It is located on the southern side of Sir Winston Churchill Square in the downtown core of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In January 2017, the library closed its doors for a major renovation, as all but the basic structure was removed to be rebuilt with an architectural design similar to that of the Art Gallery of Alberta located a few blocks away.

The original downtown library was sold and demolished in 1968, to make room for the Alberta Government Telephones Tower (today ATB Place).

Direct connection to Edmonton's underground pedway system was added in 1978 when construction was completed on the original LRT line downtown.

The library is connected to Churchill LRT Station, and can also reach most of the nearby arts and civic centre buildings through the pedway.

[11][12] The first major renovation project to the library was completed in 1999, which saw the addition of a new front entrance facing Churchill Square, along with many interior upgrades.

As is common with many of Edmonton's Brutalist buildings of the era, the exposed concrete and other materials in the library were beginning to fail from years of weathering.

[17][18] The proposal would involve removal and replacement of the exterior walls, a new front entrance, and revamped interior with updated mechanical systems.

[20] Future developments at the newly reopened Milner Branch include a Second Cup location, a renewed Muttart Theatre and the EPL Kitchen, a 2,100 square foot culinary centre that will provide creative and educational opportunities relating to health, nutrition and food literacy.