Author: Friends of the Library

President’s Report on 2022

President’s Report on 2022

May 10, 2023

Libraries are so much more than books… I think of the diverse populations that use our libraries for education, inspiration, celebration, relaxation, to search for direction or maybe to experience some human interaction.

Friends member Verla Carter, in a letter to the Gazette

When I look back on 2022, I am grateful for our dedicated Friends of the Library volunteers who have had immeasurable impacts on St. Albert Public Library over our 35-year history. Our first president, Bill Shields, once wrote:

“With your help, the Friends of the Library will be effective. With your involvement, it will help make the Library and St. Albert stronger. We urge you to participate – it will benefit you, the Library, and our City.”

This year, the Friends certainly lived up to this legacy.

In a year of advocacy, we raised our voices to help prevent devastating budget cuts to the Library. And in a year of learning, we met with three Friends of the Library groups across Alberta, sharing our experiences and learning about fundraising ideas.

Another Reel Monday season kicked off in January with Edge of the World, followed by 12 Mighty Orphans in February, Ride the Eagle in March, and Just Mercy in April. This season raised $2,165.78.

In February and March, we organized a Purdys Chocolatier Easter treats fundraiser once again, which has proved to be a hit with our supporters! We raised $895.75 this time.

As part of our “Friends Helping Friends” initiative (our effort to better connect Friends of the Library groups around the world) we met with the Friends of Edson & District Public Library in March, the Friends of Devon Public Library in April, and the Friends of Camrose Public Library in the summer. We highlighted our fundraising initiatives, advocacy, and our support of library activities and learned about their fundraising efforts.

During our Annual General Meeting recapping the 2021 year in May, we elected the following Friends Board: Graeme Matichuk re-elected as President and Marketing Chair, Sandra Fildes elected as Vice President, Verla Carter elected as Secretary-Treasurer, and Valerie Spink re-elected as Fundraising & Casino Chair.

Friends Coffee Corner plaque unveiling

In June, the Library honoured us with a plaque at Jensen Lakes Library for our $25,000 donation the previous year. We invited all casino volunteers who contributed toward this donation to attend an unveiling ceremony with speeches by Friends President Graeme Matichuk, Library Board Chair Bill Wells, and Library CEO Peter Bailey. We shared our strong belief that investing in our library’s growth is important work.

Several Friends participated in an engagement session on the Downtown Library refresh project, funded by a federal government grant and facilitated by Reimagine Architects, to share their vision for the Library’s future.

Unfortunately, midway through the year, the Library Board learned that City Council proposed a devastating $1.5 million cut to the Library’s budget over three years. In response, the Board launched a “Defend Your Library” advocacy campaign. The Friends supported these efforts by connecting with our social circles, writing emails and letters to Council, attending the budget presentation to Council, and writing letters to the Gazette with personal reasons why these cuts should not move forward. Ultimately, Mayor Heron moved and Council passed a motion to maintain the Library’s funding at 2022 levels, preventing the major proposed cuts but still sadly resulting in two staff layoffs. The Mayor reported that Council received 700 emails and letters in support of the Library!

In November, we contributed $2,625 toward a new water fountain with a bottle filling feature for the children’s library.

We donated $2,500 to STARFest from Reel Monday fundraising proceeds and many of us also attended the STARFest events.

For our winter Reel Monday season, we screened Love Sarah in September, followed by The Eyes of Tammy Faye in October, Mothering Sunday in November, and Peace by Chocolate in December. The audience especially loved Peace by Chocolate! This season raised $3,027.47.

The Friends of the Library in 2022 included Graeme Matichuk, Verla Carter, Valerie Spink, Sandra Fildes, Meagan Dechaine, Barb Moreau, Charleen Currie, Holly Ayotte, Joanne Root, Kathie Konarzewski, Marg Mazer, Sheena Sereda, and Wendy Stuart Hughes. Thank you to Peter Bailey, Leslie Greentree, and Rhonda Kozuska from the Library for supporting us with their expertise. Friends who participated through our 35th year were gifted commemorative bookmarks at our AGM on May 10, 2023.

In our 35th year, we reflected on St. Albert Public Library’s essential role in our community and the ways it has changed all of our lives. Fundraising and advocacy has been more challenging during COVID, but we will continue to relentlessly support the Library and all it offers St. Albertans. As our longtime Friend Valerie Spink says, “St. Albert’s library is more than a place to borrow books; it is a place where the community comes together.”

Graeme Matichuk

President, Friends of the Library

St. Albert’s library is more than a place to borrow books; it is a place where the community comes together. It offers a mix of services and programs that serve all age groups. Some of these services help employers find employees and help residents find jobs. Our library helps high school and post-secondary students with research resources and a space to study and meet with others to work on projects. Our library has shown over the years that its use numbers are among the top, compared to its peer libraries.

