A film at the library on August 8th and August 22 from 7pm – 9pm. Suitable for adults!
Stanley A. Milner:
Goldfinger: August 2, 2pm – 4pm
Wonka: August 4, 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Days of Thunder: August 7, 6:30pm – 8:15pm
Atomic Blonde: August 9, 2pm – 4pm
Aquamarine: August 11, 1:30pm – 3:15pm
The Art of Racing in the Rain: August 14, 6:30pm – 8:15pm
Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy: August 16, 2pm – 4:15
Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief: August 18, 1:30pm – 3:30
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: August 21, 6:30pm – 8:15pm
Red Sparrow: August 23, 2pm – 4:30pm
Beverly Hills Chihuahua: August 25, 1:30pm – 3pm
Gran Turismo: August 28, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Kingsman: The Secret Service: August 30, 2pm – 4:15pm