About Nova Scotian Art Therapy
Pokemon Trading Library
The Pokémon Trading Library
The Pokémon Trading Library was inspired
by our own family’s experience, but its heart belongs to every child looking for connection.
For many children, friendships don’t always come easily. Whether they’re shy, neurodivergent, new to the community, or simply trying to find where they belong, having a shared interest can open doors that words sometimes cannot. For many kids, Pokémon has become that bridge.
We’ve watched children who were once strangers excitedly gather around a binder of cards, trading, laughing, teaching one another, and discovering that they already have something in common. Those small moments of connection can grow into friendships, confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging.
When school ends for the summer, those daily opportunities to connect often disappear. We wanted to create a place where children could continue building friendships, meeting new people, and sharing something they love throughout the year.
The Pokémon Trading Library is more than a place to swap cards. It’s a community space built on kindness, honesty, generosity, and respect. Whether you’re leaving a card for someone else to enjoy, making your very first trade, or helping another collector learn the ropes, every visit is an opportunity to make someone feel welcome.
One of the unexpected joys has been seeing families connect, too. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers often find themselves trading stories from their own childhoods or learning alongside their children. What begins as a shared hobby often becomes quality time, meaningful conversations, and memories made together. Pokémon has a wonderful way of bringing generations together.
Our hope is simple: that every child who visits feels included, every family feels welcome, and this little library becomes a place where community grows one trade, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.
Happy trading!
The Rules
Pokémon Trading Library Rules
- Take one card per visit.
- If you can, leave a card of similar value or condition.
- Keep cards in their protective sleeves.
- Please don’t take the whole collection.
- Be kind, fair, and honest.
- Keep the library clean and close the door when you’re finished.
Happy Trading! Every Trainer starts somewhere. Let’s build a fun, welcoming community together.
About the Creator
I’m Gabriella Rizkallah, a Registered Counselling Therapist and art therapist behind Nova Scotian Art Therapy. I work from a neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed perspective to support mental wellness through creativity.
As a Lebanese-Canadian mother of three who grew up with learning differences, I know how powerful creative expression can be for those who struggle to find their voice in traditional ways. Art has been my bridge to connection and this project is an extension of that belief.