MHPL Adding Washroom In Kinsmen Children’s Library

Written by Chris Brown, Head of Marketing & Community Engagement

Responding to community needs and enhancing the library experience for visitors

Construction is underway on a new washroom at Medicine Hat Public Library that will improve convenience and comfort for patrons, particularly those with young children.

Workers began building an accessible family washroom in the Kinsmen Children’s Library on Monday, Sept. 16.  

We know a new washroom doesn’t sound like the most exciting project, however it’s one that’s been a long time coming for the library. We are delighted and know this addition will be met with enthusiasm from library families who want to be able to keep their children close by.

“The new washroom is much more convenient for families and provides a private space where parents can change their little ones away from the sometimes drafty front door,” says Carol Ann Cross-Roen, head of youth services. It also removes any awkwardness of having little boys in the ladies’ room or little girls in the men's room, she adds.

From a safety perspective, Cross-Roen says, “we’ve seen more than one young runner make it nearly out the front door. Having a dedicated space within the children's library is much safer and makes things a bit easier for parents, especially for a parent trying to manage more than one child. 

“Aside from all that, we know that parents working on potty training their children will find it much better to have a washroom nearby to help reduce accidents,” she says.

The new washroom will be located on the south wall of the children’s library, beside the Co-op Community Developmental Play Space. Two rows of shelving have been removed to make room for the construction and washroom, so holiday books, board books, language books and book bundles have been temporarily re-located in the children’s library.

The project is a partnership between the library and the City of Medicine Hat. The city has led the project management and the library is paying the cost of the construction.

The work is scheduled to be completed and the washroom open by the end of this year.

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