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One of the “libraries within the library” at the Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) is the Toy Library where parents can borrow a variety of toys, like this triceratops hand puppet held by Children’s Services library technician Laurie Darveau.<\/p>\nBy Lethbridge Herald on September 6, 2025.<\/p>\n
One of the “libraries within the library” at the Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) is the Toy Library where parents can borrow a variety of toys, like this triceratops hand puppet held by Children’s Services library technician Laurie Darveau.<\/p>\n
Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter<\/p>\n
Public libraries are invaluable community resources, serving as democratic spaces that offer free access to information, education, and social support, yet many take them for granted as mere book repositories rather than essential hubs for literacy, economic development, and cultural inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe library is a place to discover, create and connect with others, and I want the community to know everyone is welcome here,\u201d says Lethbridge Public Library (LPL) CEO Terra Plato. \u201cMembership provides access to thousands of physical and digital resources, including the LPL\u00a0 Library of Things, ensuring everyone can find something that interests them.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
September is Membership Month at the LPL, where they\u2019re encouraging all community members to sign up for a free membership (library card) and \u201ccheck out\u201d all the LPL has to offer, which goes way beyond books, newspapers and magazines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe really want to showcase what the library has this month,\u201d says LPL customer services manager Barbara Longair. \u201cWe have a whole bunch of crazy stuff in addition to books and videos and everything else. So we\u2019d like you to come on down and get some sweet swag and just have fun at the library.\u201d<\/p>\n
Literally speaking, there\u2019s something at the LPL for everyone.The library offers e-books and audiobooks, streaming videos and other media, along with computer and internet access, printing, and scanning services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tend to have our programs according to demographics,\u201d says Longair. \u201cIn the children\u2019s area, we would have things like Story Time and Babes in the Library, which gives a chance for new parents to meet up with each other. One in particular that\u2019s very popular is Dungeons and Dragons. We have a lot of adult programs. It\u2019s about networking and connecting with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other \u201clibraries within the library\u201d include the Toy Library and the Library of Things, where members can take out a pressure cooker or a canning pot for making jam or pickles. There\u2019s also the Makerspace, where members can use a 3D printer or a sewing machine.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The LPL also provides meeting and event spaces, literacy and learning support through the Read On program, exam supervision, and a variety of programs for all ages, including cultural resources and accessibility services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s really neat is some of the ad hoc programs that happen,\u201d says Longair. \u201cThere\u2019s always something happening in the library even if it\u2019s not a formal program. Some of the programs that we\u2019ve got coming up\u2026we\u2019ve got author Emma Donahue, who\u2019s a big deal. She\u2019s coming on Oct. 16.\u201d<\/p>\n
Also happening during Membership Month is LPL\u2019s 15th Word on the Street (WOTS) Festival on Sept. 20. WOTS is a free outdoor festival at the LPL Main Library, celebrating Canadian literacy, storytelling and the literary arts, featuring authors, storytellers, workshops, a marketplace, food trucks and family-friendly activities.<\/p>\n
During the month of September, anyone who signs up for a library card or renews their existing LPL membership will be entered into a draw for a giveaway of limited-edition LPL-branded swag.<\/p>\n
To sign up for a library card, visit any branch of the Lethbridge Public Library or go online lethlib.ca\/join.<\/p>\n
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