The Library and Southlands Co-op had a barbecue on Monday. Co-op came prepared to feed about 350 and by the end of the night they had served 1,500 burgers and hot dogs. They had to restock three times and I’m told the Medicine Hat stores were pretty much cleared out by the time we were done. Thanks to everyone who attended and apologies for the long wait that some endured. We were victims of our own success. A big, big thank you to the library staff and the Co-op volunteers who went all out to keep things moving.
The barbecue wasn’t just for fun (although the tunes and the bouncy castle were rocking). We shared the news about a grant that Co-op is giving us. The library is receiving $74,300 for a Developmental Play Space. It will include a two-level play structure, activity panels, play stations, a giant foam construction kit and various other goodies. Another big thank you to Co-op for this support.
When we were putting our proposal together for Co-op we realized there is no free indoor play structure in Medicine Hat. I fully expect that when we open the space early in the new year, in the depths of winter, kids and caregivers are going to come in droves. Every family needs wholesome free fun things to do in the depths of winter. I hope the front line staff are prepared!
It’s actually my job to make sure that staff and the library are prepared, and we will be. I will for sure be lavishing thanks and donuts on the hard working staff at launch time. We will also try to make visiting the library comfortable and convenient for families. We know that parking is a hassle for many of our visitors, and we’re working on a plan for that. I hope to partner with some of our neighbours to have plenty of parking available during designated family times.
The play space is going to be all kinds of awesome, but we want to do more in our children’s area. Installing the play equipment is going to be disruptive and it would be a good time to freshen up the paint and carpeting. We want to build zones where preschoolers can play and parents visit, families can hang out and older preteens can find something interesting. We’re still in the process of looking for funding but we’ll do what we can and we won’t stop until the space is at the level that Medicine Hat deserves.
And if you’re an adult wanting some cool new stuff for yourself, you’re next on our list!
Ken Feser is chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library.
