So many Coast readers submitted suggestions, complaints, wishes and dreams into our suggestion box, and here are just a few. And keep them coming—there are no late charges, either.
A LEED standards building, a fair-trade cafe, a small theatre and a large auditorium, a rooftop garden, space for public art, the best Canadian literature section in Atlantic Canada, a local scene section, green space with trees and lots of reading benches, lots of natural light and fresh air, bike stands, and an iconic building created by a local construction company. –anonymous
Based on what is lacking from many existing libraries in HRM, I’d like to see: storage space for book donations, private spaces for staff to conduct meetings (with actual doors and ceilings), places where young kids can play and spots where teens can talk and laugh without being shushed, quiet study space for those nostalgic for a more “traditional” library environment, green space outside (with benches), an eco-friendly design that makes use of local talent & suppliers, a commitment to economy in purchasing with a preference for Canadian-made items, no contractual obligation to maintain the architectural integrity of the original design or somesuch nonsense (e.g., brass thumbtacks only!!), and, finally, a design that actually does what it’s supposed to do: function as a library. –anonymous library staff member
The current location for the HRM Archives is inconveniently located in Burnside. Access to such important historical documents as those housed at the HRM Archives should be more centrally located. It makes sense to also include space for public access to HRM’s Archives onsite at the Library, with a Research Room equipped with microfilm reader/printers, large tables, computer terminals to access electronic guides to the collections and, of course, a reference archivist. –a frustrated researcher
Based on the interest shown at events during International Year of Astronomy 2009, I would like to see a new planetarium as part of the new library. Then we could teach people about the night sky, regardless of weather, and in spite of the city’s light pollution! To Infinity and Beyond! –Dave Chapman, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
A tropical conservatory on the top floor, which makes up for Halifax Public Gardens being closed in the winter. While it seems to be a ridiculous suggestion, it doesn’t seem that way when you visit it at London’s Barbican Centre, which contains a spectacularly good Public Library amongst other things.
The Amsterdam Public Library (designed by Jo Coenen) looks breathtakingly wonderful, and makes me want to book a plane ticket … just imagine if people felt the same way about our library! –Matthew
Plenty of quiet study carrels and wireless internet. Clear passage for those of us with classes on both the main Dal campus and at DalTech (in other words, proper entrances on both the east and the west sides of the building).
Retain those neat community bulletin boards. Classy architecture…I know that is subjective—what I mean is, nothing that might be considered “goofy.” Stone, glass and concrete are pretty classy. Faux-stone cladding that seems to be all the rage in this city is not. An elegant, quality building that will stand the test of time—the National Gallery in Ottawa is over 20 years old and it still looks as fresh as ever. Buildings like Gehry knockoffs, in two decades, might look a bit…goofy.
Good public art. Local history/context is important, but please, no lighthouses, lobsters, or any other seafaring theme that has been done to death. Have the NSCAD or architecture students come up with something fresh.
Ensure that the Queen St streetwall isn’t dead (that is, have something going on down there, something more than a blank wall or window). –anonymous
I would like a modern, inviting building. Lots of glass to let the natural light in. Something so architecturally stunning that even the tourists will whip out their cameras as they grumble past on the Harbour Hopper. But please, no faux-stone, nor fake heritage. A library is not a condo. Some environmentally friendly aspects would also be ideal, such as energy efficiency and recycled building materials (perhaps from the old library). –Cynthia
Long since are the days when librarians tell us to “shush” and not to have food or drink in the library. I think a nice little coffee shop/lounge would do the trick. My suggestion is an area that is a quiet zone like most university libraries would have. And of course something for the kiddies! Book should equal fun so maybe a play area. We would the next generation to associate books and reading with fun and good times. The key I think is options for patrons like quiet areas and such. Then there is something for everyone! –Stephanie
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This article appears in Feb 18-24, 2010.
All you eat sundae bar!
keep as much of the old structure as you can,
chas.
I want to see lots of space.
Lots of cozy quiet areas with comfy chairs for reading.
Also, I hope a large portion of the budget will be earmarked for upgrading/updating the collection itself.
The last time I was in the library, it seemed there were more than a few books from circa 1974 in amongst the volumes.
Judith Hare has already crammed every possible frill into this design. A better topic would be to take some things out.
Matthew wins.
No CEO office.
No Library board boardroom.
No senior management space.
All of which are available at Alderney Gate branch.(fabulous boardroom)
Direct entrance from the sidewalk (take your demos somewhere else)
Instruction re services available at university libraries.
Minutes of all HRM meetings, including all boards and agencies.
No auditorium ( plenty in metro)
Loads of books.
books. lots and lots of books; innovative, landmark architecture; a cafe; a proper theatre/lecture hall; designated “quiet” areas; secure carrels for laptop users; an interactive database and physical display space where users can post reviews and recs, amazon-style; an art gallery; great bathrooms; a drop-in centre for downtown panhandlers; an outdoor reading/study garden.
Yes yes yes. A food court/café would be divine.
I spent last year in Australia and New Zealand and in these countries, libraries are amazing! Not only are they a central part of the community but they always had free internet access (a huge deal for a travellor and a local without net access), had amazing spaces to read and chill (think comfy arm chairs all throught the library) and were usually a symbol of modern architecture. I spent more time in libraries on my travels than ever before! Check out http://www.pukeariki.com/. The Puke Ariki is a library, cafe, and gallery that blew my mind! Why can’t we have a space like this?
Matthew! The Amsterdam library was incredible… open spaces, funky bookshelves, free internet on beautiful Macs, a fantastic bistro/restaurant, and views of the water. I’d love to see something like that in Halifax!
A lot of the suggestions are quite good, but this is not a university library and it shouldn’t be designed for the use of students. They have great libraries already. This is a public library and the needs of the community at large should be the priority.
Build a beautiful and fun place for kids to play and for families to visit. Give them a space for themselves where they can run and be as loud as they want to be.
Build a nice spot with good furniture and easy to reach books for our seniors. Not near the kids please!
Build meeting rooms that will be free for groups to rent all day and into the evening.
Give us a court yard and a place to hang out. Lots of seating, tables and access to electrical outlets.
I’ve travelled a fair bit and seen some beautiful libraries. Nova Scotia really needs a showplace so the rest of our towns and cities will be able to see what a modern library can do for their downtown and community. Build it big and build it right. Our libraries already have free wifi and access to the internet, now give us a place to sit down to use it!
green space = courtyard!
The Boston Public Library has an amazing courtyard (although it lacks trees), you can bring your reading materials out into the courtyard and enjoy the sunshine.
I like the idea of having acces to the archives stored in dartmouth at the library, you could request that they be brought over and come back to the library when they are available.
The library should be done locally and with the environment in mind!
Lets build something that will meet all of our needs now but also look toward future needs when the city gets larger.
I don’t know about anyone else but I am overwhelmed with excitement about how this city will feel when the new library open it doors!