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Stanley A Milner Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
7 SIR Winston Churchill Sq NWEdmonton, AB T5J 2V4
(780) 496-7000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
16 reviews for Stanley A Milner Library
16 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew L.
Edmonton, AB
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
While you can lament that the downtown core doesn't have a Chapters or another bookstore to where you can kill time, but the library is even better.
The Milner Library doesn't mind if you take food, or coffee in while you're looking at books or magazines. There's also free wi-fi, or if you prefer to use a desktop computer to look something up online, there's usually one available.
The Milner also has a number of free talks on random subjects and shows a few movies per month on their projector.
And best of all, the library is open until 9PM on Weekdays.
It annoys me somewhat that a library card costs $12/year, but the library will kindly waive the fee for low income individuals - it's kind of like suggested donations at museums. And thankfully, you don't need a card to visit the library - you only need one to check out books and use the computers. -
Review from Kristina V.
Edmonton, AB
5/9/2012
There was a time in my life when I visited the Stanley A. Milner Library every day. I think I was going through a "trying to find myself" phase in my life, and figured that the library was the best place to do it. I didn't have the money to travel anywhere, nor did I have the confidence or means to talk to influential and aspiring figures. I had also dropped out of university for a spell, and wasn't sure what I wanted to study, or what I was interested in. So, I thought that reading books I could borrow from the library would be an affordable way to transport myself to exotic lands, learn about fascinating figures, and learn more about myself. It also helped that they library has comfy, cushy chairs, and computers I could use for an hour each day as I lived in a hollow bachelor apartment suite at the time and didn't have a computer of my own. In a way, the library became my home away from home.
I'm not alone in this: many of the resident homeless people find refuge at the library during their days. While this may put a lot of people off, the library has implemented some programs to help people in need. And security is always on hand should anything, well, get out of hand.
Over the course of my visits to the library, I learned about the various programs it has to offer: book clubs, movie nights, computer courses, children's camps, English as a second language groups, and a gallery! This is also where the Writer in Residence spends most of his or her time. There's also a writers' centre located on the main floor of the library. The library also hosts a variety of fund-raising events throughout the year, including four or five book sales (my favourite) and an annual gala. A word of warning though: a lot of the people that come out for the book sales are, shall we say, enthusiastic, and it's sometimes best to stay out of their way as they pick their way through the books that are on sale.
The staff is always helpful and patient with me when I forget my library card at home. There's also a wall near the entrance that I like to think of as "Staff Picks", but is a selection of bestseller books that can be borrowed for one week at a time.
Though I live in a much more comfortable one bedroom apartment now, and have my own computer, I still enjoy visiting the library and taking out books, CDs and movies. For everything the library does, and for what I have been able to get out of it, $12 for a library card is the best $12 I've ever spent. -
Review from Janine E.
Edmonton, AB
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been to a public library in years... but I was pleasantly surprised! I thought I would take advantage of my free library card I get with my University ID and take out a couple books for summer reading. I downloaded the app (very handy) and put a couple books on hold, and I waited for an email to tell me that my books were ready! Once I got the email I walked to the library after work to find my books waiting for me on a shelf! I then signed them out in a matter of seconds and left! Great experience, very quick, I think next time I might stay a little longer! I also enjoy how helpful the library is on twitter!
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Review from Mark L.
8/3/2011
You've got to pay $12 for a library membership in Alberta?!! I guess I'm just used to left-wing-free-library-cards-for-all BC. Oh well, I got my money's worth on my very first visit.
I've never been able to choose my library card's colour before. I picked blue; it brings out my eyes.
I spent a good hour perusing the various media available, mostly focussing on the words on a page variety. There's a good selection of magazines and the library had the top five books on my "Books to Read" list.
One thing I really liked is the bestseller category. The bestsellers are recent books with buzz. The loan period is only one week and you can't renew, so the books circulate quickly.
My only complaint is that several hundred people jumped on the Game of Thrones bandwagon before I did. I suppose it's not the library's fault that I'm currently number 300 on the hold list; it's that no good Sean Bean and his rugged good looks!Listed in: 30 day challenge
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Review from Jacqueline S.
Edmonton, AB
8/11/2011 57 Check-ins Here
Libraries are cool. I know Stanley Milner has a bit of a bad rep for sketchy folk hanging about. While they definitely are there, I've never felt unsafe while working/reading/staring off into space at the library. Bring some headphones and park yourself at a table, and this is a great spot to hang out or catch up on some work downtown.
I've become a huge EPL fan in the last couple years. Their website is awesome, and their latest marketing campaign is super fun. A library card is pretty much the best bang for your buck in town... books, music, DVDs, video games, etc. $12/year or free if you're under 18 or a U of A student. -
Review from Bridget C.
