Just Getting Started: Edmonton Public Library's First 100 Years, 1913-2013

by Todd Babiak

"The contribution made by the Edmonton libraries to the sanity and support of the citizens cannot be estimated. No Annual Report can gauge things of this sort."
--Annual Report of the Edmonton Public Library, 1931

The Edmonton Public Library turns 100 in 2013! Novelist, journalist, and Edmontonian Todd Babiak tells the story of EPL's birth and coming of age within the bustling narrative of the growth of city and province. Rich with anecdotes and historical photos, records of personal conversations, and tales of expeditions to branch libraries, Just Getting Started immerses readers in a personal journey to the heart of culture in one of Canada's biggest cities. Babiak's history is one-of-a-kind; it reads like a novel, mirroring the institution it commemorates. Edmontonians, librarians, politicians, and historians may glimpse themselves within these pages; all will see how vital a successful public library is to reflecting the needs and aims of a diverse population.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, History

360 pages, ebook

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

When I think no one else is around, I conduct pretend orchestras.

Reviews

[Marlene Rohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this account of the evolution of the Edmonton Public Library over the last 100 years, written in a very readable and entertaining format. I was especially inspired by the contribution of Ethyl Sylvia Wilson who continued to work as a seamstress, even after being elected to various political positions; locally as an alderman, a library board member and and an MLA.
The work of establishing libraries wasn't easy; and through the combined and often thankless efforts of an army of people like Ethyl, the current library system in Edmonton is now thriving and continuing to provide unique and necessary literary supports to all residents in the community.

[Edward B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

History of the Edmonton Public Library.

I learned some things, which is good.

Not well-written, pretty scattered and inconsistent.
But I'm not sure how you could do a better job of a history of a library. The attempt at a narrative felt contrived and imposed, but without any narrative, you've just got bald facts which wouldn't make for a very good read either.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and engaging for what it is. I will admit to a biased opinion considering my relation to one of the main participants, but I thought that Mr. Babiak did well demonstrating the importance of the library to our communities.