Closer Than You Think: Access Beyond Branches

In some areas of Halifax Regional Municipality, Library service may look a little different. Instead of a busy branch, it might be a staffed community office, a Library Kiosk or a book return location.  These library spaces extend the reach of Halifax Public Libraries to communities that would otherwise face long drives to branch locations and therefore, limited access.

At the Musquodoboit Valley and Preston Township Library Offices, staff aren’t waiting behind a desk for people to arrive—they’re woven into everyday community life. From running pop-ups at schools and parks, to supporting Borrow by Mail and Home Delivery, to helping neighbours with job searches or storytime kits, these offices adapt to local needs.

“We don’t expect people to come to us—we go to them, or meet halfway,” says Brenda Malone, Community Librarian for Musquodoboit Valley.

The Preston Township Office has even helped sow seeds of change—literally. Since 2018, staff have supported the North Preston Community Garden by providing seeds and resources, growing from just three garden beds to more than 16 plots full of vegetables, berries, and flowers. “The seeds we provide through the Library have helped families build not only their gardens, but also community shelves that supply fresh vegetables to East Preston, Cherry Brook, and Lake Loon,” says Community Specialist, Renise Cain.

In Musquodoboit Valley, the office has become a flexible hub for everything from technology troubleshooting to genealogy research. On any given day, staff in the area may be helping a senior access government services, to guiding a teen through a new Chromebook login. It’s library service redefined: personal, adaptive, and deeply rooted in trust.

This same philosophy carries across the municipality through a growing network of vending machine-style Library Kiosks and community return locations. In 2024, Kiosks in Fall River, Eastern Passage, Prospect Road, St. Andrew’s, and at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport circulated over 4,000 items. Youth collections were the most popular, with picture books, board books, and popular series accounting for nearly three-quarters of kiosk borrowing—quite different from in-branch trends, where adult fiction dominates. Kiosks don’t replace the personal touch of an office or branch, but they ensure that no matter where you live, the Library feels closer than you might think.

Behind the scenes, these kiosks require some hands-on support. Collections staff hand-pick popular and fresh titles for each kiosk, while delivery staff, such as Roy, refill bins weekly and gather returns. “There’s always lots of positive feedback and excitement when Roy shows up,” says Jesse, Delivery Services. “I’ve seen him greeted like a local celebrity at most of our Kiosk locations.”

Whatever the format—office, Kiosk, or a knock at your door—the promise is the same: Library service that fits the way you live.

This story was originally shared as part of Halifax Public Libraries' 2024-25 Annual Report. Read the full report and explore more, here.