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Here for Parents. Here for Caregivers.

Your library offers access to knowledge, ideas, and stories from many cultures, perspectives, and life experiences. Families choose what’s right for their children, and SAPL staff are here to help with trusted guidance and support to help families navigate our collections with confidence.

 

How SAPL Supports Parents and Caregivers 

Safe, welcoming spaces

SAPL’s Children’s Library is designed with families in mind:

  • It’s located on the main floor, separate from Teen and Adult collections (2nd floor).
  • Features child‑sized furniture, activities, shelving and bright, colourful imagery.
  • Clear sightlines for caregivers, and lots of space for strollers.
  • Friendly staff nearby to help.

Clear information

  • Materials are labelled and catalogued by format, subject, and intended audience.
  • The full catalogue is available to browse online, allowing you to plan ahead. 
  • The online catalogue includes summaries, cover images, and location details to support informed choices.
  • Dedicated Kids and Teens sections on sapl.ca highlight age‑focused resources and programs.

Staff support

Library staff can help you:

  • Find materials that match your child’s age, interests, and reading level.
  • Navigate collections to find or avoid certain materials.
  • Create personalized reading lists for every reader.



FAQ- How does SAPL decide what to include in its collection?

Frequently Asked Questions for Parents & Caregivers

Library materials are selected by trained staff to meet the needs and interests of the St. Albert community. Choices are guided by community demand, quality, relevance, and value, and by our policies, which are rooted in intellectual freedom. Our collections include a wide range of ideas and perspectives—even those some may not agree with.
SAPL organizes collections by age, reading level, format, and topic, with the Children’s Library separate from Teen and Adult collections to support age-appropriate browsing. The Library provides access to materials, while parents and caregivers guide what their own children read, watch, or borrow. Knowledgeable staff are available to help families find what’s right for them.
Parents and guardians do. SAPL respects the right and responsibility of families to make choices that align with their values, and for that reason does not restrict access to materials on their behalf. Supporting families in finding appropriate materials is core to what we do every day, and library staff are always available to help parents select—or avoid—items based on their preferences.
St. Albert Public Library has an individual membership system-one card per patron. Library cards are free for St. Albert residents. If you’re under 18, you must have parental permission to get a membership.
SAPL serves a diverse community, so some materials may not reflect every individual’s beliefs or preferences. The inclusion of any item does not mean the Library endorses its content.
Materials are catalogued, shelved, and described to help families make informed decisions. You can browse the online catalogue or ask staff for help finding materials suited to your child’s age, interests, or reading level. We even do custom personalized reading lists
You’re encouraged to share your feedback. If you have a concern about a specific title, display, or resource, you may submit a formal Request for Reconsideration. All requests are reviewed thoughtfully and according to Library policy.
Yes. Patron suggestions are welcome and often purchased, as long as they align with the Materials Selection Policy. If an item isn’t available for purchase, staff may help locate it through another library.
SAPL is committed to intellectual freedom and equitable access to information. Offering a wide range of lawful ideas and perspectives ensures everyone in our community can explore, learn, and make their own choices—while families retain the right to guide their children’s library use.