The Medicine Hat Public Library is starting a new program. (CHAT News)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Medicine Hat Public Library launches ‘pay-it-forward’ campaign for cards

Apr 18, 2024 | 3:07 PM

The Medicine Hat Public Library wants to bring the same gesture of kindness that comes with paying for another person’s meal in the drive-thru to its library cards.

Library cards used to cost $5 annually until, three years ago, MHPL started its “A Library Card for Every Hatter” campaign.

Businesses, community groups and individuals sponsor library cards through the initiative so that everyone in the community can access all library services for free.

The new pay-it-forward sponsorship option will allow residents to get involved on a smaller scale, head of marketing and community engagement Chris Brown said in a statement Thursday.

“For the next couple of months at least, when people register for a library card or renew their card, we’ll be asking people if they would like to pay-it-forward,” Brown said.

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“When we get to $1,000 in pay-it- forward donations we’ll put a sticker on the cards to show that these cards are free because of community members who paid it forward.”

Those interested in becoming a library card sponsor can visit MHPL.Shortgrass.ca.