Patrick Power Library

Believe it or not, if you’re Dal student, it doesn’t mean you have to whine and complain about having to just choose among the host Dal libraries to go to to study. You should consider SMU’s Patrick Power library or even the public libraries. But if you’re living just along Inglis St. and getting to Dal is inconvenient, then, consider Patrick Power.
Personally, as CS student I find their selection of print materials more extensive than that of Dal’s. I can’t say much about their electronic selection as I have no access to it. But then again, I like their space and setup which is smaller and easier to get to the books I need to get to as oppose to the massive building such Killam library.
After the recent renovations and interior uplift, you probably would agree with me that the PPL is really more comfortable and inviting for students spend their time focusing on their studies. I also like how they provide more cubicles in the quiet study floor as oppose how limited cubicles are in Killam. Worried about power sockets? You need not, although its still not as much as I would like it to be, there’s definitely more than the other library. So you can plan accordingly and sit at one of the many spots close to a power socket. Last but not least, even if you’re not a student of SMU, as long as your university is a member of Eduroam, you can use the internet there. Yes! that’s right SMU is a member of Eduroam too so, you can easily use the internet connection. Just check with the tech guy on the 1^st to find out how to.

I go to this library for materials for my assignments since I go to SMU. It’s a great library for getting books for assignments but it’s not that great for getting books just to read. I find the layout confusing at times and have to often ask where I can find books and even then the librarian just gives you a generalized location (for example: the second floor).
I much prefer Alderney Gate library for my spare time reads.

I’m surprised there aren’t yet any reviews on this library! It’s definitely lesser-​known and harder to get to, but the selection is mind-​boggling compared to the Spring Garden Public Library.
There’s three floors of awesomeness to be found here, freshly renovated and ready for you.
The first is the entrance, with a ton of study spaces and meeting places, comfy chairs, and a little coffee shop right next to it. You don’t need a library card to get in, and I’ll talk more about that in a minute.
On the first floor, there’s a sizeable reference section with every government document you could need, religious texts, and hey, Writer’s Markets galore (just a hint…). Lots of magazines are available, too — back issues are on the third floor. Public computers are against the wall just around the corner from the checkout desk, though depending on the time of day you visit, it might be hard to get one. Finally, there’s a rack in the corner where they display new acquisitions, which is always worth checking out.
The second floor has books, books, glorious books. Social sciences, history, and generally interesting topics that you don’t have to be an academic nerd to appreciate are all here.
On the third floor, you’ll find hard sciences (math, physics, nerd heaven…) and the journals. Ever wanted to see what the New York Times Book Review looked like on the day you were born? Have fun!
The second and third floors are quiet zones. No loud whispers or talking. Seriously. Kangaroo courts are real. You can eat and drink and sleep there if you like, though! There’s lots of desks and even some comfy chairs hidden away on the third floor in particular. If you’re not a SMU student and don’t have access to the wireless, you can use the free library computers I mentioned earlier or take an internet-​free break from life. :)
Now, the sticky issue of library cards and «but I’m not a SMU student!». Check out their circulation policies here:
«Students, staff and faculty at all Nova Scotia post-​secondary libraries, some high school students, and adult members of the general public are eligible for borrowing privileges at the Patrick Power Library. Most of those associated with universities and colleges automatically have borrowing rights; other categories of borrowers must apply for privileges. In most cases, members of the public need only present an official picture ID, such as a driver’s license, for privileges to be granted right away.»
«Our general loan period is three weeks for books, and one week for periodicals…»
«Once borrowed, an item may be returned to most post-​secondary libraries and any public library in Nova Scotia.»
You’re welcome. :D