Library gets new digs as renovation set to begin

Alexandra library assistant Christine Gourley begins preparations for the move to a space in...
Alexandra library assistant Christine Gourley begins preparations for the move to a space in Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, in Centennial Ave, while the existing library building is renovated. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER
After nearly two decades of discussion the refurbishment of the Alexandra library will officially begin next month.

CODC group manager community experience David Scoones said the library, on the corner of Tarbet and Skird Sts, would officially close from June 10.

But staff were moving some of the collection to a pop-up library space in the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, in Centennial Ave, which would be open from June 17.

Items not in the pop-up library would be held in storage until the library was reopened.

The refurbishment was expected to take about six months.

People would be able to reserve the books and all the services would remain largely the same in the temporary location, although some programmes may be in reduced format, Mr Scoones said

The renovation, which included adding a public toilet, an internal renovation, new office equipment, shelving and general enhancement, had been on the cards for about 15 years. Funding would come in part from the government’s Better Off funding, which would provide 60% of the $1,035,000 cost.

"We’re also thrilled to be able to offer the community toilet facilities within the building, something that had long been identified as lacking in the current space," Mr Scoones said.

Initially it was planned to move the library to a building next door on Tarbert St.

The decision to move to Central Stories however, came about because the learning hub was ending its lease and the space was more suited to the library’s needs.

Since February, Central Otago Libraries had been converting its collection to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) barcodes, which was another Better Off Funding project costing $361,000.

 

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