Public libraries have always been a home for the curious. While many things have changed, public libraries remain in steadfast commitment to the public good. The best public libraries in the world are built on the principles of equality, democracy, and unlimited access. Curious minds are always welcome.

Every day, we are part of joyous moments and respond to challenges. We are all looking for meaningful connection, and that connection is found through engaging conversations with staff, volunteer commitments, or finding a great book. The Library offers new perspectives, and brings us closer together. This plan builds on our shared history, and directs us forward—together.

Reflecting our community, we are a resource for everyone and a launch point for growth.

People are at the heart of all we do at Halifax Public Libraries. Halifax Public Libraries’ Strategic Plan 2025-2030 outlines a vision of outstanding service, tailored response to community needs, and barrier-free access to knowledge and experiences for all ages. The measure of the Library’s success is the degree to which you see yourself and your community reflected.

When interacting with the Library, you will feel welcomed. You will feel at home. You will feel a sense of belonging, and connection to the world around you.

• City builder

  The Library is an incubator for creativity, where good ideas grow and take shape. There are few organizations with the capacity and mandate to bring people and community partners together to improve our collective experiences, like public libraries do. We will help you move forward.

• Your Neighbourhood Library

  The Library is the foundation of a community. Our branches contribute to creating thriving neighbourhoods throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality, both in urban and rural areas. As our community grows and expands, so does the need for people to have gathering spaces that are free and accessible to all. People come here to spend time, borrow items, exchange ideas, and so much more. Public libraries will support and grow alongside neighbourhoods, new and old.

• Climate Resilience

  We will ensure that Library spaces are adaptable to growth and change in the years to come, even as our social and physical environments transform around us. We are committed to climate resilience, through updates to our infrastructure, collaborating with climate-conscious partners, and responding to climate emergencies in our neighbourhoods. We will prepare for and face new challenges together.

• A Thriving Economy

  Halifax Public Libraries offers meaningful contributions to the economy. The Canadian Urban Institute’s OVERDUE REPORT: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries boldly highlights urban public libraries’ economic impact: “...for every $1 invested in Canada’s urban libraries, $6 is generated in community economic impact.” Whether it is strategic partnerships, employment readiness programs, or opportunities for lifelong learning, we are incubators for talent and hubs of innovation.

  Overdue: The Case for Canada’s Public Libraries

• Accessibility

  The Library is a place where everyone belongs. Guided by the recommendations of the Library’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, we aim to remove all physical and social barriers to make spaces and collections accessible and inclusive to everyone. We are committed to providing everyone with equitable access to materials and services. You will have the opportunity to fully participate in everything the Library has to offer.

• Inclusion

  Halifax Public Libraries deeply respects and celebrates the many intersectional identities that make up our community. Whether it is through our diverse collection, multicultural programming, branch locations, or hiring practices, you will see yourself reflected and always feel a warm welcome.

• Shared Spaces

  The Library is a shared space that belongs to everyone. When society moves inward and social circles shrink or move online, shared spaces such as public libraries build understanding and empathy. When public spaces are shared, your view of humanity expands. You will more deeply consider and understand the needs of others.

• Supporting Democracy

  Different points of view can exist together. Barrier-free access to a wide array of knowledge is vital to our democratic society. We can exchange ideas while respecting each other’s right to explore. You will be part of the conversation.

• Open Access

  We all have the right to access information, and Halifax Public Libraries is your access point. We offer literature and digital resources that are free to consume, so you can understand a topic without the barrier of a paywall. You will have free, open access to our collection, technology, and digital resources.

  “Free access to information and ideas is a democratic right of every citizen. Public libraries ensure this right by providing the public with opportunities to participate fully in a changing society through access to a wide range of humanity’s thoughts, ideas, information and expressions of the creative imagination.” –Halifax Public Libraries’ Collection Development Policy

• Intellectual Freedom

  The Library is a democratic space for exploring knowledge. By offering a wide range of information on diverse subjects, you have the freedom to explore different interests that spark your curiosity and potentially challenge your existing assumptions. The Library is open for exploration, conversations, and at times, disagreement. You will gain new perspectives and build a more thorough understanding of the world.

  “Libraries have a core responsibility to safeguard and facilitate access to constitutionally protected expressions of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, including those which some individuals and groups consider unconventional, unpopular or unacceptable.” –Canadian Federation of Library Associations

• Lifelong Learning

  Literacy is about being able to understand and navigate the world around you. Literacy in its many forms includes digital literacy, information literacy, financial literacy, civic literacy, and media literacy. There is always something new to learn as literacies change and develop, and as you find need for them in your life. The Library encourages learning at every stage of your life.

• Early Language & Childhood Literacy

  The Library is uniquely positioned to provide early exposure to language and literacy for young children. By offering a diverse range of materials, engaging programming, and interactive shared spaces, children can begin developing their literacy skills while having fun and gaining independence. We are your child’s learning playground.

• Supporting Curiosity

  Learn the basics of a new skill, expand your understanding to become an expert, or break the mould and find new creative avenues in your learning journey. Through the collection, technology, staff expertise, volunteer opportunities, and programming, you can take learning into your own hands, at your own pace. There is no limit to curiosity at the Library.

• Digital Literacy

  Digital literacy is an essential skill in today’s world. Digital literacy offers access to resources that enhance well-being and connect individuals to opportunities. Whether it’s finding healthcare information, exploring job openings, accessing educational tools, or navigating the rapid advancements of machine learning and intelligence, digital literacy provides the foundation for a more informed and empowered life. At the Library, we support the development of digital literacy at all stages, ensuring that everyone thrives in the digital age.

• Investing in Staff

  As the world changes, so does the Library. Information management rapidly changes, and the Library’s workforce requires the skills to meet tomorrow’s possibilities. We will seek new ways of working, and build an environment that supports skills-sharing, training, and teamwork. We will build on historic knowledge, while investing in new skills, so we can be ready when you need us.

• Governance & Leadership

  The Halifax Regional Library Board governs Halifax Public Libraries in accordance with the Nova Scotia Libraries Act, which establishes the framework for public library service in the Province. Experienced professionals lead your public library, guided by principles of equity, Intellectual Freedom, access, and community building. Your Library Board and Management Team are here for you.

• Systems

  Over the decades, public library systems have served us well, and as an organization we continue to build on this foundation by adopting new, innovative technology to meet tomorrow’s needs. As privacy and data protection become more critical to business continuity, we will invest in technology and systems to ensure that our services are available when you need them.

• Partnerships

  The future is uncertain, but we can anticipate that collaboration, cooperation, and personalization will remain profoundly relevant. Halifax Public Libraries does not exist in isolation. Our organization is part of a vibrant ecosystem of partners and service providers, all working together to improve outcomes for our communities. If we don’t have what you need, we will build a bridge to help you get there.

We are at our best when we work together. Halifax Public Libraries’ Strategic Plan 2025-2030 has been co-created with you—our community. You told us what you loved about your Library and how we can reach further to meet changing community needs. Your responses informed our planning and direction for the future. You will see yourself reflected and feel at home when you visit your Library.

• 111 Staff survey responses
• 14 Community popups
• 15 Staff info sessions
• 1,000+ Online survey responses