Friends member Valerie Spink, in a letter to the Gazette

Interested in supporting the Friends?

We are a group of library lovers supporting the St. Albert Public Library.

Friends Annual General Meeting

Friends Annual General Meeting

The Friends of the Library Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2022 at 7:00 pm in-person at the Downtown Library 2nd Floor Training Room. There is also a Zoom option available.

We will be presenting our major annual donations to the Library, electing our next Board, and more. Everyone is welcome to attend the AGM! If you are interested in joining the Friends to attend our regular monthly meetings, please contact at friends@sapl.ca.

Download our agenda and 2022 financial statements here:

Please RSVP to the AGM below:

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” documentary at the Arden Theatre

Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” documentary at the Arden Theatre

Hallelujah, the final film in our winter Reel Monday movie night series, screens on Monday, April 17, 2023. This biographical film follows the life story of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen centred on his beloved hymn, Hallelujah.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the links below for those who have not already purchased season passes.

Reel Monday is our major fundraiser for St. Albert Public Library, with a film screening once a month at the beautiful Arden Theatre. All films begin at 7:00 pm and seating is not reserved.

Progress Hall next to the concession will be open before the movie so you can enjoy snacks and drinks and meet with your friends before taking your seat in the theatre.


Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in-person at the Arden Theatre. Please note that the box office by phone or in-person is only open from 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Option 1: Online


Option 2: Phone


780-459-1542

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Option 3: In Person


Arden Theatre at 5 St. Anne Street

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Winter 2023 Reel Monday Film Series

  • The Phantom of the Open • January 23, 2023

    (Released 2021) Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, manages to gain entry to the British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shoots the worst round in Open history in the process. MARK RYLANCE, SALLY HAWKINS, RHYS IFANS

  • After Yang • February 13, 2023

    (Released 2021) When his young daughter’s beloved companion, an android named Yang, malfunctions, Jake searches for a way to repair it. In the process, Jake discovers the life that has been passing in front of him as he reconnects with his wife and daughter. COLIN FARRELL, JODIE TURNER-SMITH, JUSTIN H. MIN, MALEA EMMA TJANDRAWIDJAJA, HALEY LU RICHARDSON

  • Hidden Life • March 20, 2023

    (Released 2019) Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive. Based on real events. AUGUST DIEHL, VALERIE PACHNER, MARIA SIMON, KARIN NEUHÄUSER, TOBIAS MORETTI, ULRICH MATTHES, MATTHIAS SCHOENAERTS

  • Hallelujah • April 17, 2023

    (Released 2022) A definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.” This feature-length documentary weaves together three creative strands: The songwriter and his times; the song’s dramatic journey from record label reject to chart-topping hit; and moving testimonies from major recording artists for whom “Hallelujah” has become a personal touchstone. Approved for production by Leonard Cohen just before his 80th birthday in 2014, the film accesses a wealth of never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust including Cohen’s personal notebooks, journals and photographs, performance footage, and extremely rare audio recordings and interviews.

Purdys Easter Chocolates Pick Up

Purdys Easter Chocolates Pick Up

Thanks to everyone who supported our Purdys Chocolatier Easter fundraiser! We raised $638.66 for St. Albert Public Library!

Please pick up your orders from the second floor Training Room at the Downtown Library during the following windows:

  • Thursday, March 30: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, March 31: 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Library Lovers’ Month: Mildred Herron

Library Lovers’ Month: Mildred Herron

Mildred Herron, the founder of St. Albert Public Library, was born on this day in 1904.

She taught elementary school for 45 years, many of those in St. Albert. Mildred was a charter member of the St. Albert Women’s Institute, launching the library in 1947 with only 50 books in the back of the egg grading shop. She led the library with a team of WI women until 1961, when the Town finally formed a library board, then served as a board member for 6 years and trained the first paid librarian.

Mildred believed that with books and education, you could expand your mind and be anything. She did all kinds of things for the library: from painting shelves to sorting through donated books in her living room, from hosting card party fundraisers to canvassing shopkeepers to host the library’s book collection.

Those who knew her remark that she was a hardworking, quiet woman and a wonderful teacher. In celebration of Library Lovers’ Month, we honour Mildred Herron today.

Mother would have been thrilled to see the progress of the library over the past decades… She was all about children learning to appreciate and enjoy the library.

Bill Herron, son of Mildred Herron

Upcoming movie nights at the Arden Theatre

Upcoming movie nights at the Arden Theatre

There are two films left in our winter Reel Monday movie night series coming up in March and April. And we’ve just confirmed the April film. The next two films are Hidden Life on March 20, 2023 and Hallelujah on April 17, 2023!

