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Library of the Future to Open in Halifax

Libraries are slowly becoming an out-dated source of information, but the newly constructed $57 million library soon to open in Halifax, is hoping to change the role libraries play in the digital age. The City of Halifax, with contribution from the EllisDon organization, is transforming the Halifax Central Library in order to meet the rapidly growing digital standards of today.

The 109,000 square foot library will replace the city's current library, measuring in at only 38,000 square feet. Aside from offering traditional book lending services, the futuristic library will providing gaming centres, technologically adept performance space, sound studios, space for up to 250 computers, e-book adept services, and extended space for arts and culture based seminars.

The elegantly designed “living room” is expected to be a central hub for citizens in the downtown core. The rooftop cafe and terrace will overlook the city's harbour and provide a social atmosphere where library patrons can enjoy a cup of coffee, a good book, or catch up with friends.

As an inclusive social hub, the library has plans to incorporate more cultural programming, providing universal access and enhanced diversity.

“Strategic initiatives identified for this coming year include 3D printing, Chromebooks, secure WiFi with global access, iPads, embracing cloud-based information resources, social media, gamification training, and significant enhancement of our electronic collection,” read a statement from the Halifax Public Libraries Budget and Business Plan of 2014/15 by the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Floor to ceiling windows, environmentally sustainable amenities, and the differing dimensions that make-up each floor of the five story building create the innovative and aesthetically appealing library of the future. The unique architectural design of the building stands out from the crowd with an overlapping floor plan that is supposed to emulate a stack of books.

The new Halifax Central Library has been under construction for the last three years and is to be complete in the next few weeks. The federal government contributed $18.3 million to the project, the province gave $13 million, and the Halifax municipal government contributed $26.3 million.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

In a study conducted in 2010 by the Canadian Library Association, states that 95 per cent of Canadians had access to local public libraries, yet only 41 per cent of Canadians were active public library cardholders. An estimated 20 per cent of cardholders in 2010 had not used their card in the last three years.

Our society's demand for information quickly and efficiently, and along side with the rapid advancement of technological devices and expansion of WiFi hot-spots in the last four years, suggests a direct correlation with the decrease in use of Canada's libraries.

Competing with Google, social media, and the latest iPhone has left libraries across Canada struggling to keep up. Although past library use grows increasingly bleak in comparison to the amount of daily Google inquiries, the new Halifax Central Library is just an example of how libraries can embrace current digital culture and provide Canadians will a multitude of value.



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