Halifax Central Library lure for new chief librarian job

Halifax's library board is looking for a new chief librarian and there’s a lot of interest expected in the position because of the city's eye catching new Central Library.   

Halifax plans to hire a recruitment company this spring to find someone to run its library service within six months.   

The former CEO stepped down last September.    

Though the doors to the $55-million Halifax Central Library don’t open until November, the new building’s modern design has been garnering international buzz.

In January, CNN named the building one of the top “10 eye-popping new buildings that you’ll see in 2014.”

Paul Bennett, chairman of the library board, acknowledges the new building has created a lot of interest.

“It's a mighty attractive position because of the Central Library and the message it sends out about how Haligonians appreciate libraries and support them,” he said.

Opening the Central Library by the end of the year will be the first big job for the new chief librarian. Bennett said the main goal will be to keep the service relevant.

“Not just operating branches, but developing programs in literacy and English as a second language — those are very much the future of libraries. We have a very important role to play in providing free, publicly accessible services,” he said.

The new CEO will also have to do more with less. Next year's proposed library budget includes a $830,000 cut to the $16-million operating fund.