Sheet Harbour Public Library is a small but mighty branch with an outsized impact, Located on the northeastern shore of the municipality and serving the largest geographic catchment in HRM, most days Sheet Harbour Library offers a quiet retreat. However, come Summer Reading Club season, the Library transforms into a hub of joyful energy as dozens of children and families fill the space.
Sheet Harbour reflects the deep ties between libraries and communities. Residents know Library staff by name, and nearly sixty percent of borrowing comes directly from shelf browsing—boosted by conversations at the desk, quick recommendations, or serendipitous discoveries in the stacks. The branch has also become a place to connect and feel at home for new residents to the community,
Halifax Public Libraries is seeing shifts in what people read and borrow, and Sheet Harbour offers a window into those evolving trends. Local and Canadian authors remain perennial favourites, underscoring the community’s love of homegrown stories. Cozy reads, stories full of small-town charm, culinary adventures, and close-knit friendships are also on the rise, along with the ever-growing “romantasy” blend of romance and fantasy. Non-fiction titles such as cookbooks and biographies continue to lead in popularity at Sheet Harbour Public Library, with arts and crafts, history, and health following not far behind.
Technology is another part of daily life at the branch. Seniors often drop by looking for technology support while picking up their next read, and families are embracing Beyond Books collections such as DVD series, Wi-Fi hotspots, and children’s technology. Meanwhile, demand for graphic novels has skyrocketed across the municipality, especially for children and teens—a trend clearly reflected on the Eastern Shore as well.
Partnerships extend the branch’s impact beyond Library walls. Collaborations with Halifax Parks & Recreation, LEA Place Women’s Resource Centre, Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Literacy Network, and Marine Drive Academy ensure that programming reflects and strengthens the community. Weekly Baby & Tot programs have become a gathering point for families, often drawing 20 or more participants on a Friday morning.
Looking ahead, excitement is building for the new shared centre, the future home of Sheet Harbour Public Library. With groundbreaking taking place in July 2025, this next chapter promises even more opportunities to bring resources, connection, and joy to the community.
This story was originally shared as part of Halifax Public Libraries' 2024-25 Annual Report. Read the full report and explore more, here.
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