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Hatters support library with gala

Feb 13, 2017 | 7:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Hatters came out to show their support for the Medicine Hat Public Library Friday night.

The library held its second-ever Lovin’ the Library Gala, packing the bottom floor of the library for a night of food, fun and auctions.

Gillian Reimer, head of marketing services at the library, said the gala had a higher number of attendees from the first event in 2015.

“We had roughly 165 tickets sold, which was great for us,” she said. “That many people worked well with the space we had, so it was great.”

During the gala, guests were able to take part in adult story time, listen to local author David J. Carter read from his books, and bid on a variety of auction items, including a tour of CFB Suffield. An exact total of how much was raised was not immediately known.

“I think all of the entertainment options, and the fact that you could come to the library, have a drink, have some food and network with your friends, I think was a draw,” said Reimer.

The gala served as a fundraiser for the library to help fund renovations to improve its theatre. Reimer says renovations will cost $700,000, and the library had to take out a loan of $120,000 from the city to be able to start renovations.

“We did take a loan, but we’d like to keep fundraising, so we’re in as little debt as possible,” she said.

Reimer said the theatre will be closing soon, with renovations expected to be finished by May. During the renovations, the library will be screening movies in the Honor Currie Room.