Meet me at the Z.Our Library:
Albert Einstein famously once said “The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library”.
A beloved part of Chester village life for almost 100 years, the Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is more than its lending library of an estimated 150,000 donated books. Thanks to our generous partners GEO Nova Scotia, we now offer free WIFI and public computer access.
We have beautiful gardens outside and the unique three story ‘Lightfoot Viewing Tower’ for your enjoyment in season.
With the generous donation of materials from our friends at Chester Building Supplies , your ZVL: has been lovingly refreshed by a few dedicated volunteers and recreated as Chester’s only all season ‘third space’.
We are a registered charity.
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library was named in honour of a woman ahead of her time:
Mystery Abounds Here —>
No one knows for certain when the house was actually built by a sea captain named Captain J. Allen, who may or may not have sailed a ship named “Perseverance” or “Peerless” (both names have been used). Very little is known regarding the facts of Captain Allen’s life, other than he mentored a young and inexperienced E.D. Lordly aboard his above mentioned ship.
It was Captain Allen who brought the slate stones from Ragged Island (off Shelburne) to create the original foot paths on the property. In addition the newly discovered cook’s fireplace, with its original hand forged swing arm still in place, is lined with the same slate. Whoever Captain Allen was, the soaring height of the ceilings on the main floor suggest a man who knew elegance, and it is no wonder that Zoé was charmed enough to buy it.
Zoe’s Place —>
Zoé Vallé acquired the home in 1902 and though married to Alfred Lightfoot, bought the property with her own resources and was the sole name on the deed. This was extraordinary considering the resistance at that time to women being granted equal opportunity to vote and/or being recognized as “persons” both in Canada and Zoé’s home state of New York.
Zoé’s husband Alfred Lightfoot had the observation tower built to combine his love of sailboat racing and cigar smoking. In 1903 one could see clear down to Chester Harbour from Lightfoot Tower. It is the last and only viewing tower in Chester which continues to exist thanks to its careful restoration financed through the heroic fundraising of Suzi Fraser and constructed by a dedicated group of craftsmen led by Barry Redmond in 2014.
The Zoe Valle Memorial Library
Upon Zoé’s death, her sister Isabel Vallé Austen bequeathed 63 Regent and its grounds to the village of Chester on two conditions: that it always operate as a library and that it serve the community. The women of Chester stepped forward (of course) urging the men of council to overcome their resistance to the idea. It was unanimously agreed to as a result, and the day to day operations were taken on as special project of the W.I.N.S. (Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia ) until they disbanded in the early 1970’s.
Upcoming Programs:
The Zoé Vallé Library is re-opening to the public on June 7, 2025. Check our events calendar regularly to find out what programs and events we have planned.
Venue Rental:
Imagine saying your vows in our tower, in our gardens, or during the winter in our spacious club room lit by candle or firelight.
The Zoé Vallé Library, Lightfoot Viewing Tower and its gardens can be rented either in full or in part for your special day event or meeting. We are also pleased to be considered for filming or for your groups’ meeting needs.
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60 person capacity indoors
Unlimited capacity outdoors
Free wifi
All gender washrooms
Small kitchen
Large serving pantry
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Please contact director@zoevalle.com for all pricing and booking inquiries.
Land Acknowledgement:
The ZVL acknowledges that we gather in Mi’kma’ki , the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This land is governed by the treaties of Peace and Friendship, first signed by the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkatiyik, and the British Crown in 1726. These treaties neither imply nor affirm the surrender or transfer of land to the British, but rather recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations, initially preventing war and facilitating trade. We recognize that we are all treaty people and have responsibilities to each other and to the caretaking of this land where we gather. We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years and honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors of African descent who came before us to this land.
Donate:
Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is a registered charity. Donations help support our operations and programming. Please consider donating today. Our Charitable Tax number is #119309607RR0001.
Contact Us:
Use the form below to email us, or come in and say hello at 63 Regent Street, Chester.
Open Hours
Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 pm with additional programming available in the evenings
Grounds Access
The Lightfoot Tower is open seasonally during daylight hours, weather permitting.
In season there are benches and plenty of space for picnics in our gardens. Parking is plentiful and free.
Amenities
We have free WIFI, public computer access, a standard printer for nominal fees and gender neutral washrooms.