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Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
5381 Spring Garden RdHalifax, NS B3J 1E9
(902) 490-5700
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 10 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 2 pm - 5 pm
14 reviews for Spring Garden Road Memorial Public Library
14 reviews in English
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Review from Rhia P.
2/3/2012
I love this little library so much, from it's rabbit warreny stacks to its exemplary staff.
The selection at this branch is entirely reasonable, and the holds system means that you can quickly and easily gather reads from the entire system, including all their NovaNet partners.
They also stack a great selection of CDs and DVDs, Ebooks. Cosy places to read, public use computers. Everything you need.
But what I really want to talk to you about is the children's librarians. From awesome programming to detailed help finding the exact books your wee-one desires, this is service with a smile at its very best.
Top tip for power-users of the holds system, too - the children's/YA pickup is self-serve, and there is almost never a line to pick up. -
Review from Ben B.
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've only been in this library a handful of times throughout my life but I'm still going to be sad to see it go if it ends up torn down after the new one is built. Its stance on the lower end of Spring Garden along with the brooding statue of Winston Churchill and the mish-mash of characters always on its front lawn have long made it a Halifax landmark and meeting place.
Inside, it's brighter and bigger than you'd ever expect if you've only ever passed it by on the street. Bright natural light pours in from windows I never knew existed, aisles are generously spaced to avoid claustrophobia, and multiple rooms jut out from the main lobby area. Who knew?
A healthy number of computers are lined up in stations that seemed to work pretty while despite suddenly shutting down on Lesley-Anne S while we were there, and many books are displayed like a book store rather than hidden in the stacks. -
Review from Leslie F.
10/12/2011 ROTD 1/17/2012
When I was a kid, going to the library on Spring Garden Road was high on my list of things to do for a good time. (Anyone remember the puppet shows?) We also used to take trips there in elementary school and it was always a thrill to get my paws on a book I'd never read before. Flash forward 20ish years, and I'm still a fan of the library, albeit for slightly different reasons:
1) The library is not just for books anymore. Sad that Blockbuster closed? The library has movies! Good ones! And seasons of your favorite TV shows... I'm all caught up on Mad Men thanks to the library.
2) You can do a lot of stuff online - like see the newest additions to the collection, reserve a book or movie, or renew the books you already have. You can also see where you are in the queue and change your account information. It's very user-friendly.
3) I love a bargain, and the library may offer one of the best deals of all time. It's FREE! As long as you return your items on time, the library doesn't cost you one red cent. What's not to love about that?Listed in: Yelptober, Along the Garden Route
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Review from Lacey H.
5/7/2010 1 photo
I love the sight of this old building as you approach the end (or alternatively the beginning) of Spring Garden Road. The grassy knoll with cement wall is a perfect resting place to sip java and chat with a friend.
Out front of the library, you will often find signage about local demonstrations or advocacy groups. On the weekends, there are people regularly doing silent protests out front to draw attention to world issues. From buskers to beggars, library patrons to political activists, this space seems to be one where all can convene, for the love of literature or for other worthwhile motives.
The library is a great local resource and is centrally located within this fair city. I love being able to rent DVDs and CDs from this location; enabling me access to genres that I may otherwise not investigate.
I suppose an update for this withering building is in order, but sometimes the charm of dilapidation outweighs my desire for state of the art facilities. Although, I do recognize that this main branch would benefit from being larger and in better shape.
If you haven't ventured in lately, I recommend that you bring a piece of ID and get yourself set up with a card. Free literature, audio and video rentals, all carried in slew of genres is a great way to get your hands on some interesting new materials. -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
9/23/2009 1 photo
The Spring Garden Branch of the Halifax Regional Library has seen better days. The building is so old and poorly insulated that it sometimes gets too hot inside during the summer months and has to be closed, for the safety of the poor souls who toil inside.
