Welcome!
Libraries across the province of Alberta have removed the non-resident user fee that affected people living On-Reserve or On-Métis settlements. In the past, this non-resident library user fee was about $60 more than what a town resident might pay, a considerable barrier for First Nation and Métis residents. Today, a library card is free in most communities. If a fee is charged, the fee will be the same for all library patrons regardless of whether they live in town, county, On-Reserve, or On-Settlement. This change is long overdue but a positive step towards equal access to service.
Northern Lights Library System and Indigenous Services
Northern Lights has committed to endorsing a new relationship with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit individuals and communities. This means extending an invitation and introduction to library services and programs. We would like to create space for local Indigenous perspectives and content in library collections and to improve access to collections. Within the geographical area of the Northern Lights Library System, there are seven different First Nation communities and four Métis Settlements.
How? Our goals are simple:
Welcome ♦ Invite ♦ Make Space ♦ Improve Access
Here are some examples of the above goals in action:
- Weekly on-site library service to reserve communities
- Incorporating Cree and Denesuline language resources into library collections or websites
- Taking responsibility to make the library a welcoming space with a smile or a handshake - Making space for Indigenous content and programming
- Building relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities
Check out the links below for information about library services related to Indigenous people:
- CFLA Truth and Reconciliation Committee Report & Recommendations
- CFLA TRC Report
- Press release for Alberta Services to Indigenous Communities
- Edmonton Public Library, Elder in residence
If you are interested in including Reconciliation as part of your library programming or if you would like to become involved in an event, please reach out to our Indigenous Relations Advisor, Mary Dustow, at mdustow@nlls.ab.ca.