Halifax North Memorial library hosts community engagement night  

Upcoming renovations to the Halifax North Memorial public library were welcomed by people attending a recent event to discuss the plans.

The event, held on Nov. 27, heard community feedback on updates to the library.

The library has been open since 1966, and is being renovated to address building condition issues, update accessibility features, improve energy efficiency and reimagine the space with input from regular patrons.

Randolph White, the library’s branch manager, said the renovations are an opportunity for rejuvenation.

“The thing that I’m looking forward to is working with the design team and the community to create a space that not only reflects and responds to the needs of the community, but is something that’s modern and updated.”

The event asked attendees to share what they would like to see updated or remain the same.

Some ideas included a revamped kids section, adding more Indigenous books and providing more computers. Many attendees said they want the library to remain a safe, quiet space with a strong community feel.

Alma Graham, a frequent visitor, said the renovations are long overdue.

“A lot of renovations have happened to other libraries, so I think it’s about time the North End gets a bit of attention,” said Graham. “I’m excited this is happening.”

One attendee was former district councillor Lindell Smith, who grew up going to the North Memorial library before volunteering and working there.

While on council, Smith pushed for the library to receive funds for renovations. He said it’s great to see these plans come to fruition.

“For communities that are underserved or kind of forgotten when it comes to new infrastructure, it’s important because places like this library are a neutral ground where people can come and not feel judged,” Smith said.

“(The renovations) are a way to respect and honour the community by giving them something new. More is always a good thing.”

Halifax Regional Municipality is appointing a team of designers and contractors for the renovations, including Marco Group, Lydon Lynch Architects and Teeple Architects.

Andrew Carruthers, principal architect with Lydon Lynch, said the goal is for the renovations to extend the library’s lifespan for another 60 years.

“It’s an old building; it’s getting a bit tired,” said Carruthers.

“This is a very valuable community resource with great history and we need to be very certain about what the community members really appreciate about the existing building before we can figure out what we need to add and layer in.”

Carruthers said this is the first of what will likely be recurring engagement events with library goers. Consultations about the design will continue into 2026 before construction begins in 2027.

“I’m really excited about the potential of a new space,” said Christina Shepherd, a service support worker at the library. “I want to see what the library can be with contributions from the whole community.”

“I want a place where people can go and just sigh and relax and feel safe and warm and valued.”