MetroWorks Employment Association and Halifax Public Libraries are excited to announce their continued collaboration in bringing an inclusive café and social enterprise to the Library and surrounding community. Ampersand Café will be located inside Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Road.
A café and social enterprise
“Getting to work with the Library once more is a natural amplification of everything we have worked to achieve since 1977,” says Dave Rideout, President and CEO of MetroWorks. “We are building on our success at Keshen Goodman Public Library and sparking new career aspirations, and employment results. At Ampersand Café, customers will be changing lives!”
Both partners credit the success of their collaboration, which is entering its third year, on their shared desire to create community spaces that are purpose-driven, people-centric, and that act as launch points for growth.
“Ampersand Café will provide a welcoming and social experience from the moment you step into the Library,” says Kathleen Morris, Senior Service Manager – Central District, Halifax Public Libraries. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve our community members in new ways. We are so proud to continue our partnership with MetroWorks. Their inclusive business model and welcoming atmosphere make them a natural partner for Central Library.”
Ampersand Café
Ampersand Café, a social enterprise, will operate from two locations within Halifax Central Library—on the first floor near the entrance and the fifth floor within The Sunroom. Stone Hearth Bakery and Kitchen will provide all the food for the café and will offer catering services to customers beyond the Library. MetroWork employees will have access to work-integrated learning through a Barista Training stream and will be a part of a learning development program designed to launch or relaunch career opportunities.
There are no planned interruptions to Library service during the renovation phase of this project. Updates will be posted here, on the News section.
Thank you to our partners, MetroWorks.
