Halifax Central Library, Halifax

Halifax Central Library, Halifax

Halifax Central Library is the flagship branch of the Halifax Public Libraries system and one of the most distinctive modern buildings in downtown Halifax. It opened in 2014 and was designed by Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen in partnership with local architects Fowler Bauld & Mitchell. The library is notable for its modern design. It has the appearance of several glass levels stacked on top of one another at different angles. The fifth floor juts out over the plaza below.

Inside, the library offers much more than books. It includes community rooms, an auditorium, cafés, study areas, and open public spaces. The rooftop terrace is especially popular for its views over downtown Halifax.

The library is also home to public artwork by Cliff Eyland. His installation “Library Cards” consists of 5,000 miniature artworks made on panels the size of traditional library catalogue cards. Another work, “Book Shelf Paintings,” includes 1,000 small paintings inspired by books and library shelves. Today, the library functions as an important cultural and social gathering place in the city.
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Halifax Central Library on Map

Sight Name: Halifax Central Library
Sight Location: Halifax, Canada (See walking tours in Halifax)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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