If you’ve already purchased your Season Pass, you’re good to go! If you’re just hearing about Reel Monday now, or you haven’t purchased for March and April yet, all the details are below.

Reel Monday is our major fundraiser for St. Albert Public Library, with a film screening once a month at the beautiful Arden Theatre. All films begin at 7:00 pm and seating is not reserved. If you arrive early, we have opened up Progress Hall for you to sit down and order drinks or snacks from the concession before the movie begins.


Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or in-person at the Arden Theatre. Please note that the box office by phone or in-person is only open from 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Option 1: Online


Option 2: Phone


780-459-1542

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Option 3: In Person


Arden Theatre at 5 St. Anne Street

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Winter 2023 Reel Monday Film Series

  • The Phantom of the Open • January 23, 2023

    (Released 2021) Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, manages to gain entry to the British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shoots the worst round in Open history in the process. MARK RYLANCE, SALLY HAWKINS, RHYS IFANS

  • After Yang • February 13, 2023

    (Released 2021) When his young daughter’s beloved companion, an android named Yang, malfunctions, Jake searches for a way to repair it. In the process, Jake discovers the life that has been passing in front of him as he reconnects with his wife and daughter. COLIN FARRELL, JODIE TURNER-SMITH, JUSTIN H. MIN, MALEA EMMA TJANDRAWIDJAJA, HALEY LU RICHARDSON

  • Hidden Life • March 20, 2023

    (Released 2019) Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive. Based on real events. AUGUST DIEHL, VALERIE PACHNER, MARIA SIMON, KARIN NEUHÄUSER, TOBIAS MORETTI, ULRICH MATTHES, MATTHIAS SCHOENAERTS

  • Hallelujah • April 17, 2023

    (Released 2022) A definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, “Hallelujah.” This feature-length documentary weaves together three creative strands: The songwriter and his times; the song’s dramatic journey from record label reject to chart-topping hit; and moving testimonies from major recording artists for whom “Hallelujah” has become a personal touchstone. Approved for production by Leonard Cohen just before his 80th birthday in 2014, the film accesses a wealth of never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust including Cohen’s personal notebooks, journals and photographs, performance footage, and extremely rare audio recordings and interviews.

Purdys Easter Chocolates Fundraiser

Purdys Easter Chocolates Fundraiser

Our annual Purdys Chocolatier Easter fundraiser kicks off this week!

All profits support the St. Albert Public Library when you purchase these sweet Easter gifts for friends, family, and yourself. Click the link to sign up with your email address, then click “Shop Online” and then “Marketplace.”

After you’ve signed in, you can buy our amazing chocolates or invite others to join and support our fundraising campaign. Orders are due by Wednesday, March 15 and pickup is on Thursday, March 30 and Friday, March 31. Questions? Email us at friends@sapl.ca

Order Due DateWed., March 15
Order Pickup @ Downtown LibraryThurs., March 30: 10 am – 2 pm & 5 – 7:30 pm
Fri., March 31: 12 – 6 pm

Take a peek at the catalog below and be sure to place your orders via the website link above.

50/50 Raffle for Library Lovers’ Month!

50/50 Raffle for Library Lovers’ Month!

February is Library Lovers’ Month and we are thrilled to announce an online 50/50 fundraiser running for the month of February that will not only show our support for the library, but also give you the chance to win big!

As a charitable non-profit organization of dedicated library lovers, the Friends of the Library volunteer, fundraise, and advocate to support the St. Albert Public Library. With your help, we fundraise to support the incredible work of our library.

All funds raised will go to the library to help support programs, events, and resources that benefit St. Albertans. And the lucky winner will receive half of the cash pot!

Our Library Lovers’ Month 50/50 Raffle will be open from February 1 to February 28. We will draw the winner at our regular meeting at Wednesday, March 1 and the winner will be contacted soon after to claim their prize.

Let’s show our love for the St. Albert Public Library and make a difference together!

“In a world of changes, contributing to the health of your library is one of the only legacies that really lasts. And in building a legacy for your loved ones, you’re also investing in a more literate, more enlightened world.”

Lois Hole

Full details and rules are available on the Rafflebox page. This is a licensed AGLC raffle and tickets are only available via Rafflebox. https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/staaofotpul

A new season of Reel Monday!

A new season of Reel Monday!

The first movie of our winter 2023 Reel Monday season kicks off on Monday, January 23 with “The Phantom of the Open.” Grab your season passes now to secure the best deal! See below for instructions on ordering online, in person at the Arden, or on the phone.

Reel Monday began January 2005, and 18 years later, we’re still going strong! Reel Monday is our major fundraiser for the St. Albert Public Library, with a film screening once a month at the beautiful Arden Theatre and all profits supporting our Library.

All films begin at 7:00 pm and seating is not reserved. If you arrive early, we have opened up Progress Hall for attendees to sit down and order drinks or snacks from the concession before the movie begins.

Season passes and individual tickets are available only through the Arden Theatre box office online, in person, or over the phone. The process for season passes has a few extra steps, so we have prepared a step-by-step guide below. Season passes are $50 + Arden service charges and individual tickets are $15 each + Arden service charges.

The films this season are as follows:

  • The Phantom of the Open • January 23, 2023
  • After Yang • February 13, 2023
  • Hidden Life • March 20, 2023
  • See How They Run or The Royal (To Be Confirmed) • April 17, 2023

Purchasing Season Passes Online

  1. Go to tickets.stalbert.ca
  2. Click “Log In” at the top menu to log in or create a new account.
  3. Purchase a season pass:
  4. Redeem your season pass to get tickets for each movie:

The Arden also prepared a document guide for your convenience.


Season passes can be purchased online, by phone, or in-person at the Arden Theatre. Please note that the box office by phone or in-person is only open from 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Option 2: Phone


780-459-1542

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Option 3: In Person


Arden Theatre at 5 St. Anne Street

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

The line up of films includes the following:

  • The Phantom of the Open • January 23, 2023

    (Released 2021) Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, manages to gain entry to the British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shoots the worst round in Open history in the process. MARK RYLANCE, SALLY HAWKINS, RHYS IFANS

  • After Yang • February 13, 2023

    (Released 2021) When his young daughter’s beloved companion, an android named Yang, malfunctions, Jake searches for a way to repair it. In the process, Jake discovers the life that has been passing in front of him as he reconnects with his wife and daughter. COLIN FARRELL, JODIE TURNER-SMITH, JUSTIN H. MIN, MALEA EMMA TJANDRAWIDJAJA, HALEY LU RICHARDSON

  • Hidden Life • March 20, 2023

    (Released 2019) Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive. Based on real events. AUGUST DIEHL, VALERIE PACHNER, MARIA SIMON, KARIN NEUHÄUSER, TOBIAS MORETTI, ULRICH MATTHES, MATTHIAS SCHOENAERTS

  • TBD • April 17, 2023

    Save the date now! We are working on confirmation of “See How They Run” or “The Royal.”

Announcing Reel Monday Winter 2023!

Announcing Reel Monday Winter 2023!

Our upcoming 20th season of Reel Monday begins in January! Reel Monday is our major fundraiser for the St. Albert Public Library, with a film screening once a month at the beautiful Arden Theatre and all profits going to the Library.

We are once again offering season passes and individual tickets, available only through the Arden Theatre box office online, in person, or over the phone. The process for season passes has a few extra steps, so we have prepared a step-by-step guide below. Season passes are $50 + Arden service charge and individual tickets are $15 each + Arden service charge.


Purchasing Season Passes Online

  1. Go to tickets.stalbert.ca
  2. Click “Log In” at the top menu to log in or create a new account.
  3. Purchase a season pass:
  4. Redeem your season pass to get tickets for each movie:

The Arden also prepared a document guide for your convenience.


Season passes can be purchased online, by phone, or in-person at the Arden Theatre. Please note that the box office by phone or in-person is only open from 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.

Option 2: Phone


780-459-1542

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

Option 3: In Person


Arden Theatre at 5 St. Anne Street

Monday to Friday
10 am to 2 pm

The line up of films includes the following:

  • The Phantom of the Open • January 23, 2023

    (Released 2021) Maurice Flitcroft, a dreamer and unrelenting optimist, manages to gain entry to the British Open Golf Championship Qualifying in 1976 and subsequently shoots the worst round in Open history in the process. MARK RYLANCE, SALLY HAWKINS, RHYS IFANS

  • After Yang • February 13, 2023

    (Released 2021) When his young daughter’s beloved companion, an android named Yang, malfunctions, Jake searches for a way to repair it. In the process, Jake discovers the life that has been passing in front of him as he reconnects with his wife and daughter. COLIN FARRELL, JODIE TURNER-SMITH, JUSTIN H. MIN, MALEA EMMA TJANDRAWIDJAJA, HALEY LU RICHARDSON

  • Hidden Life • March 20, 2023

    (Released 2019) Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife, Fani, and children that keeps his spirit alive. Based on real events. AUGUST DIEHL, VALERIE PACHNER, MARIA SIMON, KARIN NEUHÄUSER, TOBIAS MORETTI, ULRICH MATTHES, MATTHIAS SCHOENAERTS

  • TBD • April 17, 2023

    Save the date now! We are working on confirmation of “See How They Run” or “The Royal.”