As of April 1, 2026, Halifax Public Libraries has increased some fees for paid services. This is the first fee change we've made in over a decade. The Library remains dedicated to providing barrier-free access to core library services, such as programs, collections, and public spaces, at no cost.

As of April 1, the following fees have changed:

• Room rental fees for community rooms and premium venues
• Parking rates at Halifax Central Library
• Per page printing ($5.00 free printing credit remains)
• A new fee for filming in Library locations

Room Rental Fees

All room rentals have a consistent, standard rate and a reduced community rate. The reduced community rate applies to small non-profit organizations, and local community groups that are booking for non-commercial purposes. The standard rate applies to all other bookings, including birthday parties and other celebrations.

Community Rooms

As of April 1, all community room rental fees are as follows:

• All Halifax Central Library community rooms and large community rooms at other locations:
  • Standard rate: $300 for the full day and $240 for half day
  • Reduced community rate: $100 for the full day and $85 for half day
• All other community rooms:
  • Standard rate: $240 for the full day and $180 for the half day
  • Reduced community rate: $85 for the full day and $65 for half day

Explore Library Spaces and rental options at Book a Space.

Premium Venues

Premium venues refer to two locations at Halifax Central Library: Paul O'Regan Hall and the Fifth Floor. The Fifth Floor can only be rented after hours.

As of April 1, all premium venue rental fees are as follows:

• Standard rate: $200/hour during open hours and $350/hour after hours
• Reduced community rate: $125/hour during open hours and $150/hour after hours
• Minimum of four-hour rental required
• Other fees may apply depending on the booking requirements

Halifax Central Library Parking Fees

As of April 1, Halifax Central Library's hourly parking rates are:

• Monday - Friday: $3/hour, up to a daily maximum of $25
• Saturday - Sunday: $2/hour, up to a daily maximum of $7.50

Printing and Copying Fees

As of April 1, printing fees are:

Black & white printing:

• Single-sided: $0.15
• Double-sided: $0.30

Colour printing:

• Single-sided: $0.50
• Double-sided: $1.00

The monthly $5.00 printing credit remains unchanged.

New Film and Photography Location Fee

As of April 1, the Library will charge a location fee for film or photo shoot requests in Library spaces that require equipment and insurance. Depending on the scale of the production, the following fees may apply:

There is no location fee for film or photo shoot requests that use only handheld cameras.

The Library is closed for the Easter holidays

All branches and departments of Halifax Public Libraries will be closed for the Easter holiday on the following days:

• Friday, April 3
• Sunday, April 5
• Monday, April 6

For up-to-date information on branch closures and updates, follow us on Instagram, opens a new window and Facebook., opens a new window The Library is closed on all statutory and civic holidays.

About What I Know About You

A heartbreaking tale of a family and an impossible love, torn apart by secrets and traditions in late-twentieth-century Cairo.

As a boy in 1960s Cairo, Tarek knows that his entire life is written in advance. He’ll be a doctor like his father, marry, and have children. Under the watchful eyes of his mother and his sister, he starts to do just that – until Ali enters his life and turns it upside down. The two men, from very different worlds, embark on an unsayable relationship that threatens to tear apart Tarek’s family.
Years later, as Tarek is living a solitary life in Montreal, someone starts writing about him and to him, piecing together a past he wants only to forget. But who is the writer of this tale? And will he figure it out in time?

A bestseller in its original Quebec edition, and the recipient of several awards, including the Prix Femina des Lycéens, What I Know About You is poised to be an international sensation.

"This novel is a searing love story that moves between Egypt and Montréal, that shifts between hearts, highlighting the sacrifices the characters feel they have to make for the ones they love. Romantic, surprising, mesmerizing, and so devastating, What I Know About You examines the terrible costs of family secrets and toxic shame." – Suzette Mayr, author of The Sleeping Car Porter

(Description via Coach House Books, opens a new window)

About Éric Chacour

Éric Chacour shares his life between France and Quebec. He graduated with a bachelor’s from Université Paris Dauphine-PSL then completed a master’s in international relations from Université de Montréal. What I Know About You is his first novel and was originally published in French as Ce que je sais de toi. Born in Montreal to Egyptian parents, Chacour now works in the financial sector. (Bio via Writers' Trust of Canada, opens a new window)

Read with Halifax Public Libraries

What I Know About You

April 1 through 30, 2026, you'll be able to download What I Know About You as an e-book with no holds, no waitlists, via:

•  Our Catalogue
• The Libby app

Join the Conversation

While reading the book, people are encouraged to join the online discussion happening with readers from across the country on the One eRead Canada Facebook page.

There will also be two live streamed events during the month:

Thursday, April 30 | 8:00pm Atlantic Time
In English: Antonio Michael Downing, host of The Next Chapter  will be in conversation with Éric Chacour and Pablo Strauss.

Wednesday, April 29 | 8:00pm Atlantic Time
En français: Éric will be in conversation with Caroline Moon.

You will have an opportunity to submit  your questions beforehand through the One eRead Canada social media channels or during the show.

