The library had a successful summer and the good times have continued on into fall. Last Saturday was Methanex Library Card Sign-up Day, sponsored by, you guessed it, Methanex. They provided funding to cover the cost of 500 new or renewed library cards, which normally cost $5 – not a whole lot, but every little bit of savings counts. Hatters must agree, because we had a great turnout. More than 1,900 people visited, more than 1,000 more than the previous Saturday.
Sometimes these big events can be a bit frantic; our summer barbecue announcing the Co-op Developmental Play Space this was that way, with volunteers scouring the city’s Co-ops for more and more hamburgers. But the vibe on Saturday was mellow and positive. Everyone I’ve spoken to, staff and volunteers and patrons alike, agree that it was a great day of fun and socializing.
The afternoon movie did get a little hectic, with every seat filled and some people turned away; apologies for that. The cake went a little too fast as well. I had a slice coming to me and I got distracted and it disappeared. Probably just as well that a member of the public got it instead.
Positive as the are, these noisy and busy events make me think we have to accommodate those who want peace and serenity in the library. I think in the future we will have to consider designating quiet days or quiet times. Unfortunately this can’t happen for a while. We have painting and construction happening in the children’s area and the city is working on our HVAC systems. We don’t anticipate and closures but there will be some noise, tradespeople on ladders and similar disruptions for a while. Please bear with us.
Methanex Library Card Sign-up Day included a Food for Fines initiative that allowed patrons to pay their fines with food bank donations. More than 400 pounds of food were donated. It was a delight to drop the donation off at the food bank, they were very appreciative. Apparently this is a very large amount of food to collect in one day. Thank you library patrons for being so generous.
Ken Feser is chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library.
