Edmonton, AB, October 1, 2025 - The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada is thrilled to announce that a new RAIC Architecture for Young Readers book collection will be available at the Edmonton Public library (EPL). The collection will be officially unveiled on October 5, 2025, at the Stanley A. Milner branch, in celebration of World Architecture Day (October 6).
The new collection, featuring over 200 books, was made possible through a sponsorship drive led by the RAIC and its Edmonton Network, which matched community contributions. The initiative aims to inspire children and youth by sparking curiosity about architecture, design, and the built environment. The collection features a wide range of titles that introduce young readers to architectural ideas, creativity, and critical thinking including If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen, Boxitects by Kim Smith, and If You Lived Here by Giles Laroche.
The launch event, starting at 10:30 a.m. and open to the public, will include engaging, family-friendly programming throughout the day, such as Family Storytime, building challenges in the Children’s Makerspace, and a 3D printing workshop on tiny house design. Special guests will include Cynthia Dovell, FRAIC (RAIC Regional Director, Alberta / Northwest Territories), and Ian Mulder, MRAIC (Chair, RAIC Edmonton Network.
“Architecture shapes how we live, work, and play. Yet few children have the opportunity to discover this creative field in a meaningful and inspiring way. Through the ‘RAIC Architecture for Young Readers’ collection, we are creating a space for young minds to explore critical thinking, spatial imagination, and a deeper understanding of the built environment. This initiative is a key contribution to fostering a culture of design that is inclusive, accessible, and grounded in the realities of our communities.”
EPL’s Executive Director, Customer Experience, Sharon Day, added, “We are delighted to partner with the RAIC to make architecture more accessible and inspiring for young readers. Introducing these books into our collections helps kids nurture their curiosity, explore the world of design and the built environment in ways that are both engaging and meaningful.”
The Edmonton launch builds on a series of RAIC community collaborations designed to engage children and youth with architecture. Past projects include the Ottawa Architecture Week Birdhouse Painting Workshop with the Ottawa Regional Society of Architects, and the Architecture for Young Readers collection in the Halifax Public Library.
Event Details
Architecture for Young Readers Collection Launch Party
October 5, 2025 | 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stanley A. Milner Library, Edmonton Public Library
About RAIC
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization dedicated to representing architects and architecture since 1907. The RAIC is the only national voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada focused on providing Canada’s architectural community with the tools, resources, and education to elevate their practice. The RAIC is committed to showcasing how design enhances quality of life, while advocating for important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s mission is to build a better world for all by empowering a strong culture of design excellence in Canada. Through our work, the organization's vision is to establish Canada as a global leader in design and architecture.
About Edmonton Public library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is a gathering place for people and ideas, enabling a lifetime of learning, engagement and possibility for every Edmontonian. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 15.4 million in-branch and online visits across our 21 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL.
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Media Contacts
RAIC Communications
communications@raic.org
Edmonton Public Library
Karen Chidiak, Manager, Marketing & Communications
EPLMedia@epl.ca