The Rotary Club of Medicine Hat visited our Medicine Hat Public Library on Monday 9 February 2026.
Chief Librarian Ken Feser was our guest speaker.
Ken spoke about the story of libraries in general and then specifically, the history of the downtown library in Medicine Hat.
He wove into his presentation, the shared values of libraries and Rotary, and the contributions Rotary has made to the library in Medicine Hat.
Ken pointed out the significant changes in society over the decades, particularly in information technology, how libraries have adapted, and how LIBRARIES STILL MATTER.
Some more detail:
There are broad similarities between the motivation behind the establishment of the library in Medicine Hat (1915) and the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat (1918) – both aimed at building this new community, creating a caring community and creating opportunities to uplift and support one another.
In the old days, libraries were where everyone accessed knowledge. The need to gather information obviously still exists, but now it is largely via the Internet. In the 2000s, the government wisely put money into libraries to beef up internet access.
Books remain important sources of information but more than that – they offer an antidote to stress and to negative social media. Reading has a calming effect, amongst other benefits. Ken elaborated on the library’s pre-school story time programs which are great for preparing children for entry into the school system. He also mentioned the Rotary supported program targeting Grade 4 students in the city, introducing each and every one of them to the library.
Alongside being a source of information, libraries offer opportunities for entertainment and recreation. Ken spoke about the increase of social isolation, loneliness and division in communities and the wider world. Libraries offer an anti-dote to these sad realities. The library provides a warm space, literally and figuratively, to all. It is a safe space where people can access a variety of programs and can find and build community. Ken commented on how the Medicine Hat community loves programs and values the wide variety offered by the library. Aside from those already mentioned, there are craft programs, a lego space and a book club.
Another of the many programs offers casual employment to people who are in a financial crisis, like assisting during the library book sales and serving coffee on community coffee mornings at the library.
The introduction of a security guard just inside the entrance, paid by the City, helps create a space where potential problems are prevented before impacting those in the library. There is also an easily accessed social worker whose focus is on connecting those who approach her, with needed resources in the community. Her salary is shared by the City and the Provincial Government. Regarding navigating systems, assistance is available for communicating with Canada Revenue, a challenge for most!
Ken spoke highly of the Library Board, of his staff, and of the many volunteers, saying what a positive, caring and strong body they form – and how much the community appreciates them. Linked to the above-mentioned notion of a safe, caring space for all, Ken elaborated on how the staff and volunteers relate to all who enter the library in a positive, respectful way, seeking win-win outcomes.
Partnerships are important to the library, including with the City and with Rotary.
Ken gave examples: the city owns the building. It keeps it well maintained, and for example in 2025 it provided a new boiler, fixed the elevator, and built the washroom in the Children’s library.
Another significant partnership is between the library and the Rotary Clubs in Medicine Hat that have supported the library in many ways over the years and continue to do so. Ken noted the names of our clubs being listed at the top of the two Donor Walls, the one historical and the other current.
Ken wrapped up his presentation with the challenges faced by the library and gave us a glimpse into the strategic planning goals.
Regarding challenges, Ken said they can all be overcome, ranging from maple bugs (a challenge not restricted to the library!), to the relatively low number of members, the location of the library, parking, the underutilization of the theatre, and the expense of the electronic books and other equipment requested and used by members.
The exciting planning of the library includes: more partnerships which will get more people into the library, more intergenerational programs, outreach to under 13-year-olds, and extending library areas out into the community beyond the existing one in Big Marble Go. The audio-visual equipment in the theatre needs to be updated and improved, and the upstairs bathroom needs equipment, like a baby space.
Ken started and concluded his presentation with appreciation for Rotary’s 4-way test and the principles it reflects, very much in common with those of the public library of Medicine Hat: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and good relationships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Simple, powerful, universal principles.
Thank you, Ken, for a great presentation! To you and your Board, staff and volunteers, a sincere thank you for being a resource for all, second to none!