As we prepare for a major renovation of Halifax North Memorial Public Library, opens a new window, it’s important to look back on its rich history and the big impact it has had on our community. Since it first opened in 1966, this branch has been much more than a place for books—it’s been a cornerstone of learning, culture, and resilience in Halifax’s North End.
“The spirit of the branch is always community-oriented… We will help whoever is in the branch,” says long-time staff member Crystal Mulder, African Nova Scotian Community Specialist at Halifax North Memorial Public Library. “When you walk in the door, you will be greeted and treated with respect.”
A Rich History Rooted in Community
Halifax North Memorial Public Library began its journey in 1966, built as a memorial to the victims of the 1917 Halifax Explosion. Designed by Keith L. Graham & Associates and J. D. Solomon & Associates Ltd., the building, located at 2285 Gottingen Street, reflects the practical design of its time. From the start, it was meant to be more than just a building.
Located in the historically Black North End, the Library quickly became a central space for the community to connect and support each other. In 1967, it provided a welcoming place for Africville residents who had been relocated to the North End, deepening the Library’s strong ties with the Black community.
“It has been a constant in the community,” says Brandy Skinner, Manager of Community Connections. “While everything else around it has gone through changes, Halifax North has always been here.”
Moments to Remember
1966: Halifax North Memorial Public Library opens as a memorial to the victims of the 1917 Halifax Explosion.
1967: The Library provides a welcoming space for Africville residents displaced to the North End.
1979: The North End Women’s Group, led by Laura Howe begins meeting at the Library, focusing on social issues and community support.
1984: The first Black History Week event is held at Halifax North Memorial Public Library. Eventually, Black History Week will go on to become African Heritage Month.
1987: Hosts the first meeting of the Black History Association in the Library’s basement.
1991: The inaugural Black History Month Youth Quiz takes place at the Library, promoting youth engagement with Black history.
1994: The Library becomes the first site east of Montreal to host a Computer Access Program (CAP) site, helping bridge the digital divide in the community.
2004: The Library undergoes minor renovations, temporarily closing but continuing to serve as a community hub.
2025: A major renovation project is planned, opens a new window to modernize the Library while preserving its rich heritage.
A Centre of Social Justice
Halifax North Memorial Public Library has always been a place where social justice and community empowerment thrive.
From its early days, the Library built strong connections with the Black community. It hosted the first meeting of the Black History Association in 1987, the first Black History Month Youth Quiz in 1991, and was the birthplace of the Black United Front.
Over the years, the Library has been a space where important conversations about issues like policing practices and street checks have taken place, showing its commitment to being a platform for marginalized voices.
“That is something that the community wanted to discuss, something the community needed to discuss,” says Crystal. “To me, that’s what North Branch has always been about.”
The Library continues to be a place where significant discussions and cultural celebrations happen.
“Library services have become more vibrant, more responsive,” says Crystal. “We try to anticipate what’s happening on a social scale, how we can address and be prepared to address.”
In it for Life
What really makes Halifax North Memorial Public Library special is the dedication of its staff. Many employees have worked at the branch for decades, forming deep connections with the community they serve. For them, this isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.
“People don’t want to leave… They feel comfortable here,” says Brandy, who grew up in the North End and has strong personal ties to the Library and the community. “I was born on Creighton Street, I attended St. Pat’s Alexandra school, just behind the Library. I’ve seen a lot of changes in the community.”
For Brandy, the Library is more than just a workplace; it’s part of her daily life, filled with familiar faces and warm interactions.
“Every two seconds, you’re waving to somebody that you know, or you’re giving somebody a hug. It’s such a sense of community that’s still here,” Brandy says. “It’s just an amazing place… Such amazing spirit. I just look forward to coming here every day.”
Even after retiring, some staff members couldn’t stay away and returned to continue serving the community.
“She retired and had to come back… she didn’t want to leave,” says Crystal, remembering one staff member. “She felt like this is where she belonged.”
The Library has become a second home for its staff, where they work not just with colleagues but with family members and a community that feels like family.
“This is working with family. It’s not just people who you are distant cousins to, but it’s people who you have an affinity with, a mutual respect and mutual understanding of where you all are heading—betterment of the community,” says Crystal. “You may come from different angles from time to time, but essentially, you want to move all in the same direction.”
Preserving the Past, Preparing for the Future
As we look to the future, the upcoming renovation, opens a new window is a testament to the Library’s commitment to remaining a vital resource for the community.
Since 2025, the Library has worked with its selected Progressive Design-Build Team, opens a new window to create a plan to modernize its facilities while preserving its rich heritage. This project will make the branch more accessible, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the community and remains a hub for learning, connection, and empowerment.
“This project is extremely exciting to me,” says Brandy. “I want it to be a celebration. This is not another instance where something’s being taken. This is where we’re going to add polish and bring more to it… Not take away from what’s here, but add to what’s here.”
Seeing the branch’s resilience over the years, Crystal knows that everything will be just fine during the renovation process.
“We may have to close our doors for just a scooch in time, but we’re not going to be permanently shut—this branch has been around since '66,” Crystal reassures.
“Halifax North has been the community’s living room,” adds Crystal. “It has always been about community. Kids have grown up in this branch and gone on to have their own children, and now their children are here. It’s that kind of multi-generational development that has helped keep this branch as community-oriented as it is because the community has demanded that we address community needs and concerns.”
As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to stay connected with the renovation process. Together, we will continue to honour the past while shaping a future that keeps Halifax North Memorial Public Library at the heart of the North End community for generations to come.
For more information about Halifax North Memorial Public Library, including its rich past and bright future, visit the Your North Branch website, opens a new window.
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