Fort Macleod Library last week received a READ Award from Chinook Arch Regional Library System for innovative programming. Last fall, the library offered a tour of Union Cemetery led by historian George Kush. From left: Marie Logan, Darlene Hofer and Robin Hepher.
Fort Macleod Library was honoured last week for its innovative programming.
The library received a READ Award from the Chinook Regional Library System.
In the fall of 2022, the library offered a tour through the Union Cemetery.
The tour was hosted by local community member and library volunteer Holly Williams, and narrated by historian George Kush.
The evening tour had Kush speaking about the cemetery’s original location and the number of times it had been moved and why.
Kush told stories about the lives of many of the early people buried in the cemetery, as well as stories of Fort Macleod’s rich history with the North West Mounted Police, Indigenous people, scouts, guides, and settlers of the area.
When the tour was finished, participants were invited to Stronghold Brewery to sample a special brew that was being unveiled that night.
Over half of the participants went to the brewery and enjoyed further historical conversation, stories, and shared some great book recommendations on local history as well as southern Alberta history.
The participants enjoyed the evening and were left wanting more. It was such a success that the plan is to examine possible expansion by making it into a yearly tour series.
Chinook Arch recognizes that throughout southwestern Alberta libraries serve an important role in their communities.
They listen to community needs and interests and create amazing programs, events, and opportunities to meet those needs.
It is in recognition of this work that the READ Awards were created.
The READ Awards are presented annually and are judged by the Chinook Arch Marketing and Communications Committee based on excellence in library service, collaboration, innovation, community benefit, and transferability to other libraries.
The committee was again impressed by the 14 submissions.
Other READ Award recipients were libraries in Cardston, Magrath, Vulcan, Lethbridge, and Stirling.
