Any public library patron in good standing at any Alberta public library can borrow materials
Information and reference services
Access to e.g. Hoopla, Press Display, Zinio Consumer Reports, Mango Languages, etc.
Community information including genealogy resources
Internet access including wireless
Reader's advisory services
for children, youth and adults
Delivery to individuals
Services for print-disabled and people with vision impairments
Interlibrary loan
Free downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks
General information
The dual-level facility, renovated in 2008, features a children’s library, dedicated young adult section, adult fiction, movies, music and audiobooks on the upper level. The main checkout, self-checkout kiosks and the Information & Memberships counter are located on this level as well. The lower level is home to the reference collection, adult non-fiction, periodicals, microfilm readers and public computer terminals. The 180 seat theatre and both the Honor Currie and Legion meeting rooms and training room are also found on this level. In 2015 the Medicine Hat Public Library celebrated 100 years of service in Medicine Hat. To recognize the significance of the library to the community of Medicine Hat, Mayor Ted Clugston declared November 21 as "MHPL Day."
Partnerships
Medicine Hat Public Library is a member of "The Alberta Library", a province-wide system that allows access to material from every member library in Alberta.
Energy conservation
The City of Medicine Hat installed a one kilowatt solar electric system on the roof of the library during the summer of 2006. The building now draws part of its electricity from the solar panel. Power generation from the 1 kW solar panel array is performing as expected. The historical measurements of the solar array are within expectations consistent with theoretical calculations used in methods provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In the first 5 years of operation, the solar array generated 5-6 thousand kWh. Not considering upfront capital and installation costs, the total associated electrical energy consumption savings are approximately $600–800 over the same time period. The amount of electricity generated can also be viewed in real time. The project cost approximately $15k.
Statistics 2015
Library In-person Visits: 247,894 Items Borrowed: 210,409 items circulated 527,159 times Library Members: 14,809 Programs: 654 Program Participants: 19,149 Public Internet Use: 23,907 sessions Reference questions Answered: 5,996 Volunteers: 315 donated 1,433 hours
