(Adrian St.Onge/CHAT News)

By Adrian St.Onge

Hatters given a chance to pay-it-forward with the Medicine Hat Public Library

Apr 22, 2024 | 1:08 PM

Medicine Hat Public Library members will be given the opportunity to help their fellow Hatter by buying their next library registration.

When members go to renew or buy their first library card, they will be asked if they would like to spend an additional $5 to buy another card for someone who might otherwise not be able to have one.

Once $1,000 has been raised, head of community engagement and marketing Chris Brown said that new stickers will be on the cards.

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While it’s still undecided about what the cards will say, Brown said that the community impact could be immense as the piloted program helps with accessibility and removes barriers.

“For the people donating, it’s a good feeling to pay it forward and for the people benefitting that no longer have to pay that five dollar fee, sometimes that’s the difference between being a library member and not,” Brown said.

“Ideally every Hatter has a library card because the library is so much more than just books. It’s books, it’s e-books, it’s a program we run her for people of all ages.”

The library started the “Library Card For Every Hatter” program three years ago, giving an opportunity for community groups, individuals and businesses to sponsor library cards.

Those who are looking to donate can do so by visiting the public library or find more information by visiting its website.