There's faint hope that someday a new building will come along, but until then, this library serves as part of the very heart and soul of downtown Halifax. And it's not really about the building, anyway, is it? It's the staff and their unwavering service to the community, and the folks at this branch are always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
The library offers adult literacy programs, English as a Second Language, basic computer training, readings, and lectures - not to mention the librarians' invaluable research assistance, which is available to anyone who needs a hand finding information.
Oh, and it's all free, of course. -
Review from Laura P.
Updated - 6/2/2010
Three stars are warranted for my most recent Spring Garden Library experience. This particular visit was not for books, but a stock-up of movies.
My sister and I were in desperate need of washing the excess that IS "Sex and the City II" out of our heads forever. (And we didn't even stay for the whole film.) The next day, we followed up our girls night with a trip to the library. The long row of flicks provided much opportunity, and between the two of us, we picked out 6 to take home.
Ah! Our picks would surely replenish our weakened faith in the cinematic factor. Or so we thought.... as we cuddled under a puff in our pjs, about 20 minutes in, the film skipped. We restarted it, tried again-- same thing. Upon looking at the actual DVD, it appeared completely scratched and impossible to watch.
What a drag. It wouldn't have been so bad if the following two films we tried hadn't done the same thing. I highly suggest peaking at the DVD before signing out a movie from the library, because it sure is a bummer to get all geared up and ready to go, but with negative results.
By this time, we were too discouraged to try any more. Bedtime! My love for Video Difference reappeared from the darkness, and I'll likely pay them a visit once I get past this mini tantrum.
Besides this one time glitch, the Spring Garden Library rocks. Endless isles of books, books, books,and com'mon-- thats the real reason we are there. Just watch out for the DVDs and everything will be fine.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/7/2010
Who can deny the utter thrill of F R E E. Our Spring Garden Regional Library is the community key to… Read more »
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Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2010 1 photo
Despite having lived in Halifax for 6 years now I somehow didn't make it into the Halifax Public Library until just a couple of months ago.
Very obliging librarians offered to set me up with a library card (free of charge) and I was able to rent a couple awesome dvds- one of which was called: 'Share the Road- Tales from a Band of Gypsy Bike Riders.' -Recommended as a side note!
This library is in need of an overhaul so it's a good thing that the municipality finally decided to build a new one. Still, it'll be said to see this old relic go. -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/17/2009
Why buy when they can loan it to you?
The Halifax Regional Library is most likely the largest library in Halifax. It is also a beautiful looking building on the outside and is Host, not only to books and magazines, but meetings and small group events. It is located almost in the center of Halifax right off of Spring Garden Road which makes it easy to pop in and find the book you need for your thesis, work project or whatever.
Staff at the Halifax Regional Library are very friendly and know their books. They have a bit of a firm but helpful attitude. Given the fact that every type of person comes into the library, this, "lets help you as fast and efficiently as possible," work ethic makes sense. Sometimes they aren't the friendliest that way but they are never mean or look like you are inconveniencing them.
This library also has free Internet for those of you who have a library card and a pretty impressive magazine and newspaper collection. The second level has a very beautiful large table where you can sit in comfort and crack open a book or start whatever research you need to do. I love that section in particular for the comfy chairs and very helpful staff.
This library does a great job at what they do. Their book selection isn't as big as, say Dalhousie Universities which is four or so blocks up the street, but its always been large enough to meet my needs. I like the look of the library inside and out. So if you are looking to have your book-needs met, head to the Halifax Library. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/13/2010
What was the last book you read? If the answer is one of the following: a) The last one teach assigned to me b)What's a book? c)I hate books, move along. This review is not for you.
If you don't fall into one of the above demographics have I got a treat for you! Ladies and gentlemen... The Halifax Public Library!
What a great resource this place is. The Halifax Regional Library offers an incredible number of new and older books on just about every subject you could think of, all of which are tirelessly categorized by the hard working and generally friendly staff. The library also has a great collection of magazines and news papers for those looking to catch up on their current interests.
