About 23,000 new books stashed in boxes around Dunedin City Library are ready to hit the shelves when South Dunedin’s library opens later this year.
City and South Dunedin libraries manager Lynn Vare said the books’ arrival meant "every day is like Christmas for us".
The library was a chance to acquire a new collection of books — "a big fiction collection [and] a beautiful, big, large-print collection," Ms Vare said.
There was also a focus on adding to Taiehu, a collection of te ao Māori resources, and Pasifika collection Tangata Moana.
"It’s a real art of finding good stuff, making sure you’re building a collection that fits in with the community.
"There are a lot of books that are going to be just only held there."
South Dunedin library team lead Amanda Corrigan said she "can’t wait" to get into the new library and the community were just as eager.
"They understand there’s a lot to do," she said.
Ms Corrigan and 11 new employees would staff the library — there had been more than 500 applicants for the jobs, Ms Vare said.
The building complex, which houses the library, Te Whata o Kaituna, is expected to open in September or October.
