This story was originally published December 2024 as part of the Library's 2023-24 Annual Report. Read the full report here, online, opens a new window.
This year has been punctuated by significant events that resonated deeply with our community.
We marked Halifax Public Libraries’ 40th anniversary of African Heritage Month in collaboration with the Black History Month Association; partnered with the 2023 ECMA and 2024 JUNO Awards; and on a more granular (or pixelated!) level, facilitated countless everyday interactions, workshops, and collaborations that rippled outward to create change and growth in communities.
Says former Parliamentary Poet Laureate George Elliott Clarke, a longstanding Library friend and contributor to African Heritage Month celebrations, “The Library has always been the first line of defence of civilization and humane values. It’s a space where art, culture, and literature come together.”
In honour of the 40th anniversary of African Heritage Month celebrations, one of the highlights of this year’s Library programming was George Elliott Clarke Presents: 5 Poets Breaking Into Song (#11): Saltwater Spirituals & Uppity Blues. This event brought together an incredible lineup of poets, musicians, and performers, including jazz pianist and composer D.D. Jackson and vocalist Linda Carvery. Livestreamed from Paul O’Regan Hall at Halifax Central Library, the event fused poetry and music to celebrate African heritage. (Check out the 2023 version of the performance in our archives)
“The reception was so warm, the audience so diverse and ready to receive the spoken word and the sung word,” says George. “Combining music with poetry in this way, especially during African Heritage Month, brings a celebration of language that can’t be resisted. Halifax Public Libraries truly puts its heart, soul (and shoulders) into these performances.”
Nahom Assefa, the proud designer of the official 40th-anniversary African Heritage Month t-shirt worn by staff and community members, reflects on the significance of seeing his design embraced by the community.
“It’s touching,” says Nahom. “As an artist who’s used to drawing on paper or an iPad, seeing the design worn by the community and Library staff helped me understand the bigger picture of why I do what I do. It’s about bringing the community together and creating a sense of home.”
He adds that the timing of his design made it especially meaningful. “The most rewarding part was being part of a defining decade at exactly the 40th anniversary of African Heritage Month. Numbers like that, at the right time and place, feel significant, dare I say, divine.”
At Halifax North Memorial Public Library, the significance of this milestone was felt deeply. Branch Manager Randolph White reflects on how the celebration of African Heritage Month unites generations.
“These celebrations require all ages to be involved for there to be success. The beauty of it spanning all different ages is seeing that thread go through in some of our programming… we need that history to continue to move forward and make progress.”
As this branch prepares for significant renovations, Randolph underscores the importance of honouring its past to shape its future. “That rich history over the last 40 years will definitely inform where we go… for the next 40 to 60 years.”
In May 2023, Halifax played host to the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs), and Halifax Central Library proudly staged performances by Roland Grant, Rosemary Lawton, and Robert Thomas and the Sessionmen as part of the celebrations. Then, in March 2024, we stepped further into the spotlight as a sponsor and host for the JUNO Awards, one of Canada’s most prestigious music ceremonies. The excitement reverberated through our halls as we welcomed family-friendly performances during the Junior JUNOS from Ginalina, Splash N’ Boots, and The Swinging Belles. The Library also hosted JUNO Stories from the Studio, a panel discussion featuring Hill Kourkoutis, Joel Stouffer, Sam Avant, and Wondagurl, who shared insights into the creative process behind Canada’s iconic songs and albums.
Literary showcases and book launches brought Canadian authors to our stages, featuring prominent figures such as Rick Mercer and Ken Dryden, and an intellectually stimulating seminar led by Irshad Manji. These events highlighted our commitment to intellectual freedom and the celebration of diverse perspectives.
In the fall of 2023, the Library team, alongside HaliFACT, embarked on a journey to address climate change through a Climate Summit and Human Library at Halifax Central Library. Guests could “check out” subject matter experts instead of books, engaging in meaningful conversations about climate action and next steps.
“The first Human Library was a bit of a mystery for both participants and organizers,” said Halifax Public Libraries Basin District Manager, Ken Williment, and HaliFACT Environmental Professional Megan Fong, in a joint statement. “Word quickly spread, and people from all ages and walks of life participated. One of the most impactful moments was seeing Human Library books—people deeply embedded in the climate space—connecting and building relationships with one another.”
They add that the involvement of young people stood out. “We saw youth show up with energy, eager to learn and drive change in their community.”
After the success of the first event, the team evolved the concept based on feedback. “We realized that people were looking for practical, physical examples of climate action they could implement in their everyday lives,” say Ken and Megan. “That led to the Earth Day event, where the Library partnered with Halifax Transit, showed people how to load their bicycles, had e-bikes available for test drives, and even built raised garden beds in front of Central Library.”
“There have been quite a few people who attended these events who continue to attend climate events, discuss their experience and inquire when one will happen again,” adds Megan, noting the growing interest in climate events at the Library, of which there were 28 in the 2023-24 year.
In December 2023, we partnered with Feed Nova Scotia for a live CBC radio broadcast, opens a new window at Alderney Gate Public Library, showcasing our continued commitment to social good and community support.
On any given day, patrons could find themselves engaging with essential services such as Housing Initiatives, Legal Aid Support, or participating in ID Clinics. These programs aim to address some of the pressing needs in our community, offering support where it’s needed most.
“We’ve seen a lot of folks who are housing insecure walking through our doors,” says Community Navigator at Alderney Gate Public Library, Lara McAllister. “The Library is one of the few places where anybody can come in, no matter who they are, or what walk of life they’re in.”
Beyond providing services, the Library creates a sense of comfort for those seeking help. “It’s not just about providing and connecting people with services,” says Lara. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging. People who may have felt invisible elsewhere are able to connect here, and they know we care about their needs.”
The impact of these services is significant. “I’ve seen some of my regular visitors who, when I first met them, were sleeping rough, in a bus shelter, or a tent,” says Lara. “Now, some of them are housed in their own apartments. It’s really nice to be part of that and to be making these differences in people’s lives.”
“We’re about information,” adds Lara. “Helping people navigate services is a natural extension of our role… Connecting people to the right organizations helps them feel empowered to make changes and get the support they didn’t even know existed.”
As we strive to bring resources to our spaces where people naturally congregate, the Library remains committed to answering questions before they are even asked, and providing one-of-a-kind experiences to delight, nurture, and inspire.
Add a comment to: Milestone Moments (2023-24)