Top 10 Questions
When will Halifax Central Library be opened?
The building is scheduled to open in 2014. Substantial completion is scheduled for April/May 2014 to be followed by building commissioning and move-in. The schedule is subject to change as work progresses.
Will Halifax Central Library have more books, DVDs, etc.?
Yes. The collection in the Halifax Central Library will be 50% larger than the collection at the current Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library. This will result in more items under popular categories, such as fiction, DVDs, and e-books. All branches will benefit from this increase since materials in Central library will be borrowed through any branch in the system.
Does the design of the library respect the character and history of the area?
Yes. The Halifax Central Library is truly a community space, a collaborative vision. Through five public consultations, Haligonians voiced their values and the architects reflected these in their designs. The result is a bold, new design that complements the area and respects view planes. The fifth floor—called the Halifax Living Room—visually connects two important views of our Maritime history: the Citadel and Halifax Harbour. Also, the Paul O’Regan Hall symbolically represents the creativity and talent of the citizens of the municipality.
Will the new library be open seven days a week? What will the hours be?
The Central Library will be open 7 days a week, and the hours are still to be determined.
Does the new building adhere to principles of universal access?
Yes. The new library is universally accessible and will include features such as: elevators, low counters, wheelchair accessibility, and assistive technology.
Will there be parking at the new Halifax Central Library? Will there be a cost?
Yes. HRM will provide an underground parking garage with capacity for 87 cars and 50 bicycles. The rates are still to be determined.
Will there be meeting spaces available in the new Halifax Central Library? Will there be a rental fee?
Yes. There will be multiple meeting rooms of various sizes and shapes from small spaces to bookable private meeting rooms with capacity ranges from 4 to 100. Also, there will be a performance area called Paul O’Regan Hall with a capacity of 250 that will be available for rental outside library hours and will have a separate access. The rental fees for all meeting spaces are still to be determined.
Have you selected who will run Halifax Central Library’s café or other vending opportunities?
No. A public tender will be issued inviting proposals from firms or individuals. The procurement process has not begun yet.
What will happen to the old Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library building, Winston Churchill statue, and the park?
Grafton Park and the old library are jointly owned and managed by the Province and HRM respectively. On March 5, 2013, city council announced that the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs are welcome to use the building (read more here). The Library anticipates that Winston Churchill will remain in the public park, but that decision has not been announced.
How can I stay informed?
The Halifax Central Library website is updated as soon as new information is available. You can also join our e-list by writing to central@halifaxpubliclibraries.ca or calling 902-490-5744. More…
Quick links to more information:
- What is a central library?
- Will the new library be a memorial library like the old one?
- What are the costs to build the new library?
- Who is paying for the new library?
- What kinds of green spaces and outdoor areas will be included?
- What are the key features of the new Library that make it green and sustainable?
