Stanley Milner Library gets a graffiti makeover

The writing is on the wall.

The Stanley Milner Library in downtown Edmonton needs some revitalization. On Dec. 31, they are closing for renovations — but first, Edmontonians were invited to decorate the walls and leave their marks before the new year.

• Downtown library wants Edmontonians to make their marks
• Major renovations to close Edmonton's downtown library for up to three years
• $56M revamp proposed for Stanley Milner Library

The Edmonton Public Library held a Graffiti Day for vandals to come out and write about what the library means to them. Whether that was a favourite quote from a story, a favourite memory of the library or just a drawing, Edmontonians did just that.

Amber Sayed said she has a lot of fond memories at the Stanley Milner Library. "Over the years, I've come here a lot," she said, adding she performed school plays and watched her sister's dance recitals there. "It's kind of just become one of those constants in our lives."

Katherine Shute first came to the library 60 years ago. "I've actually been coming to the library since the 1950s, when the bookmobile went to our neighbourhood," she said.

Now, she thought it seemed fitting to bring her grandson, Matteo, to help decorate the walls of the EPL. "It's something you're never allowed to do," she said.

Both Shute and Sayed said the library is one of the most important places for kids to learn, and both are excited to see the new look once it's finished.

"To us, the library is the most important place for kids to be," Shute said.

"It's important to show that everyone has a voice at the library," Sayed said.

The work is expected to be completed by 2020.