“Public libraries are uniquely positioned to engage communities and the people who live in them — encouraging participation, facilitating connections, and providing solutions to an ever-changing world. Halifax Public Libraries embraces this opportunity and responsibility with great pride. The best public libraries in the world are built on the foundation of equality and open access.”
Ideas to Action: Halifax Public Libraries Strategic Plan
Halifax Public Libraries is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. In August 2024, Halifax Central Library achieved ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’, the top accessibility rating under the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ program and the highest level of accessibility possible for the built environment. The program provides organizations with an understanding of their overall level of meaningful access in the built environment.
“When we create environments that are barrier-free, everyone can enjoy the space with ease and increased comfort,” says Megan Gainer, Director of Facilities, Halifax Public Libraries. “Accessibility is not a project. It’s a life-long commitment that needs a strong foundation and willingness to listen.”
Halifax Central Library achieved a noteworthy rating score of 84% according to the RHFAC model. To date, over 1,750 sites across Canada have been rated through the program. We are joining the ranks of the just over 110 that have achieved Accessibility Certified Gold. Halifax Central Library is one of only two libraries in the country certified Gold. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this certification without the commitment from all Library staff — who carefully maintain existing infrastructure, provide meaningful feedback, initiate new accessibility options, and make the public library a welcoming space for all. We’d also like to thank our Accessibility Advisory Committee members; your lived experiences and generous feedback have set a direction for a more inclusive library.
Achieving a rating score of 84% demonstrates Halifax Public Libraries’ commitment to removing barriers and improving accessibility for community and staff of all abilities. While this achievement is notable, our accessibility journey is only just beginning. Being an accessibility leader means always looking for ways to improve. More staff are receiving Rick Hansen Foundation accreditation and will extend their expertise to other branches. Halifax Public Libraries will enshrine accessibility concepts into our Facilities Master Plan that is currently in development.
Did You Know: Halifax Central Library Accessibility Features
- Tactile Warning Surface Indicators at all stairways.
- Braille and tactile signage.
- Throughout Halifax Central Library you can find assistive technology workstations, large print keyboards, JAWS 14.0 screen reader software, and text to speech adapters.
- Floor 1 features the highest standard in accessible washrooms including a wide-clearance door, adult change table, motion detector lights and faucets, an emergency call button, and modern locking features.
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Access to Halifax Public Libraries’ Accessible Collection including audio books, Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA), and National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) materials. These materials are specifically designed for readers with:
- Severe or total impairment of sight or the inability to focus or move one’s eyes.
- Cannot hold or manipulate a book.
- Have an impairment relating to comprehension.
Some highlights from Halifax Central Library’s score-card:
- The scope of the rating includes all areas of the roughly 130,000 sq ft public facility, including the front plaza on Spring Garden Road, all entrances, parking garage, emergency exits, and staff areas.
- Public-use spaces include computers, program rooms, performance hall, cafés, study areas, elevators, washrooms, makerspace, and recording studio.
- Exterior approaches and entrances scored 86%.
- Interior services and environment scored 85%.
- Sanitary facilities scored 77%.
- Wayfinding and signage scored 80%.
- Evaluating mind-friendly environments scored 93%.
- Technology and innovation scored 100% .
More Reading
- Halifax Public Libraries' Diversity and Inclusion Statement
- Halifax Public Libraries' Accessibility Plan
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