Library finishes theatre renovations

By Jeremy Appel on November 18, 2017.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

After nearly 10 months of renovations, the Medicine Hat Public Library will be reopening its theatre to the public on Nov. 25.

The ribbon-cutting occurs at 1 p.m. and the ceremony includes magician Trevor Moore, a screening of Despicable Me 3 and cake.

Mayor Ted Clugston, MLA Drew Barnes and possibly MP Glen Motz will be attending and saying a few words.

MLA Robert Wanner is unable to attend.

The night before the official reopening there will be an invitation-only ceremony for donors that will include a talk by acclaimed Canadian author Terry Fallis, best known for his satirical book “The Best Laid Plans,” as well as free wine and cheese.

Gillian Reimer, head of marketing for the library, said renovations were badly needed, as the theatre has been around since the ’60s.

“The seats were old. They looked old, they felt old. When you stood up they slammed back,” she said.

“There were no accessible seating options, which was a problem, and it was just old and in time for an update.”

In addition to more accessible seating, the library added a hearing loop for people who are auditorily impaired to plug their hearing aids into, as well as other upgrades.

“We’ve also done asbestos abatement. We’ve fixed the leaky ceiling. We’ve got a whole new stage and new audio visual equipment, new seats that don’t bang when you stand up, nice new paints and decor, (and) a new floor,” said Reimer, describing the renovation as “pretty much an overhaul.”

Patrons can expect the library’s regular lineup of movies on Saturdays, classic films on Thursdays, author talks and travelogues, as well as private rentals.

“Any bigger event that we expect a larger audience at will be in there,” she said.

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