Zoé Vallé Memorial LibraryLatest News:
Upcoming Programs:
The Zoé Vallé Library has re-opened to the public as of June 1, 2026.
Check our events calendar regularly to find out what programs and events are coming from South Shore Public Libraries and other local organizations to enrich the life of our community!
To change your view of the program schedule below, click on one of the layout options at the top right of the calendar block.
Our Library:
“Libraries are community treasure chests.”
— Robertson Davies
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library (ZVL) has been a beloved part of Chester village life for nearly 100 years.
The former home of Zoé Vallé Lightfoot was donated to the Municipality of Chester in 1928 as a “public library and civic centre” by her family. The Village of Chester was honoured to assume responsibility for the “governance, operation, and stewardship” of the Library in 2026.
The ZVL is a lending library, now managed by South Shore Public Libraries (SSPL). We also feature a permanent collection of local and historic books.
There is free public Wi-Fi and computer access provided by the Village, and engaging programs and events are planned all year.
Come visit us! Our lovely heritage house is open year-round, and there are beautiful gardens and the Lightfoot Tower for your enjoyment outside (in season).
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library is a registered charity.
Photograph at right courtesy of Kristina Nicoll.
First and foremost we are a library. The ZVL celebrates our collection of donated books from the past two centuries. Authors, poets, writers new and established, past and present, local, national, and global all have pride of place on our shelves and in our rooms, now augmented with books from the South Shore Public Libraries.
The mandate of the ZVL is to promote words and stories in all their forms.
Photo courtesy of Kristina Nicoll.
The Zoé Vallé Memorial Library was named in honour of a woman ahead of her time:
Origins of the House —>
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.
Zoé’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 Zoé Vallé 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 public library and civic centre to serve the community. The women 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.
Research and copywriting courtesy of Kristina Nicoll, 2025.
Venue Rental:
Imagine saying your vows in our unique Tower, in our gardens, or in our lovely Club Room. Unforgettable.
Or hold your youth activity in our sunshiny Activity Room or outside on the grounds. Or your group’s meeting in our cozy boardroom. Our warm and welcoming surroundings add just the right mood to your program or event.
Spaces in the Zoé Vallé Library, Lightfoot Viewing Tower, and the gardens can be rented either in full or in part. We are also pleased to be considered for filming.
Photo of the Lighthouse Tower at right courtesy of Nancy Hatch.
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62 person capacity indoors
Unlimited capacity outdoors
Boardroom seats 12 +/-
Free Wi-Fi available
Gender-neutral washrooms (2)
Small kitchen (not commercially licensed)
Note that the building is not yet accessible (but coming!)
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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.
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
Hours as of June 1, 2026 are:
Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 10am - 4pm
Thu 10am - 7pm
Sat 10am - 4pm
Sun Closed
Grounds Access
In season, there are benches and plenty of space for picnics in our gardens. Enjoy the flower beds and tree canopy.
The Lightfoot Viewing Tower is open seasonally during daylight hours, weather permitting. Note: For public safety, please see library staff for a key to access the Tower. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Ample street parking is available and free.
Amenities
Public Office Services:
Free public Wi-Fi
Chromebook Laptops (x 2): Free to use
Wireless Printer: Free to use (letter-sized print, scan, copy)
Village's Xerox Printer for larger scale/volume:
$0.01/page black & white
$0.07/page colour
*Ask Village staff (Maxine on main floor or Heather upstairs); please note that assistance is subject to staff availability.Faxing: Not available
Commissioner of Oaths: Free service; please contact in advance.
Gender neutral washrooms x 2
Small Kitchen (for coffee, etc.)