As soon as the weather cooperates, patrons of the Dartmouth North Public Library in Nova Scotia will be able to read and browse books outside the library walls.

The branch, which is part of the Halifax library system, is undergoing the first phase of renovations on the innovative outdoor space to be completed this spring.* According to CBC, an exterior wall with glass sliding doors open onto a furnished outdoor space capable of accommodating mobile bookshelves and seating, alongside a deck and a playground. The second round of renovations will focus on the building’s interior, which also houses a community centre. Plans on the library’s website also highlight an orchard, edible shrubs, a canopy, and charging stations.

The expansion was paid for in part via a $500,000 grant from the TD Bank’s Common Ground Project, which was matched by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Halifax Regional Municipality also provided capital funding.

 

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*Update, Feb. 12, 2018: An earlier version of this article stated that the renovations were complete. They are expected to done in spring 2018.