Wrapping up library to protect $25m collection

Dunedin Public Library heritage collection librarian Lorraine Johnston is pleased a condensation...
Dunedin Public Library heritage collection librarian Lorraine Johnston is pleased a condensation issue within the heritage collection section is being fixed with exterior insulation. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
The Dunedin Public Library is wrapping up against the chill of winter to protect $25 million worth of its assets.

Insulation is being installed on the exterior of the third floor around a section of the library's heritage collection.

Heritage collection librarian Lorraine Johnston said condensation had "been an ongoing problem" in the area since a portion of the third floor was enclosed in a fire cell about seven years ago.

The work, which improved security and storage, meant some of floor's glass walls were covered over.

"Condensation is forming and runs down the inside to the floor and sometimes it's travelled through the ceiling space and dripped down," she said.

Staff had "always caught it in time so that the books have never been affected", but the condensation was creating humidity problems and would have had a detrimental affect on them long term.

Humidity and temperature had to be kept constant to protect and maintain the collection of books and artwork, which library services manager Bernie Hawke said was valued at $25 million.

Over the past 18 months, engineers had investigated the problem and came up with the solution of fixing insulation to the outer walls to create a barrier between the low outside temperature and warmer inside temperature.

Despite the work not being complete, the humidity levels in the section had already evened out, Ms Johnston said.

ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz

 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement