Nice to Meet You
Welcome to the Friends of Strathcona County Library Society. Learn what we do, why we do it, how we got started, and who are the people that make it happen.
If you’re wondering why we do what we do, simply put, we are library lovers.
Our non-profit, Friends of the Strathcona County Library Society (Friends), believes wholeheartedly in the crucial role a local public library plays in enriching community life. Ask any of our members or board members why they cherish the library, and you’ll likely hear a list and an enthusiastic, “Oh, and don’t forget about…”—because there’s not just one reason. Once you experience the library’s magic, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in our hearts.
But if you need a bit more persuasion, here’s a snapshot of why we’re so excited about libraries:
From books and audiobooks to ebooks, magazines, TV shows, music, movies, newspapers, book club kits, and even sports kits—our library offers an incredible range of free materials.
The library is a vibrant, welcoming space at the heart of our community. Whether you need a change of scenery, a place to meet friends for coffee, a place for your kids to meet other kids, somewhere to study quietly, or to use a meeting room, the library has it all. It’s a physical space where all are welcome. Plus, the Bookmobile brings the library experience right to your doorstep across Strathcona County!
The library is a melting pot of community life. You might find students cramming for exams, book club meetings, parents engaging their children in early literacy programs, or newcomers seeking comfort in a book in their native language. Each visit offers the chance to reconnect with an old friend or meet someone new. And if you ever need assistance, the knowledgeable librarians are always ready to help.
From free public restrooms to a serene place for reflection, the library serves as a sanctuary for everyone.
We could list countless more reasons, but the essence is this: we deeply value the library and want to support it. While government funding covers much of the operational budget and large donors contribute to major projects, it’s the smaller, often unfunded enhancements that truly elevate the library experience. That’s where Friends come in—we make these small but significant improvements possible. Friends has added to many of the library’s physical and online collections, expanding the variety and number of materials available. We’ve also funded children’s furniture, an interactive floor projector, Ukrainian language materials, and more. To learn more about these projects, and many others, check out our current and past projects below or learn how to get involved with Friends.
Our Vision & Mission
All residents of Strathcona County will have the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the Strathcona County Library as an integral part of the community, enhancing the lives and well-being of everyone.
The Friends of Strathcona Library Society exists to support the Strathcona County Library by promoting its service to the community, advocating on its behalf and raising additional funds for specific library needs, such as collections, programs and equipment.
Our People
Over the years, Friends has been guided by dedicated community members while maintaining a strong partnership with the Strathcona County Library board and staff. Many volunteers have deep ties to the library, including a former director and board members. By engaging with the Society, whether it’s through volunteering, donations, or event participation, they become a valued member of our community and help advance our mission. The support of all our Friends is crucial to our success
Our History
Picture it. It’s 1972 and a group of passionate Strathcona County residents successfully petitioned for a library, leading to the opening of the County of Strathcona Municipal Library on February 14, 1977. By 1989, enthusiasm grew for a “Friends of the Library” group to support the library through fundraising and public awareness. The Friends of Strathcona County Library was officially incorporated as a non-profit in 1993, continuing the strong, collaborative spirit between the library and its community. Friends is also registered as a charity (in the public foundation category) with the Canada Revenue Agency and with the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis).
To view a more detailed history of the Friends of Strathcona County Library Society including a highlight of events and fundraisers, select the tabs below.
In 1972, a group of Strathcona County residents decided the community of 26,000 should establish its own library and petitioned County Council for legal sanction to appoint a library board.
On February 14, 1977, The County of Strathcona Municipal Library welcomed the community to its home in the newly constructed County Hall in Sherwood Park.
In 1989, it became apparent that there was interest in forming a Friends of the Library group, as other public libraries have, to raise public awareness of Strathcona County Library and to raise funds to support library projects.
On July 7, 1992, a Proposal for the Formation of the Friends of Strathcona County Library was discussed by the Library board along with interested community volunteers. The following individuals formed the Steering Committee: Jayne Mortenson, Director; Dale Sheward, Public Representative; and Mary Knights, Board Representative. The proposed primary focus was to be fund-raising, public relations and advocacy. The timing was thought to be right because of the opening of the new library facility on the lower level of the Sherwood Park Mall (the library was previously located in the Strathcona County Hall). As well, in the mid 1990’s, municipal funding from the Provincial Government was decreasing and there was a freeze on direct provincial funding to public libraries identifying a need for alternative sources of revenue.
On April 21, 1993, an organizational meeting took place and Friends members in attendance were:
- Les Cockburn
- Dave Eastham, Steering Committee
- Mary Knights, Library Board
- Helen Lavender, Steering Committee
- Hugh Lavender
- Jayne Mortenson, Library Director
- Marlene Smit
- Eleanor Stiles
- Lisette Vienne, Steering Committee
At this meeting, the Constitution and Bylaws of the Friends of the Strathcona County Library Society were adopted, and the election of officers took place. The following individuals were elected to the Executive:
- Dave Eastham, President
- Eleanor Stiles, Vice President
- Marlene Smit, Treasurer
- Lisette Vienne, Secretary
On May 13, 1993, the Friends of Strathcona County Library Society was incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act. In the application to form the not-for-profit society, the objectives of the Society were laid out:
- Aid in providing funds to meet special library needs
- Promote library services
- Advocate on behalf of the County of Strathcona Municipal Library – the name of the municipality changed to Strathcona County in 1995.
Sherwood Park Mall Administration approached the library to see if they would be interested in organizing and coordinating a Christmas gift wrap fundraiser. This was an annual fund-raising event and was a great volunteer opportunity and awareness builder. This fundraiser ran until 2022. We would pursue this fundraiser again if the right opportunity arose.
A Water Garden Tour was developed, and this self-directed tour allowed participants to visit gardens with water features in Strathcona County and on the east side of Edmonton. The event was a huge success and, in 2010, the Friends celebrated the 10th anniversary with repeats from the previous 9 years and showcasing the “best of the Best”. Subsequent years involved a change to the name and it became the “Garden Tour” with a shift in focus to outdoor living and xeriscaping. This fundraising event ran until 2016.
An application was made to the AGLC for a gaming license to work a Casino. Our first casino, in 2003, raised $24,181. This Casino was followed by even more successful ones:
- 2006 – $28,957
- 2008 – $18,638
- 2011 – $17,329
- 2013 – $21,214
- 2016 – $20,050
- 2019 – $21,182
- 2023 – $21,992
This is an ongoing fundraising event that we participate in when we are scheduled by AGLC.
In 2006, the Friends created a Historical Tour which took place in Strathcona County. Connelly- McKinley provided a bus and the tour started in Sherwood Park and moved out into the County of Strathcona, lunch was included.
Also, that year, the Friends participated in the Easter Egg-stravaganza which took place in the Sherwood Park Mall and took over the organization of the event the following year. Donated coupons, primarily from Mall merchants, were obtained and placed in envelopes for sale.
In December 2008, the library launched a $1.5 million Capital Campaign to purchase books, shelving, furniture and equipment for the new library scheduled to open November 1, 2010. The Friends were extremely active and raised over $30,000 to support the Campaign.
In February 2009, the Friends were offered an opportunity to sell 50/50 tickets at the Edmonton Oiler’s games and receive a portion of the money raised. The first event raised $12,724 followed in 2014 – $8,000, and in 2017 – $6,000.
The inaugural Books, Bites & Bubbly event was held on November 4, 2013, and has since become a staple in our annual calendar. While the event’s name has evolved to reflect various themes—such as Books, Bites & Boutiques and most recently in 2024 Sip & Sojourn—the core concept of storytelling with food or drinks has remained consistent.
In 2017, a web site was created and continues as a work in progress. The web site allows members and volunteers to sign up to receive information about the events and sign up for volunteer positions at the various events. The web site has become an invaluable tool in promotion of the work of the Friends of Strathcona County Library Society.
This was a landmark year for the Friends of Strathcona County Library as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. Celebrations included the recognition of previous and current volunteers. Coinciding with its 25th anniversary year, the Friends adopted a new logo.
Friends hosted a wonderful event on January 21 that celebrated our 30-year history of supporting the library with events hosted, managed or supported by the volunteers of Friends. Our success is a tribute to all those who have so generously given of their time and talents over the years. Friends contributions have helped the library to remain a valued community resource with enhanced services and programs. This event was funded entirely through a grant which was received from County Council and is also an expression of their appreciation of the volunteers in Strathcona County.