Annual Report 2023-24
A Letter From Åsa Kachan
Chief Librarian and CEO
A theme reflected through the Library’s colourful brand presence is paper and pixels. You see this in the depth of our logo with its textured page-like edges, and through the individual squares stacking up to build its structure.
The paper and pixels imagery helps to illustrate that the whole is composed of many smaller, unique components. Just as each page of a book is relevant to the full story, it can also stand alone as its own poetic offering. Each unique pixel in an image expands outward to make an artwork–but if just one pixel were missing, the image would be rendered incomplete.
With this, our 2023-24 Annual Report, we invite you to 'zoom in' with us into the individual pixels and pages that comprise our Library’s experiences this past year, looking at individual moments that weave together to become your Library. From brainstorms in branches that impacted neighbourhood improvements, to the ways in which one borrowed item or book from the collection can change the course of someone’s life—bit by bit, a richer story about the Library’s impact emerges.
Libraries and the services we offer ebbs and flows with our changing community and needs, so each year looks different than the previous one—just as it should be! However, what never changes is the Library’s connection to all of you. The Library’s story will always be a blending of moments, people, community connections, and achievements.
With over 2.6 million Library visits during 2023-24, there were many moments, big and small, that tell our story of the past year. Through paper and pixels, we present to you here, a few of those moments.
Åsa Kachan
Chief Librarian and CEO
A Message From Marika Warren
Halifax Regional Library Board Chair
As we reflect on the 2023-24 fiscal year, this annual report provides an opportunity to consider our challenges, celebrate our achievements, and share our plans and aspirations for the future.
At a time when we are experiencing significant change, uncertainty, and growth, both locally and globally, the Library remains a vital support for communities. Halifax faces many issues that demand thoughtful collaboration, input, and action from many diverse perspectives; the Library is the place where these connections can be made.
Everyone is welcome. Every voice is heard. Each person who walks through our doors, or accesses our services, comes with a unique request for the Library—and we strive to be what they need in that moment.
Looking back on this past year, I feel immense pride in the way the Library has put its central values into practice along with a firm commitment to the importance of reaching further, pushing boundaries, and being brave. It is essential that we continue to meet people where they are, in their particular stories. The Library works tirelessly to understand and respond to the diverse needs of our community while remaining an anchor in all kinds of weather, supporting and helping communities to thrive.
From bicycle borrowing in Hubbards, to voices rising up in honour of 40 years of African Heritage Month celebrations, to the ongoing story of Keshen Goodman’s much-anticipated renovation and reopening—each Library moment presents an opportunity for individuals and communities to learn, grow, and shine.
At Halifax Public Libraries, we strive to create opportunities for people to connect not only with resources but also with each other—where individuals become neighbours, who then create communities. I look forward to building our neighbourhoods together in the year ahead!
Marika Warren
Halifax Regional Library Board Chair
Halifax Regional Library Board, 2023-24
What was your favourite moment at the Library this past year? Members in place during the fiscal period of April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024 Hover or Tap on photo to see responses.
Through the Eyes of Youth
Baby's first library card. It’s one of the most heartwarming moments Halifax Public Libraries staff get to witness at our branch Information Desks and is often marked via celebratory posts on social media by parents and caregivers. Keepsake photos focus on tiny hands clutching a card that will open doors to new worlds. These moments are filled with promise and potential. “We hope that families see the Library as a space where they can grow together,” says Heather Doepner, a Programming and Community Engagement Lead with over two decades of experience in youth services at Halifax Public Libraries.
In recent years, concerns about youth literacy have been growing. With the disruptions caused by COVID-19, at-home learning, and increased screen time, young people—ranging from infants to teens—have faced challenges in their literacy development. The Library’s role in building early literacy remains steadfast, and we’ve even heard instances of pediatricians ‘prescribing’ library visits for children born in the 2020s, to help families introduce social literacy early.
Public libraries are available to youth at every stage of the learning journey, and we find hope in our ability to link up with them creatively along their learning path.
Read More"It’s been wonderful to see families learning alongside each other and discovering the magic of everyday literacy.”
New Editions & New Additions
With each year that passes, our collection and service approach grows and is tended to based on shifting needs and demands, much like a garden. This year, we sprouted up with several new additions to our collection, and new methods of offering library service.
From building out the Library’s collection in areas of popular genres (Romantasy is thriving!) to welcoming new digital means of accessing arts and culture, check out how public preference has impacted the Library’s growth this year.
Read More
Access for All
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can access our resources and services. The Library’s Accessibility Committee is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the committee’s mandate is to ensure that our Library is a welcoming space for all. The committee focuses on identifying barriers in services and recommending practical solutions that align with the goals of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Standards.
Read More“We know that our community is at its best when we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in our society, working together for a more inclusive future.” — Accessibility Plan
Milestone Moments
This year has been punctuated by significant events that resonated deeply with our community. We marked Halifax Public Libraries’ 40th anniversary of African Heritage Month in collaboration with the Black History Month Association; partnered with the 2023 ECMA and 2024 JUNO Awards, and on a more granular (or pixelated!) level, facilitated countless everyday interactions, workshops, and collaborations that rippled outward to create change and growth in communities.
Read More“The library has always been the first line of defence of civilization and humane values. It’s a space where art, culture, and literature come together.”— George Elliott Clarke
Living Generously Through Family and Dedication
Most days, Om and Saroj Sharma walk to Halifax Central Library to read books, take in a performance or enjoy a cookie from Ampersand Café. They have found a sense of community and belonging in the public library and love that others they meet have as well.
Om, an educator, and Saroj, a healthcare professional, are well-known in Halifax for volunteering their time, donating to causes that matter, and sharing their passion with others. They have always appreciated commitment, dedication, and honouring one’s own capacity for self-fulfilment. Libraries are places for learning, and as Om observes, oftentimes the Library is the first place for connection and learning. Whether you’re an infant, teen, or have arrived in a new country, the public library is often your first point of connection for lifelong learning.
“Donating to an organization like the public library will inspire future generations to consider what they can do to make the world a better place,” said Om Sharma. They have shared their passion for community-giving with their children Anjoo, Anita and Divya Kiran, and grandchildren.
Om and Saroj Sharma have made a gift to Halifax Public Libraries because they believe in the power of curiosity and discovery. Libraries offer limitless opportunities, and the Sharma Family is helping to create even more possibilities at their local library.
Thank You
Thank you to all staff members, Board members, donors, and volunteers of Halifax Public Libraries. Your passion and dedication write our story, day by day, line by line.
Stay in Touch
How to DonateFew places level the playing field and bring community together like the Library. We're committed to providing free access for everyone to a diverse collection, vibrant spaces, and engaging events. Whether big or small, your donations help make this possible. You can find more information and make an online donation by visiting our Donation Page.
Halifax Regional Library
Charitable Registration # 87486 6551 RR 0001
60 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4P8
Phone: (902) 490-5744 | Email: supportHPL@halifaxlibrary.ca
Financials
2023-2024The Finance, Audit, & Risk Committee of the Library Board oversees the Library’s financials to ensure the Library is aligning its spending to the values identified in the Strategic Plan.
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