The architects, a joint venture between local firm Fowler Bauld and Mitchell and Schmidt Hammer Lassen of Denmark, were chosen in 2010 through an international design competition.

In addition to a book collection significantly larger than that of the former library, the new building houses a wide range of amenities including cafés, an auditorium, and community rooms.

The striking architecture is characterised by the fifth floor's cantilever over the entrance plaza, a central atrium criss-crossed by staircases, and the building's transparency and relationship to the urban context.

In addition to its small size (3,594 square metres [38,690 sq ft]), technological improvements were hampered by poor wiring and difficulty laying cable in mid-floor locations.

The lot directly on this prime intersection was closely considered as the site of either a new central library or a justice centre, consolidating other courthouse facilities around the city.

In June 2007, regional council voted to approve "in principle, designation of the property at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Queen Street as the site of the Central Library" and to initiate negotiations for the acquisition of that land from the province.

The winning scheme, a joint venture by Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen and Fowler Bauld & Mitchell of Halifax, was selected in March 2010.

[20] The other shortlisted teams were Lydon Lynch with HOK, Barrie and Langille with Moriyama and Teshima, and Shore Tilbe Irwin + Partners with John K.

Ahead of the opening of the new library, some residents voiced concern that with the closure of the former building the war memorial will effectively disappear.

They also stated that a "few elements of the existing wartime display such as the Silver Cross, flags and standards" would be transferred to the Maritime Command Museum at Admiralty House, CFB Halifax.

[29][30] The three Books of Remembrance are now on display in a glass case next to the local history room on the fourth level of the new library.

The land was originally purchased in 1800 by the Duke of Kent, who was based in the city in order to command British forces in North America.

The site then remained a parking lot for over half a century, meaning the foundation of older structures was preserved under the asphalt.

[32] In addition to the foundation of the residence, the archaeological dig uncovered numerous small artefacts including china, cutlery and an 1860 Nova Scotia penny.

The design, said to resemble a stack of books, has garnered international attention and was featured by CNN as one of ten "eye-popping" new buildings of 2014.

The jury's commendation read: This outstanding new civic building is a community gathering place that responds to the diversity of its users, accommodating many more activities than the traditional library.

The jury commends the process of early user engagement that led to the design—the public's embrace of the building is a testament to its value.Centrally located on Spring Garden Road, the library has become a popular community gathering place.

Canadian Architect called it "the most significant public building completed in the Nova Scotia capital in over a generation, and a new cultural hub for the region".

In the first year of operation it has served as a venue for major annual Halifax events including Nocturne and The Word on the Street.

Patrons of the latter café have access to a rooftop patio area as well as the "Halifax Living Room" housed in the cantilevered portion of the building overlooking Spring Garden Road.

[61] The Living Room was designed as an airy, indoor public space with views of both Citadel Hill and Halifax Harbour as well as the civic square below.

[43] The ground floor café, in the corner of the building nearest the intersection, opens earlier than the rest of the library.

[62] The concession to operate from both spaces was won by Pavia Gallery Espresso Bar and Café of Herring Cove, who beat out Second Cup and Uncommon Grounds.

[65] Following a request for proposals seeking a "signature public artwork" to be incorporated into the new library, painter and NSCAD alumnus Cliff Eyland was awarded the $430,000 commission for his proposal to produce 5,000 miniature paintings on medium-density fibreboard cut to the size of old library catalog index cards.

The artist joked, "there are grey landscapes to remind you about why you stay indoors in Nova Scotia to read" and said that portraits of staff at the Spring Garden Road and Halifax North Memorial libraries, photographed by Mary Ann Archibald, were painted and had subsequently been recognized by some of their subjects.

Government funding only covered the cost of the building, so donations will go toward expanding the book collection and purchasing new computers and special equipment.

[67] The hall is fitted with stowable seats, acoustic ceiling baffles, a video screen, and professional sound and lighting installations.

Low-emission interior finishes have been used to improve indoor air quality, and a green housekeeping policy seeks to reduce exposure of occupants to contaminants.