Library Chat: Never a dull moment at the library

By Ken Feser on July 19, 2019.

Some small part of me may have been looking forward to a slow sleepy summer at the library, but it isn’t happening. I am surprised at how busy we are. Our summertime reading program and Monoporead game are in full swing so crowds of kids are to be expected, but there are lots of adults visiting too. There are programs and events coming up which will keep things humming.

July 25 is our fifth annual Member Appreciation Pancake Breakfast. We’re serving pancakes and sausages with juice and coffee. Gluten-free options will be available from Made4Me Naturally and Deerview Meats. There will be live music and children’s activities. Breakfast is free with your valid library card, $5 otherwise (you might as well get a $5 library card and enjoy benefits far beyond a free breakfast). This year we’re holding a 50/50 raffle. If we sell out all the tickets, we’ll be giving one lucky winner $10,000 on Nov. 21 which is MHPL Day. Tickets will be sold starting on Parade Day.

I am looking forward to a library visit from Jennifer Pharr Davis, a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. This amazing athlete crushed the Appalachian Trail speed record by figuring out that walking could be faster than running. We’re discussing her book on July 24 at 7 p.m. and Jennifer will be in the building Aug. 1 at 3 and 7 p.m.

Teens are invited to participate in One Book, One Summer. Start by reading “The Hidden Oracle” by Rick Riordan, then enter a prize draw, drop in to a book club on July 18 and Aug. 15 at 3 p.m., and register to enjoy a three-legged death race at Camp Half-Blood on Aug. 22. If you’re all grown up and seeking a reading challenge, adult Monoporead is back this year.

One more bit of news: We made a change this week by banning smoking on library grounds. I can’t help but feel a little bad for the smokers, who cannot catch a break these days, but the layout of our building and benches means that smoke often drifted into the building. I have heard spontaneous applause and cheers when I announced the news in various places so I think the majority approves.

Ken Feser is chief librarian at the Medicine Hat Public Library.