Since 1966, Halifax North Memorial Public Library has been a North End community hub. It’s a place to meet neighbours, sit with a friend, look back, and dream forward. Halifax North Memorial Public Library is one of our oldest branches and is ready for a significant renovation to address building condition issues, introduce the highest levels of accessibility and sustainability features, and reimagine the space.
The Design Build Team
We are proud to share that the selected Design Build Team includes Marco Group, Lydon Lynch and Teeple Architects. The selected team not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the practical challenges of renovating a mid-20th century civic building, but also a commitment to the historical significance of North Branch, community-led design, sustainability and accessibility. More info, opens a new window.
History and Legacy
Halifax North Memorial Public Library opened to the community in August 1966, and has been the home for many social justice movements, including the first meeting of the Black History Association in 1987, the first Black History Month Youth Quiz in 1991, and the challenging community conversations regarding the unfair Street Check policing practices in 2019. The branch feels like home to many community members, and it’s our intention to listen and capture community feedback at each stage of the development.
More historical content will be shared during this community project.
Stay Up-to-Date
Project Website
As this renovation project progresses, we will be sharing all the latest news at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch.
Email Newsletter
We will be creating an email newsletter stream specific to project updates. Updates will be sent bimonthly in these early phases of the project. We will share the opportunity to opt-in to this newsletter on the Your North Branch project website when it is available. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions
Information as of October 23, 2025 | Any future updates to the FAQ may be republished in a new article and shared via the project website.
Why are you renovating Halifax North Memorial Public Library?
Halifax North Memorial Public Library is over 60 years old and needs major building improvements to meet the public’s needs. The branch is ready for a significant renovation to address building maintenance issues, introduce the highest levels of accessibility and sustainability features, and reimagine the public space.
A Manager of Community Connections, has been hired specifically for this project. Buranda Skinner, Manager, Community Connections, will capture community feedback at every stage, and inform the design and build team on key decisions. This work has already started and will be a key feature of the renovation project.
What was the selection criteria for contractors and partners?
The municipal Procurement Department performs the procurement function for all municipal business units and agencies, including Halifax Public Libraries. This transparent process achieves best value for the citizens of Halifax.
The selection priorities for Halifax North Memorial Public Library include:
- Similar projects and experience
- Accessibility and sustainability
- Commitment to public engagement
- Social value and social contributions
A fairness monitor was engaged to audit the selection criteria.
Have you hired the architects yet?
We are proud to share that the selected Design Build Team includes Marco Group, Lydon Lynch and Teeple Architects. The open and transparent procurement process received significant interest from the across the country. The selected proponents not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the practical challenges of renovating a mid-20th century civic building, but also a commitment to the historical significance of North Branch, community-led design, sustainability and accessibility. More info, opens a new window.
What is the timeline for the project?
Who is funding this renovation?
At this stage of the project, the $34.5 million budget is secured in the 2025-26 HRM Capital Budget.
Will the Library be closed during the renovation?
No. Library service and a reduced collection of material will be temporarily relocated during the renovation. We are currently working through those details now.
How will you honour the history and legacy of the Black community at Halifax North Memorial Public Library?
Since 1966, Halifax North Memorial Public Library has been a North End community hub and has been the home for many social justice movements. This is more than an opportunity to renew a municipal building – it’s a call to honour history, elevate lived experiences and create a more connected and equitable future for our community.
There are many ways to reflect history and create a legacy – it’s too early in the process to know this level of detail yet. A Manager of Community Connections, has been hired specifically for this project. Buranda Skinner, Manager, Community Connections, will capture your feedback at every stage, and help inform decisions like honouring history, and reflection; we will do this work together. If you have ideas or suggestions, you can share them by emailing YourNorthBranch@HalifaxLibrary.ca,, opens a new window or visit Halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch, opens a new window to learn more.
Can I bid on this work?
You can visit Bids & Tenders website, opens a new window to find more information about the procurement process for this project, opens a new window.
I am an artist, can I submit my work for inclusion?
You can visit the HRM website, opens a new window to find more information about the art selection process for public art projects.
Will the renovated Library be accessible? Will the renovated Library be sustainable?
Yes. The project scope includes Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold Certification – a leader in North American Accessibility standards. The Project scope includes net-zero building features and energy reductions as outlined in HalifACT’s climate strategy. It’s our intention to build to a future standard to address changing needs.
Will the new Library have...?
We are very early in the process and do not have this level of detail yet. We do want to hear from community. Your voice will be heard and reflected at each stage of the project, and you’ll see your feedback reflected. We want to hear from you. Visit halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch, opens a new window to learn more.
Will there be disruptions during construction?
Yes, we can anticipate disruptions in and around the property during this renovation. This might include disruptions to sidewalk access, traffic and near-by streets. Our construction partners will work with municipal departments to ensure safety precautions are followed and disruptions are well communicated and minimal.