Almost two months after its grand opening, the Halifax Central Library is still creating a buzz in the city, attracting patrons by the thousands.
Library director Bruce Gorman says his expectations have gone through the roof.
“Since we opened, just in December, we've had in fact 66,000 people walk through this building, which, in just two weeks, is three times as many as we had in all of December last year,” says Gorman.
Gorman says he knew the library would make a statement in the downtown core. He says most of its success is owed to the creative vibe of the building.
“Whether they like to read the paper and have a coffee, or take in an event at Paul O'Regan Hall, people have come to this establishment and made it their own, which is exactly what we hoped,” says Gorman.
The new library is not just a place to borrow books, it is also a social space for passerby’s and tech-lovers. From creative labs, to music rooms, to puppet theatres, there is something to engage all ages.
Danielle Dungey operates the library’s teen services. She says the space attracts youth because there are a lot of engaging team activities and volunteer opportunities.
“We have 43 (volunteers) in total,” says Dungey. “They'll be doing a variety of things, from helping out with our children's programs, to engaging young people with video games, and our teen advisory council, where they'll put input on the types of programs we have in the library.”
Alison Black heads up the adult programs. She thinks the library thrives due to its flexible and versatile work spaces and informative presentations.
“The good thing about the Paul O'Regan Hall is that it's a great space for lectures, for performances,” says Black. “This Saturday we're having a theatrical performance called ‘Once,’ which is the story about Africville.”
Gorman says the staff is happy the younger generation is getting involved in library life, when not long ago is seemed libraries may become a thing of the past.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Zeina Jreige
