Oct 31, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Marco Group Limited, in collaboration with Lydon Lynch Architects and Teeple Architects, has been selected as part of the Design-Build Team for the Halifax North Memorial Public Library renovation. This project marks a significant milestone for Halifax’s historic North End community.

“This is a significant milestone in this project,” said Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian and CEO, Halifax Public Libraries. “The selected team demonstrates a deep understanding of Halifax North Memorial Public Library’s history and a design philosophy rooted in co-creation with the community. Their proposal featured innovative approaches to address the complexities of renovating a mid-century building, a commitment to accessibility and climate resiliency and strong technical experience renovating public libraries.”

“This is more than an opportunity to renew a civic asset,” said Mark Thompson, Design Build, Director, Marco Group Limited. “It’s an opportunity to honour history, elevate community perspectives and build a more equitable and connected future for Halifax’s North End community. This Design-Build Team has deep technical experience in public infrastructure, including some iconic Canadian public library renewals, and we intend to bring our knowledge of current library best practices forward to co-create a space, together.”

Halifax North Memorial Public Library opened to the community in 1966. During its history, North Branch, as it’s commonly referred to, has been the home for many social justice movements, including the first meeting of the Black History Association in 1987, the first Black History Month Youth Quiz in 1991, and the challenging community conversations regarding the unfair street check policing practices in 2019.

The Halifax North Memorial Public Library Renovation is a transformative civic project with an ambitious scope including deep energy upgrades, cultural preservation, improving accessibility standards and climate resiliency, and updating modern library infrastructure. The Library renewal project will reflect the voices and values of its neighbours. Public engagement and community conversations have already started, members of the community can visit HalifaxPublicLibraries.ca/YourNorthBranch to share ideas and learn more.

Media Contact

Laurel Taylor
Manager, Integrated Communications & Fund Development
Email: taylorl@halifaxlibrary.ca
Mobile: 902-490-5869