Edmonton, AB
12/18/2011 12 Check-ins Here
The downtown library is my second home, and why not? It has everything I need: novels, free wifi, and a Second Cup. The underground access to the LRT is particularly welcome in the winter, and ensures that I get from my cozy living room to the cozy library chairs with minimal time outdoors. I find the staff touch and go, generally helpful and enthusiastic, but I've run into an exhausted or disinterested librarian a time or two as well. What I really love about Edmonton Public Libraries in general is their awesome website, iPhone app, and involvement in social media. It's really easy for me to put a book on hold on my iPhone, and then go pick it up a day or two later at the Stanley Milner Branch. The audiobooks and eBooks are awesome too! I love seeing EPL keeping up with changing technology to deliver such a richly traditional human pastime: the written word.
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Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
4/9/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I do really like Stanley Milner library, with its awesome two stories and collection of books. It's a great big open space and it has a great selection of books here. Because it's part of the EPL chains of libraries, any book you're looking for can be brought in from another branch and it's very easy to make holds.
The staff here are always ready to help and answer questions. Because it's a large branch it's easy to get lost or have some trouble finding exactly what you're looking for.
If you need internet access, there's a great big section of computers upstairs, too.
Definitely a great place to kill time downtown (coffee's just next door) and explore some wonderful literature. -
Review from Karlie M.
2/10/2011 31 Check-ins Here
This is the branch of EPL I visit most frequently, not because it is close to my house but close to my work. I'll admit I don't spend tons of time browsing through here, because I love to browse on their website and put items on hold to be picked up. Love this feautre. Sometimes I'll search for something they don't have, and then I'll suggest it under the Suggest, Request, Ask feature on their website. Sometimes they will order it in, sometimes not, depending on availability. The website is very easy to use. You can look at everything you have checked out, when items are due back, fines, items you have on hold and when you need to pick them up by.
When I do spend a little more time in here, my favourite section to lounge in is the travel section. I am more often than not pulling out a bunch of guide books and sitting on the floor with them and usually taking a few out. The CD and DVD selection is also pretty good. I've had a problem several times (more than three or four) where I will have something on hold available to be picked up, and they won't be able to find it anywhere. Not on the self-serve shelf, not on the shelf behind the counter, nowhere. I can never understand it, and then I have to go back another time to get it. Oh well.
There are quite a few computers available here, I think for an hour at a time. Most of the time when I walk by the row of the computers on the second floor, it's full of people playing games and chatting on Facebook.
The Milner also seems to have tons of events and programs going on all the times. Talks, movie screenings, different art by local artists on the walls. Really interactive. I haven't gone to any of the events yet, but there are always some that I am interested in. They also have these big book sales a few times a year. I believe books are 50 cents to $1, and DVDs and CDs are $1-$2. I've seen a lot of junk there, but I've also seen lots of copies of popular books that they're trying to purge a few copies of, lots of oldish guidebooks and some good movies. They constantly replenish, so you might have to go a few times over the course of the sale to get the goods.
Another reviewer mentioned this branch being a kind of "homeless man central" (as well as perhaps questionable kids), and I agree. There have been times when I have felt a little uncomfortable going into the branch and even inside it at times, but it is a public place and there are lots of other people around (and probably cameras). I just keep my head up and get to where I need to go! I've never actually felt threatened or scared, just a little ehhh (if that makes sense!). And, there are probably worse places for people to be hanging out than the library.
One thing I really love about this branch is the automated self-serve check out scanner, and the self-serve mini conveyer belt to return books. Makes it really easy to get in and out if you're in a rush.
Membership is $12 a year for adults, $8 for additional family members in the same household. They will reduce or waive the fee for people on a reduced/low income as well.
There is also a Second Cup attached to the branch.Listed in: My downtown, I like books
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Review from Michael J.
Edmonton, AB
12/22/2010
Milner has one of the best audio/visual collections out of all the EPL branches.
EPL has put together a fantastic smartphone app that makes taking out materials easier than ever. Just search "EPL" in the iphone app store or visit http://www.EPL.ca. I visit Milner once every couple of weeks to grab a new book and pick up my holds. I especially appreciate the fact that staff are willing to waive the $12 membership for low-income folks. -
Review from Lauren N.
10/15/2008
This is the best library in terms of selection. I think it's the largest one in town, and they have everything the other locations don't have. Every section is bigger, and they also have a cafe in the same building, just inside the main entrance.
The kids' section is huge, and when I was working in childcare, I always found something the kids would like here. Their audio section astounds me, partly because it's at least five times bigger than the one at my local library.
