Town of Banff

Banff Public Library

Librarian Holly Nguyen browses the stacks in one of her favourite sections of Banff Public Library Photo: Kevin Elliott

Banff's Public Library has grown from small and humble origins. Our first library was founded in 1949, and the original book collection consisted of about 2,000 volumes, mostly novels. It was located in the basement of the Banff Clinic, and it was staffed by volunteers and funded by donations.

The library building at the present location, across the street from Central Park, the post office and Banff Town Hall, was opened in 1985. Today, 3,900 residents of Banff and ID#9 (including Lake Louise) have library cards, and the collection encompasses 37,000 books, audio materials, videos and DVDs.

In 2000, Banff Public Library became the first library in Alberta to eliminate library membership fees for local residents. The success of this initiative made free library cards a permanent policy in Banff, and brought province-wide attention to the vital role that public libraries play in a democratic society.

The library also provides Banff's home for the Bow Valley Literacy Program.

Banff Public Library
Box 996, 101 Bear Street
Banff, Alberta, T1L 1H3
(across from the post office)
T: 403.762.2661
F: 403.762.3805

For more information: Banff Public Library website