Posted on 28 May 2026 by Chris Brown.
For three months each summer it's one of the most common sights in the library. People walk through the main door carrying a small - and sometimes large - pile of paperback books. They put them in the bin provided and select an equal number of paperbacks from the racks next to the self-checkout machines, and walk back out.
That's the simplicity of MHPL's Paperback Exchange, which once again will run from June 1-Aug. 31. Carefree summer reading. No due dates. No late fines. No fines for water, sand, or sunblock damage. No library card needed.
One of the Medicine Hat Public Library's most popular annual programs, the Paperback Exchange shelves will be stocked on the weekend and be ready for readers next week.
Thanks to Library Assistant Leanne for looking after the Paperback Exchange each year, and to its users for exchanging book for book to keep the shelves stocked for everyone.
Please remember to only exchange books from the Paperback Exchange at the Paperback Exchange. Please don't exchange them at our Big Marble Go Centre Library or any other Little Free Libraries in the community.
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