Galt exhibit honours 100 years of library
The Lethbridge Public Library kicked off a year of public celebrations of its 100th anniversary in the community on Thursday with a new display at the Galt Museum highlighting key moments of cultural change as chronicled in images and stories from the institution’s past.
“A museum is about history, and what we are doing today is showcasing the history of the Lethbridge Public Library,” explained the library’s CEO Terra Plato. “We have been around for 100 years, and not a lot of organizations in the community can say that. To me, it really speaks to the enduring value of public libraries in the community. We have changed a lot over the years, but our value as a community hub hasn’t changed. We are still as relevant today as we were 100 years ago.”
Lethbridge MP Rachael Harder, Lethbridge West MLA Shannon Phillips and Mayor Chris Spearman each echoed Plato’s comments in their own remarks to those assembled for the official opening of the display on Thursday. Spearman added Lethbridge citizens owe a debt of thanks to the library for its important past contributions and its continuing role in the city’s evolution.
“Today I have given a few examples,” Spearman said in his concluding comments, “but they have 100 years of contribution to the City of Lethbridge, and that is not to be forgotten. From Lethbridge city council on behalf of the citizens of Lethbridge, today is a day to say thank you for all you have done for our city. You make us a better place.”
Galt Museum curator Amy Benoit said the library’s role as a force of social progress and change, which also keeps pace with the broader changes around it in society, is what the museum wished to emphasize with its centennial display.
“I think all cultural institutions in a community, the Lethbridge Public Library being an important one, improve people’s quality of life and sense of wellbeing,” stated Benoit. “Over history, the library has been a place where people have come to read and be exposed to ideas that are not part of their everyday lived experience, and that ultimately makes the library an important space in the community for social innovation and change.”