One of the missions of Airdrie Public Library (APL) is to be an accessible and inclusive place.
This can be experienced through something as simple as having a safe space to sit and read, or as complex as providing a collection that offers access to literature in all its many genres and forms.
One of those forms is print magazines. Yes – actual physical magazines that patrons can sit and read by the fireplace or check out like a book and take home.
Historians generally credit German theologian and poet Johann Rist as the creator of the earliest example of a modern magazine with his Edifying Monthly Discussions periodical.
For centuries, this form of communication has entertained, challenged, and educated us with the likes of Daniel Defoe’s The Review (1704-13) and the iconic National Geographic (1888-current).
APL is proud to boast a large collection of magazines for adults, ranging from Mad Magazine to Canadian Living, but we also have several just for children.
Chickadee, Highlights, National Geographic for Kids, Owl, and Ranger Rick are all available for parents to check out for their young readers.
Now, you might ask, why do children need magazines when they can just as easily have an online subscription delivered without much fuss to a tablet?
This is where accessibility comes in; not everyone can afford a magazine subscription or a tablet, and having a physical collection available for loan strengthens literacy equity.
On top of that, we’re human, and printed material creates a highly sensory-driven reading experience, one that isn’t constantly interrupted by ads or pop-ups.
That said, most of the print magazines APL offers for loan are also available digitally with your library card under the eResource tab on our website.
So, both formats, print and digital, are accessible to everyone.
For more information on APL’s programs and services, visit airdriepubliclibrary.ca
