MH Public Library celebrates Canada Library month

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on October 25, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Though Canadian Library Month is nearly at an end, the Medicine Hat Public Library is celebrating the services it offers all year.

Once been a place used only to borrow books, the modern library offers much more, says the MHPL.

“In 2025, if you asked 10 people what the library is to them, it’s possible you’d get 10 different answers.”

In honor of the month’s celebration, MHPL has sought to highlight its place as a community resource centre, a hub of learning and a place of development and social inclusion.

“A library card opens a world of library services,” said MHPL’s chief librarian Ken Feser. “You can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, graphic novels and even things like a sewing machine or button maker. You can also access online resources like ebooks and online courses. You can even get materials from other libraries and use other Alberta libraries just like a local member.”

One of the ways to take part in the celebratory month is to get or use a library card, but many of the services the library offers are still accessible without one.

“You can get help from our staff, use our internet workstations and do a lot more with no card,” said Feser.

Medicine Hat Public Library also provides meeting rooms and spaces, services such as exam supervision and study resources, wellness kits for vulnerable community members and programs for all ages.

“Our library is a place that welcomes everyone and treats everyone with dignity and respect. Every day I see social interactions that bring people out of isolation, connect people of different backgrounds and lift people up,” said Feser. “I’m so proud to be part of an institution and a tradition that makes people happy and strong.”

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