WELLNESS

TAKING THE DARTMOUTH NORTH LIBRARY OUTSIDE W/ TD COMMON GROUND

*This post was sponsored by TD and TD Common Ground Project.

Expanding a library to the great outdoors is definitely not your typical reno, but at the Dartmouth North Community Centre Library it’s exactly what the community is working towards.

Having grown up in a small town in Cape Breton, I know what it’s like to be from a community that’s often overlooked. Typically it’s the communities and kids that need it most that get left behind. Where most kids around me didn’t have a lot growing up I would argue we were rich in other ways. Community programs and inititives really do make all the difference. I have to say

One of my favorite things about going to the library as a kid was that I could always bring something home.

You know when you’re a kid and you go to the store you perpetually bug your parents for candy, cookies, or sugary cereals, to which my mother would almost always say no, but at the library my mom always said yes to books and I loved it!

 

WHY DARTMOUTH NORTH?


It’s time. The building was constructed in 1995 and no longer meets the needs of the community. The TD Common Ground Project will provide DN with innovative outdoor spaces to foster discovery, creativity, and connection.

Halifax Public Libraries and HRM Recreation are committed to offering flexible, welcoming, dynamic, and functional spaces to meet the community’s needs and adapt to evolving service approaches.

The exterior renovations will enable the Library and Recreation to extend beyond the walls of
the building. —What’s more inspiring than getting outside??

The Dartmouth North library is so much more than a place to grab books it’s a huge part of the community, and they are really looking forward to expanding their programs and community events in the new updated space.

When completed the Dartmouth North Community Centre will be more attractive, functional and integrated into the surrounding community. The team at DN really want the community to get the most out of the space, and they know that as is it can be just so much better.

WHAT WILL THE RENOVATION LOOK LIKE?


“For the outside we are envisioning a glass canopy that will be protecting patrons from the worst of our rainy weather. It will be about 250 square feet, so that’s a fairly large outdoor room,” —said Terry Gallagher, director of finance and facilities.

Patrons will be able to use the outdoor space and Wi-Fi any time of day, so people can use the service even when the library is closed. There will be outdoor furniture as well, for seating and for programs that will be held outdoors.

Interior renovations haven’t been planned yet, but through this summer Halifax Public Libraries will be holding public discussions with the community to gauge what they are looking for in their local library space. It’s up to library users to decide on their key needs.

“One of the great blessings about the Central Library is we went out to the community and listened,” — Gallagher.

MORE TO COME


While plans are still underway it’s super exciting to be a part of this project!  I can’t wait to share more with you about the TD Common Ground Project later in the summer. For now here’s a couple snaps from the Preview Picnic.

Bursting at the brim with love, support, and kindness it was an aboslute blast getting to know the community. From dance performances, to spoken word poetry, delicious food the Preview Picnic warmed my heart tens times over. There’s honestly no community that’s more deserving.

Stay tuned for additonal information!

xx

Kayla

 

To learn more about the Halifax project, please visit:
TD Common Ground Project

Facebook: Facebook.com/TDCanada
Twitter: @TD_Canada
Instagram: TD_Canada
YouTube: youtube.com/user/TDCanada
#TDCommonGround

 

 

 

 

 

 

*This post was sponsored by TD, however, all opinions are my own.

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3 Comments

  • Reply Colleen O'Dea August 23, 2017 at 6:59 pm

    They really and truly did know how to throw a party!!!

  • Reply Cat Forsley August 25, 2017 at 8:48 pm

    Proud to KNOW YOU XO

  • Reply Thanh August 28, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    I’m so excited to see the finished space!

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