Check back on the One eRead Official Website for more information including how to register and view the programs.

About One eRead/Un Livrel Canada

Launched in 2019, One eRead Canada is an annual initiative by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council to promote digital reading through public libraries, while also raising awareness about issues that libraries face in providing access to e-books and audiobooks.

One eRead / Un livrel highlights the benefit of open access to digital books. CULC reports that restrictive costs, licensing, and availability of content prevent public libraries from providing adequate access to the volume and variety of digital titles Canadians want to read. The high cost of digital content alone prevents libraries from diversifying their collections, meaning many authors and books are underrepresented and underexposed to Canadian readers. One eRead / Un livrel demonstrates that when restrictions on access are reduced, readership goes up.

Read more: Canada’s Public Libraries Call for Fair Digital Pricing with a National eBook Club

About Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) / Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CBUC)

The Canadian Urban Libraries Council was formed in 2008, formalizing groups whom had met for more than 25 years to better library service in Canada’s populated urban areas. CULC has members from the 51 largest public library systems in Canada, along with Library and Archives Canada and the Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. CULC’s mission is to facilitate advocacy, collaboration, and research that strengthens and promotes the value of Canada’s urban libraries as integral to a vibrant democracy, a strong economy, and thriving communities. More than 75% of all Canadians are served by a CULC member library, whose activities comprise more than 80% of Canada’s public library total.

Halifax, N.S. — Halifax Public Libraries welcomes East Cup Café and Roastery as our new café provider for our Halifax Central Library and Keshen Goodman Public Library branches. Café locations in these branches plan to open in early 2026.

East Cup Café and Roastery operates a flagship café on Robie Street, a neighbourhood favourite serving high-quality coffee and treats. The café was founded by two brothers, Hamzeh and Ahmad Haj Issa, who immigrated to Nova Scotia in the 90s. With their thoughtful approach to café design, locally sourced menu, and diverse team, East Cup Café offers a welcoming and inclusive space to relax, work, study, and connect with community.

“East Cup Café demonstrated a strong commitment to shared values,” said Megan Gainer, Director of Facilities with Halifax Public Libraries. “Café services greatly improve public spaces because they increase comfort, encourage lingering, and people are more willing to connect over a hot beverage or snack. East Cup Café have created this environment in their Robie Street café, and we look forward to helping them expand into new communities.”

“We’re incredibly honoured to partner with Halifax Public Libraries and to be welcomed into such meaningful community spaces,” said Hamzeh Haj Issa, President of East Cup Café and Roastery. “As immigrants to Nova Scotia, libraries played an important role in helping us feel connected and at home. Our goal is to create cafés that feel just as welcoming—places where people can gather, feel comfortable, and enjoy great coffee together.”

East Cup Café’s menu will include a selection of specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and light meals, as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and Halal options.

For further updates on opening dates and when you can begin enjoying your new café space, please check back here, or follow along on our social channels: Facebook, opens a new window and Instagram, opens a new window.

As of March 2026, East Cup Café is now open at:

• Keshen Goodman Public Library
• 5th floor of Halifax Central Library

Throughout March and April, eligible community members could have the opportunity to have their tax returns done free of charge with Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) via Halifax Public Libraries. Appointment booking opens on March 1, 2026.

Eligibility for Free Tax Clinics

Depending on your tax situation and income, you may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic. Click here, opens a new window to learn more about your eligibility. 

Free Tax Clinics

Once you've confirmed your eligibility, you can call or visit your local branch, opens a new window to book an appointment, beginning March 1, 2026. Eligible community members who register for a 2026 tax clinic will have their tax return completed with a CVITP volunteer.

In Fall 2025, Halifax North Memorial Public Library invited community members to share their thoughts on the upcoming renovation. In November, after the design-build team, opens a new window was contracted, a series of community engagement opportunities, opens a new window were held at the Library and across the North End community.

What We Learned Report

, opens a new window

Click here to view a summary of what we heard from community members during this first phase of the renovation., opens a new window

, opens a new window

Click here to view the complete report., opens a new window

Want to share your thoughts on the renovation?

Community engagement doesn't end here—we invite you to share your voice at every stage of this project. Buranda Skinner, Manager, Community Connections, will capture your feedback and help inform decisions like honouring history and reflection. We will do this work together. If you have ideas or suggestions, you can share them by emailing yournorthbranch@halifaxlibrary.ca, opens a new window or by visiting halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch, opens a new window to browse upcoming engagement opportunities.

When one or more Library locations have to close—for a weather event, holiday, or another reason—many of our regular services are put on hold. To help you feel prepared, here are some answers to our most frequently asked closure-related questions, plus information on what's available when the Library is closed.

Will you send a notice when the branch reopens?

When we close for a full day, the expectation is that we will resume regular open hours the following day, unless otherwise announced. Our website is your most reliable source for information on the Library's open status—we suggest you check out our Hours & Locations, opens a new window page before leaving for a visit. 

Still unsure whether the Library is open? Give your local branch a call!

How do I return an item that is due today? Will my holds be saved for when you reopen?

