2026 READ Awards, from left: Dothlyn McFarlene, Chinook Arch associate director; Robin Hepher, Chinook Arch executive director; Jay Sawatzky, Claresholm Public Library manager; Mary Lou Nichols, Jim and Mary Kearl Library of Cardston manager; Nikki Francis, Glenwood Municipal Library manager; Stephanie Humphreys, Magrath Public Library manager; Jennifer McDevitt, Lethbridge Public Library on-line services librarian; Kelsey Chic, Carmangay and District Municipal Library manager; Kindra Birss, Coaldale Public Library manager; and Darryl Christensen, Chinook Arch board chair.
Nine southwestern Alberta libraries were recognized this month for creating amazing programs, events, and opportunities to meet community needs.
The READ Awards are judged by the Chinook Arch Regional Library System marketing and communications committee based on excellence in library service, collaboration, innovation, community benefit, and transferability to other libraries.
Every year there are two $250 winners, two $500 winners, and two $750 winners.
This year also marked the first presentation of the Gillian Watkinson “Doing a Lot with a Little” Award.
To honour the memory of Gill Watkinson, a dearly loved long-time Chinook Arch staff member who died this year, a $500 annual award was created in her honour.
The READ Awards were celebrated on April 17 during the Southern Alberta Library Conference.
$750 READ Awards
The Claresholm Public Library: was honoured for its weekly STEM program for children aged six years and older
What began as a small weekly group of six children has grown into a vibrant community of 12–17 participants who collaborate, problem-solve, and support one another.
The program fosters curiosity, creativity, and friendship, while offering children a safe space where they feel seen and valued.
Coaldale Public Library was recognized for its Mornings at the Museum program.
Each week, children explore exhibits and engage in themed story times, songs, and hands-on activities.
This immersive program connects literacy, STEAM, and local history while fostering community engagement and partnership.
$500 READ Awards
Lethbridge Public Library was recognized for its Healthy Heroes program.
The library offers a meal program that extends support to students when school lunch programs aren’t available.
In partnership with MyCityCare, the program provided over 800 meals during the summer and the October strike period.
Magrath Public Library was honoured for its Monday Nights at the Library program.
Each week the library is transformed the into a community hub for multigenerational fun and learning.
Families engage in activities like Bad Art Night, Life-Sized Clue, Blizzard Book Battle, and Holiday Family Feud.
$250 READ Awards
The Jim and Mary Kearl Library of Cardston was recognized for its Inclusive Reading Corner.
This space was created to support children who find traditional library environments overwhelming.
It features a soft enclosed tent, weighted blankets, and noise-cancelling headphones, and is designed to create a calm, child-centered environment.
Glenwood Municipal Library was honoured for its Kids Zone.
During the provincial teachers’ strike the library offered a fun, welcoming space to children in the community each week, filled with games, hands-on activities, snacks, and creative exploration.
Gillian Watkinson Award
Carmangay and District Municipal Library received the award for its More Than Books — Food Security and Community Connection at the Library initiative.
This program started as a response to immediate food needs and has grown into a satellite food bank and bi-weekly food rescue program.
It operates in partnership with Vulcan Regional FCSS and the local food bank.
