Food & Cooking

Food & Cooking

Some years ago, you might have walked into a library with a snack and have been told to “put it away,” or “throw it away.” Today, we’re serving up a much different story.

We know that food brings people together, and so do free and welcoming public spaces like our libraries. At Halifax Public Libraries, one part of our vision is “A resource for everyone.” Resources come in all shapes, sizes—and yes, even tastes. We are proud to offer free snacks, workshops, resources, and tools for local food lovers and changemakers, year-round.

Community Cafés at the Library

Multiple Dates | Multiple Times
Multiple Locations
At the heart of every great conversation, friendship, and connection, is a warm cup of coffee. Browse events to fill your cup!

Exploring Chinese Culture: Tea, Tradition & Togetherness

May 16th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Taste tea varieties during a guided ceremony, hear stories and myths, ask questions, and finish with tips to elevate everyday tea bags.

East Coast Recipes

Get cooking: explore thousands of recipes from 40+ local cookbooks.

Halifax Public Libraries Welcomes East Cup Café and Roastery

Mar 06, 2026
Meet our new café service provider, East Cup Café and Roastery, now open at Central Library's 5th Floor and Keshen Goodman Public Library.

Nova Scotia Archives: What's Cooking?

This online treasury features approximately 1,000 old handwritten or early printed recipes from Nova Scotia's past.

Feeding the Need: Community Eats

Community Eats shows how food at the Library builds dignity, connection, and belonging—one shared meal, snack, and moment at a time.

Warm Food for Cold Days

Feeling chilly? These cozy cookbooks serve up comfort food to warm winter days and nights.

A Passion for Food: Novels About Working in Kitchens

From food trucks to reality television, immerse yourself in the worlds of professional cooking.

Let's Bake Together: Children's Recipes

Embark on a sensory journey for children and their loved ones. Mix, measure and stir to create shareable tasty treats!

Cooking Up A Story: Culinary-Themed YA Reads

Savour these delectable YA tales where food and cooking take center stage, perfect for readers hungry for culinary adventures.

(Video) 2023: Learn to Make Fufu with Mary

Millions of people eat fufu every day in West and Central Africa. Mary Nkrumah of Mary's African Cuisine demonstrates how to make it.

Watch Now: Learn to Make Okra Stew

Mary Nkrumah of Mary's African Cuisine shows how to cook okra properly as a stew, served with corn dough (akpele/banku).

Watch Now: Learn to Make African Yam & Cocoyam Leaf Stew

Learn how to make boiled yam and plantain with nutritious cocoyam leaf stew (kontomere) with Mary Nkrumah, Mary's African Cuisine.

Teens in the Kitchen: Black Bean Burgers and Sweet Fries

Join Andy from East Coast Kitchen (and MasterChef Canada!), as he makes easy 20minute black bean burgers and sweet potato fries.
Back to Top