Halifax Central Library Receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold Ranking
Halifax Public Libraries

Halifax Central Library recently achieved the prestigious ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ status—the highest accessibility rating available through the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program. This Gold certification reflects the library's strong commitment to providing an accessible, barrier-free environment where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy public spaces. As Megan Gainer, Director of Facilities, explains, “Accessibility is not a project. It’s a lifelong commitment that requires a strong foundation and a willingness to listen.”

Achieving an impressive score of 84% under the RHFAC program, Halifax Central Library is one of only two libraries in Canada to reach this Gold certification, joining a select group of just over 110 sites nationwide. This accomplishment is made possible by the dedicated efforts of library staff who meticulously maintain the building’s accessibility features, offer valuable feedback, and initiate new inclusive practices. The library’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, composed of community members with lived experiences, also played a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive space through their guidance and insights.

While this certification is a major milestone, Halifax Public Libraries views it as the beginning of a larger journey. Plans are underway to continue expanding accessibility knowledge among staff, with more team members pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation accreditation to extend these practices to other branches. Accessibility principles will also be integrated into the library’s Facilities Master Plan, ensuring that inclusivity remains a core value in all future projects. Halifax Public Libraries is committed to setting new standards for accessibility and creating spaces where all community members feel welcomed.

Read more about the certification via Halifax Public Libraries.

Drive With Pride to Support the Library
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Nevada residents can now show their support for libraries on the road with the new "I Love My Library" license plate, designed by the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Proceeds support essential library programs and services for all ages, so Nevadans can drive with pride while funding literacy and learning in your community.

Available for order online or at the DMV, the plates cost $61 for a sequential plate with a $30 renewal fee, and $96 for a personalized plate with a $50 renewal. The library shared the exciting announcement with a ‘Library Rider’ parody of the 1980s David Hasselhoff crime drama Knight Rider with talking car, KITT.

Learn more from the Library District website.

Introducing the Pratt Free Market
Enoch Pratt Free Library

The Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore has launched the Pratt Free Market, a new initiative at the Southeast Anchor Library in Highlandtown to address food insecurity in the community. Stocked with fresh produce, dry goods, and other essentials, the market allows residents to fill a library-provided bag with groceries free of charge. Food insecurity remains a critical issue, affecting 42 million people across the U.S., including one in three Marylanders. As a Maryland Food Bank Distribution Partner, the Pratt Free Market is 90% volunteer-run, supported by both library and community members.

The Pratt Free Market also collaborates with local food providers such as Plantation Park Heights, Leftover Love, and Moon Valley Farms, ensuring a diverse range of nutritious and culturally inclusive foods. Sarah Kennedy of the Maryland Food Bank emphasized that access to quality food is a basic human right, underscoring the market's mission to make a difference in Baltimore. The Pratt Free Market officially opens to the public on Saturday and will operate every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and every Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Learn more and watch the story from WBAL TV11.

Hundreds Celebrate Grand Reopening of Denver Central Library
Denver Public Library

After years of anticipation, Denver's Central Library celebrated its grand reopening on Sunday, drawing in hundreds of residents and local officials eager to see the newly transformed space. The extensive renovations, funded by the Elevate Denver bond program, have revitalized the 500,000-square-foot library, offering a modern, light-filled atmosphere designed to serve as a welcoming community hub. Denver Public Library Executive Director Michelle Jeske highlighted the importance of libraries in creating a strong community, calling the Central Library a sanctuary where all are welcome to connect, learn, and grow.

The reopened library, originally designed by architect Michael Graves, now features a dedicated children's and teen center, a technology hub with nearly 90 public computers, community meeting rooms, an art gallery, and various lounge spaces. Visitors like longtime residents Jim and Susan Broyles praised the thoughtful upgrades, particularly the new teen center, which reflects the library’s commitment to providing diverse resources for all ages. Central Library Director Rachel Fewell expressed pride in the library’s inclusive atmosphere, describing it as a space where “truly anyone can come and find something for themselves.”

The celebration was attended by prominent figures, including Sen. John Hickenlooper, who underscored the symbolic importance of libraries as places for knowledge and self-improvement. Reflecting on the library's role in fostering curiosity and informed decision-making, Hickenlooper emphasized its place in preserving and sharing human history.

Read the full story from the Denver Gazette.

Celebrating Access to Books with a Read-In at PLYMC
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County hosted a celebration last weekend to honor the freedom to read, focusing on the importance of unrestricted access to diverse ideas and perspectives. The event featured a read-in and discussions on the impact of censorship, with a selection of books that have faced bans or restrictions available for attendees. PLYMC Executive “Having the freedom to read and to exchange ideas is one of the fundamental concepts that’s enshrined in our democracy,” said PLYMC Executive Director and CEO Aimee Fifarek.

Library Trustee President Carol Weimer emphasized that the freedom to read is closely tied to access to books, underscoring the vital role of public libraries in fostering an educated community. She noted that educated individuals contribute positively to society and that books play a key role in expanding one’s mind and understanding of the world. As a former educator, Weimer stressed that libraries are crucial in providing free information to help individuals make informed choices.

Community members Heather Machel and Rena Goldberg attended the read-in to show their support for the library and its mission. Machel praised Youngstown’s library system for promoting access to knowledge and hosting events that highlight the importance of intellectual freedom.

Read more and watch the story from WKBN27.