Edmonton Public Library CEO Pilar Martinez to step down in summer 2026

Edmonton Public Library's CEO Pilar Martinez has announced plans to step down in summer 2026. (EPL)

After more than a decade as Edmonton Public Library’s (EPL) head, Pilar Martinez has announced she intends to step down in August.

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“It has been the honour of my life to serve as CEO and to work alongside such an exceptional team and community,” said Martinez in a new release. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help shape EPL’s mission and elevate its impact, and I look forward to supporting a thoughtful transition in the months ahead.”

During her tenure, 14 new branches opened and six branches were renovated and expanded, including downtown’s Stanley A. Milner Library.

Access to library resources was increased under Martinez’s leadership through the elimination of fines, free memberships and leading initiatives like storefront branches, literacy vans and expanded access to creative technology and digital content.

“I’ve seen first-hand how EPL enriches the lives of Edmontonians. Under Pilar’s leadership, EPL lowered barriers and widened opportunity with fine-free borrowing, increasing access, and programs and resources that turned everyday library moments into pathways to possibility,” said Mayor Andrew Knack.

Martinez will work with the EPL board in transitioning out of her role in the coming months.