I must admit, this library is so big I find it overwhelming, so I don't come here too often. It's got a lot, but I'm too lazy to search the place for what I want. I find it easier just to request something from here and pick it up at my local branch. I also feel slightly uncomfortable here sometimes, when quite a few homeless people walk in. Don't get me wrong -- I think they have every right to be there too, it's just I'd rather not be bothered when I'm looking at books, by strangers attempting chit-chat or their B.O.
Maybe if I lived closer to downtown I would come here more often, and appreciate it more. I personally prefer the small cozy libraries compared to big institutional-feeling ones like this though. -
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
10/8/2008 1 photo
I also love the Public Library, and the downtown location is my favourite. I'd often come here after classes to study or do work. I like the really big spacious tables, but I also appreciate the smaller desks that are more private. I like the fact that I could bring my laptop here and connect to the wireless Internet by logging in with my library card number and password. Although, this was sort of bad in a way, because I'd end up surfing the net or chatting instead of studying!
Although I like to take books out of the library, since they are so expensive, I also like to take advantage of the great music CD selection. (People really make fun of me for this--is it really that geeky?) When you're browsing through the library, you've probably seen some pretty bad music, but the key is to search for CDs on the http://epl.ca website and put them on hold. Sometimes there's a long wait, but at least it's free! You can seriously find even the newest and lastest CDs by mainstream or indie artists.
The magazine selection at this location is also awesome. There are quite a few aisles of magazines from all kinds of categories. I was surprised to find Bitch Magazine here, because it's really not that readily available.
Yep, the library rocks!! -
Review from Jack G.
Edmonton, AB
1/26/2010
I think this is the largest public library in Edmonton and probably the best one too. Unlike the other public libraries this one is very similar to the ones you would find in a university.
They have big tables for people who enjoy their space when study and they also have desks for people who enjoy their individual studying. You will find many students here. They also have wireless internet for those who want to bring their laptops but I think you have to have a library card for that. I'm sure you could get a temp number from them though.
The building also has a cafe inside. The library is really big so if you are going there to actually find some books you may have a tough time looking around. It is great for studying though. -
Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
4/30/2010
This library is so beautiful. It may not be old and authentic like the Old Strathcona branch, but this location has so many windows that look out onto the street that the chances of you getting distracted while studying are quite high!
This library also has so many events going on. I took a course here for alcohol serving certification (through the government of Alberta) and the area was pretty nice. The room was spacious and bright and there was coffee, tea and snacks provided.
This library also has a huge selection of books, dvd's, videos and cd's. Chances are, if you are searching for something, it is on the shelves of this library.
The downtown location is also awesome because it is easy to get to and from here and you can grab a Starbucks on the way (or second cup next door if that is more your thing). -
Review from Robin S.
Edmonton, AB
10/8/2008
Is it just me that still loves the library? It seems like every time I go here, the only people using it are old men playing chess and homeless people having naps. But for me, visiting the library is one of the most entertaining things I do on a regular basis. Last time, I checked out vegan cake recipes, '40s knitting patterns, romantic tarot card decipherers, Woody Guthrie artworks, books on writing, and Freya Stark travel narrative. If it weren't for the library, there's no way I would ever have read something as fluffy as Around The World In 80 Dates, which turned out to be pretty enjoyable. And luckily there's even a self-checkout so no one has to see those guilty pleasures.
One of my favourite sections of the library is tucked way at the back: it's an extensive local history section, with a lot of old, boring-looking hardcovers about the early pioneer days that contain a wealth of information about Alberta, which has a surprisingly interesting past.
Another great thing about the library is the AV room, with tons of films (foreign and mainstream) and DVD documentaries you can check out. The music DVD section is particularly well-stocked.
For those with no Internet access, the library provides it free of charge, but be ready to wait in line.
Use the library for rainy days, preparing for rainy days, killing time downtown, learning a new skill or even as a fun, cheap date. -
Review from Jinho K.
Edmonton, AB
9/25/2010
Daylight, modern design, cafe... There aren't a lot of kids here since it's downtown. I'd prefer Lois Hole but this branch is still good.
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Review from Paula K.
10/16/2008
I am an avid library user, and the main branch downtown has always been one of my favourite locations. The information section on floor 2 allows one to look up just about anything. The multimedia room on the main floor is what keeps me coming back, with CDs and videos in just about every genre. I would often come here when I was younger and discovering different kinds of music. There is a free wireless, and plenty of Internet stations available if you don't have a laptop but need to surf the Internet (there is a time limit of one hour, though). A number of non-profit organizations occupy the sixth floor. There are meeting rooms available at reasonable rates, and sometimes special events are held in the basement lobby and theatre area. Sometimes I grab a book and head to the Second Cup that is attached on the main floor. The Milner Library is more than just a library to me - it is part of my lifestyle.
