NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT
Ytzel Velarde looks for books at the Medicine Hat Public Library on Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Visits to the downtown library, circulation and memberships all rose over the course of the year, according to the library board's report presented Monday at the public services committee meeting.
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
The Medicine Hat Public Library will concentrate on expanding its reach in 2019 and a new strategic plan to be drafted next year, the library’s board chair told a city hall committee this week.
Rick Redmond says that could involve new technology to draw in suburbanites, bolstering outreach programs for seniors and potentially updating children’s space at the downtown location.
“It’s very exciting and expect some very good news about it this summer,” he told council’s public services committee as the organization’s 2018 annual report was presented Monday.
That document notes that visits to the downtown location, circulation and memberships all rose over the course of the year, which “bucks the trend across the province,” said Redmond.
“We do have a very dynamic community and the library is well used.”
The First Street location welcomed about 270,000 patrons during the 12-month period, though there is some restrictions related to parking. That speaks to the value of meeting space and programming at the main branch, said Redmond, which is becoming a focus over book and materials borrowing.
Another trend, he said, was expanding library access to those who live beyond a 10-kilometre radius from the central location – areas where usage typically drops off.
“When we talk about satellite services, we’re not talking about bricks and mortar locations,” said Redmond. “It’s about other ways to get services out in to the community.”
That could include the potential for “book lockers” at well-frequented locations. Similar to a community mail box, requested books would be delivered, and then accessed by residents by swiping their library card.
In terms of other outreach, library employees made 126 school visits in 2018, and attended 10 seniors’ residences for off-site programs. About 50 volunteers deliver books to 66 home-bound members throughout the community.
Head librarian Ken Feser said the library is currently working to absorb a $70,000 reduction in operational funding that resulted from the City of Medicine Hat cutting from the grant it provides.
In 2018 that grant totalled $2.35 million, equalling about 80 per cent of the budget.
The library is also expanding its fundraising efforts. Previously the once-a-year “Love at the Library” fundraiser pre-Valentine’s Day raised cash for operations. A new campaign asks Hatters, businesses and service clubs to personalize their “Love for the Library” with targeted donations for specific purchases.
The board is also in the process of preparing to update the organization’s plan of service that must be updated by the beginning of 2021. That will include a wide-ranging community engagement.
“It’s about the community needs to get out of the library,” said Redmond.
The facility will see roof repairs completed this year by the City of Medicine Hat, which owns the building on First Street, as well as some general updates, paint and some furnishings.