Of course, the best part of the Library is that you can take books out for free. I know this is common knowledge, but take a minute to really think about it. I would guess that I probably purchased ten new books this year, at 25 dollars a pop, that's 250 bones that I could have saved by going to the library.
Basically I am a fool and so are you if you don't check this place out! -
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
4/10/2010
The main branch of the Halifax public library system is located at the base of Spring Garden Road, behind an expansive lawn that is home to the famous Winston Churchill statue.
Loved by both fervent and casual library goers, this main branch houses the cornerstone of the library system. The heritage building is stately and welcoming, with nooks tucked all over for reading and browsing.
Supposedly, there will soon be a ground-breaking ceremony to replace this branch with a state-of-the-art building that is better able to meet the needs of its clientele. Handicap access will be improved, as will temperature and moisture controlled archival facilities. The plans for the new building are a hotly contested item whenever it comes up at city council, and the potential site is equally controversial.
Be that as it may, take the opportunity to pop into this library branch before they close the doors forever. Several buses stop nearly directly outside - and hey! don't miss the opportunity to visit the chip truck parked at its door! -
Review from Ruth D.
Halifax, NS
12/19/2009 2 photos
I know they are going to build a big, brand new and probably awesome library right around the corner. Not sure what will happen to this well worn, well loved building, but I'll miss it.
The truth is, I only come here with my daughter and little grandchildren, but from the giant stuffed giraffe at the entrance, to the warm, welcoming and knowledgeable staff, it's wonderful. In fact, the cosiness feels like a giant hug in a rabbit warren or Hobbit home.
We (including the kids) enjoy every aspect from the cool alphabet rug to the puppet show (starring you and your little ones), magnetic walls & giant letters to spell everything out and, of course, a gazillion books. -
Review from cheryl d.
Halifax, NS
5/5/2010 2 photos
Back in the day when I went to school I did not have the luxury to just pop on the Internet and find all my information. Yes I had to go to the Library and this was the location to chose from.
Halifax Regional has been around since 1951 and was created as a memoral to the WWI and WWII casalties. 38,000 sq ft and home of over 228,000 titles. Walking down the stairs and coming into the heart of the Libary you were hit with the smell of books both old and new. Rooms of book lines the wall and tables in the most discrete locations so that you can hide away and get lost in your book.
The staff are great and very knowledgeable and you know have the love it takes. -
Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
5/6/2010
Halifax Regional Library is one of the old buildings located on Spring Garden Rd. The talk of a new library is in the works, but until then, you should stop in to this to see and smell the old structure. It has character, while providing a great service to all those in the downtown core.
It might not be as fancy and gets pretty hot in the summer, it is definitely in need of some climate control for all these valuable books.
But, we should not complain too much, after all, this is a free service.
Where else can you go and rent book, video's and get the best researchers at your service, all for free. No Where! -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/19/2010 1 photo
Now that I've finished University and left my job on a campus, I no longer have access to the school libraries I have taken for granted over the past 20 years. Luckily, I have public libraries to turn to, and this one in Halifax is a great place to have in my neighbourhood. Housed in a grand old building (that is soon to be restored, or demolished, or something) the interior is not as charming as the exterior would suggest but didn't bother me once I had mentally registered my initial disappointment. The shelves at first looked shockingly minimalist, but I soon realized that most of the collection is shelved in other rooms - you just have to do a bit of exploring to orient yourself. While exploring, I found a solid magazine selection that had every magazine I searched for in an impromptu survey. I was pleasantly surprised by how busy the place was. It was Friday, mid-afternoon, and there were people of all ages reading at desks, using the free computers, browsing shelves and tucked into chairs with magazines.
When I went to register for a library card I was helped by a young man who knew exactly what he was doing, processing my new card quickly and informing me about borrowing policies. Now I'm a proud, card-carrying member of the Halifax library system and excited about making the best use of it that I can.
