About PLS

About PLS

Background

In 1986, 21 municipalities formed a partnership that created Peace Library System (PLS). They believed access to library services should be equal and universal. They wanted to ensure the patrons in small, rural libraries had the same high-quality library service enjoyed in larger, urban centres. Funding for Peace Library System is provided by municipalities, member library boards, the province, and by contracts-for-service with a number of school authorities.

The Peace Library System service area covers over 92,000 square miles (24 million hectares) with a current member population of over 175,000 in 38 municipalities and one Métis settlement.

Peace Library System is working to ensure that its member libraries remain the essential information centers of their communities.

Mission & Vision Statements

Our Mission

Connecting libraries, people and resources through teamwork, technology and training

Our Vision

All residents of northwestern Alberta will have equal access to excellent library service.

Our Beliefs

WE BELIEVE THAT: access to library services should be equal and universal. This is accomplished through sharing and cooperation.

WE BELIEVE THAT: sharing resources provides efficient use of community resources. As a library system, we can provide more effectively a pool of knowledge and expertise and organize the sharing of those resources among members.

WE BELIEVE THAT: a library system is only as effective as its members. The members are joined together in a federated system, rather than the system existing as a single entity outside the membership. By using the energy, input and support from the local level, each member has a say in running the system.

Treaty Acknowledgement 

Peace Library System acknowledges Treaty 8 territory as well as the Métis Nation of Alberta. Peace Library System libraries are located on territory that provided a travelling route and home to many Indigenous peoples.

Benefits of our Regional Partnership

Peace Library System services are designed with the needs of our member public libraries in mind.

Working cooperatively with municipalities and public libraries, Peace Library System stays on top of the trends and changes in the library world to assist libraries in offering the best possible services to their patrons.

Participation in Peace Library System offers many advantages to member libraries:

  • Pooled purchasing of books and materials means library budgets go further. Library funds are used in the most effective way possible.
  • Libraries are no longer limited by their four walls. With the Peace Library System/TRAC database, The Alberta Library (TAL) database and interlibrary loan services, patrons can borrow books and materials from around the province.
  • Peace Library System residents who have a TAL (The Alberta Library) card can use it to borrow materials at hundreds of libraries across the province, including from many university libraries.
  • Member libraries enjoy support for local author talks and literary programming with subsidies provided by Peace Library System.
  • Library Managers and trustees can ensure their professional skills are up-to-date through continuing education opportunities organized by Peace Library System.
  • Professional library consultants make regular visits to member libraries, and are available for email and phone consultations.
  • Library managers save valuable time by allowing Peace Library System staff to order, receive, catalogue and process their books for them.
  • Expert computer and technical advice is available from Peace Library System IT staff.