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.
“Baby’s first library card.” It’s one of the most heartwarming moments Halifax Public Libraries staff get to witness at our branch Information Desks, and is often marked via celebratory posts on social media by parents and caregivers. Keepsake photos focus on tiny hands clutching a card that will open doors to new worlds. These moments are filled with promise and potential.
“We hope that families see the Library as a space where they can grow together,” says Heather Doepner, a Programming and Community Engagement Lead with over two decades of experience in youth services at Halifax Public Libraries.
In recent years, concerns about youth literacy have been growing. With the disruptions caused by COVID-19, at-home learning, and increased screen time, young people—ranging from infants to teens—have faced challenges in their literacy development. The Library’s role in building early literacy remains steadfast, and we’ve even heard instances of pediatricians ‘prescribing’ library visits for children born in the 2020s, to help families introduce social literacy early.
Public libraries are available to youth at every stage of the learning journey, and we find hope in our ability to link up with them creatively along their learning path.
One way the Library makes a difference is through our partnership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Read to Me program. Through this initiative, every newborn in Nova Scotia receives a gift bag containing a picture book, literacy resources, and information about their local library system—including Halifax Public Libraries. For many new parents, it’s a delightful surprise to discover that the Library is there to support their family—right from the very beginning.
Putting a special mark on this year was our inaugural Halifax Regional Library Board Bookmark Design Contest. Children from across HRM submitted their library-inspired artwork, and the winning designs, created by Meredith (age 13), Hayley (age 12), Alice (age 11), Eden (age 10), and Advika (age 6), now grace our limited-edition bookmarks. This contest is more than just a fun activity; it’s a celebration of youthful creativity and self-expression in connection with their Library, capturing a moment in time from their perspective.
This year we also welcomed back our Annual Funny Pages Festival—a celebration of the power of humour in children’s books—and saw over 30,000 attendees at our ever-popular Baby’s First Books and Preschool Drop-in programs across all branches. “We’ve also learned how much young children appreciate the more spontaneous engagements we create on the floor,” Heather says. “It’s been wonderful to see families learning alongside each other and discovering the magic of everyday literacy.”
Our Youth Learning programs, such as Leading Readers and our YMCA Homework Club for Newcomer Youth, supported 2,346 attendees this year. With an increased population of new Canadians, Heather emphasizes how programming has evolved to serve both social and language needs. At Keshen Goodman Public Library, “our Newcomer English Kids Club provides a space for kids not just to learn English, but to feel a sense of community and belonging,” she explained, reflecting on the importance of supporting newcomer families as they integrate into the city.
The Back-to-School period, March Break, and our Summer Reading Club are some of our busiest times, with youth and families flocking to our programs. Heather observed a noticeable uptick in young teens visiting the Library independently, seeking “social belonging and a safe space” as they gain more independence. “This generation is no different than any past one, in that way,” she noted, “and we try to help them build positive habits while they explore what the Library has to offer.”
One additional highlight this year was the rare solar eclipse on April 8, which drew many young visitors to the Library in search of special glasses to witness the event; and in turn introduced them to supplementary Library programs about the science behind the eclipse. These glasses symbolized more than just a way to view the sky that day; they represented the Library’s role in providing young minds with a safe outlet to explore, learn, and engage with the world around them.
As we move into the next year, Halifax Public Libraries remains committed to nurturing youth literacy, helping children and teens discover the joy of reading and learning—one library card at a time.
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