Your items will be waiting

In the event of an unexpected closure, materials on hold will be extended so that they are available when the branch reopens. This way, you can get back to borrowing in no time!

Returns can wait—but you have options

Halifax Public Libraries is fine-free, opens a new window. That means you will not be charged for overdue materials, and can enjoy worry-free borrowing. Simply bring back your items when the Library reopens, or if desired, use your preferred branches' exterior book drop.

We also have a range of Library Kiosks and Community Return Locations, opens a new window for your convenience, and items can be returned to any Library branch, regardless of where the items were originally borrowed.

Will Library events be cancelled, too?

Yes. All events at a closed Library location will be automatically cancelled, unless communicated otherwise. Also, if there is a weather event predicted or underway, please check the What’s On Calendar, opens a new window before leaving for the event.

What can I do while my Library is closed?

While you won’t have access to our facilities, as long as we have power, you can:

Borrow digital items with ease

Our E-Library is open 24/7, and your library card gives you access to digital books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, and much more. We encourage you to explore all that our free E-Library has to offer, especially when you’re seeking some Library fun beyond our branches. View our complete list of available E-Library resources., opens a new window

Access our free WiFi

Be it after-hours, a delayed opening, or a day of the week when your favourite Library is closed, our free WiFi, opens a new window is there to help you stay connected when you need it. You are always welcome to use our WiFi from outside the building on your personal devices. A reminder to please stay safe if accessing WiFi when a branch is closed due to weather.

Read more, opens a new window about how our IT team works to extend the reach of WiFi beyond our walls.

Check your account or renew materials

Give our teleaccess line a call at (902) 490-5845. Simply follow the voice prompts to complete some basic account administration, and you can manage your account like a pro.

We are proud to offer East Dartmouth communities a new way to borrow books. A Library Kiosk has been installed in the East Dartmouth Community Centre at 50 Caledonia Rd, Dartmouth, NS, B2X 1K8.

The Library Kiosk will always be stocked with a diverse range of books for all ages and interests.

You can borrow and return books as you please—right in your community. This kiosk marks our sixth permanent Library installation in the wider Halifax area. You may have seen our other kiosks at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, St. Andrew's Recreation Centre in Bayers Westwood, Gordon R. Snow Community Centre in Fall River, the Horizon Recreation Centre in Eastern Passage, and the Prospect Road Community Centre in Prospect Road.

Using the kiosk

1. Scan your library card and enter your PIN number. (Hint: try the last 4 digits of your phone number)
2. The door to the kiosk will open like a fridge.
3. Browse the shelves for your next read. You can take the books in and out, read the back, judge them by the covers (we all do it).
4. Once you've made your selection, simply close the door. The kiosk will take inventory of the books you have borrowed and print a receipt for your records.
5. Enjoy!

Borrowing basics

It's just like borrowing from any Library branch. Books are checked out for 3-week loan periods and can be returned to the following locations:

• The Library Kiosk
• Any Halifax Public Libraries branch, opens a new window or Book Drop—including the one at the East Dartmouth Community Centre
• Any participating "Borrow Anywhere, Return Anywhere" library location, opens a new window in Nova Scotia

Need a card?

To get a library card, visit any Halifax Public Libraries branch or sign up here, online., opens a new window

It’s that time again! Our annual Ghost Story Writing Contest has wrapped for 2025, and we’re still buzzing from all the creative, bone-chilling tales we got to read.

This year’s contest—our 36th!—pulled in a stack of stories from young writers all across HRM and had us turning the pages with the lights on.

With so many amazing stories, our judges had their work cut out for them. After a full-on reading marathon, they’ve selected the stories that spiked their fear-o-metre.

Now, we're excited to share the winning entries (and the talented writers behind them) with you. Tap the links below to read each story in PDF format.

Winning Entries

Ages 7–9

• The Dark Room, opens a new window by Angus Young
• Laura, opens a new window by Neva Schoen-Rene
• The Silent Hero, opens a new window by Michael Onwuzurike

Ages 10–12

• Something Beyond Explanation, opens a new window by Ridhima Mitra
• Revenge of the Mistreated, opens a new window by Peregrine Austin
• The Boy in the Woods, opens a new window by Michael Soni

Ages 13–15

• Lure of the Bell, opens a new window by Karina Coughran
• Secrets of the Mystery Mountains, opens a new window by Matthew Zhang
• Thrice on a Blood Moon, opens a new window by Emersen Borst

Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to submit a story. Your creativity is off the charts, and we loved every eerie and surprising moment. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and don’t stop exploring the unknown.

We also want to give a major thanks to the Helen Creighton Folklore Society and Nimbus Publishing for supporting this contest, and to our guest judge for lending their time and expertise.

Stay tuned for more writing contests and events in the new year. Until then, keep the flashlight handy and the stories coming!

Remembrance Day Holiday Hours

• On Tuesday, November 11, all branches and departments of Halifax Public Libraries will be closed for the Remembrance Day holiday.

Check out the location page for your local library to plan your next visit.

The Library closes for all statutory and civic holidays.