The project is scheduled to be completed in November, and is being led by Rushton Architects and Hayden Tait Building Ltd.
Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley said it was important the district’s residents had continued access to a library, as it formed an important part of the social and cultural fabric of Waimate.
To accommodate the construction, the library closed on Tuesday.
A pop-up library will open on Tuesday at the Waimate Event Centre at 15 Paul St.
The pop-up library would function as a scaled-down version of the library, and opening hours would remain the same.
During the extension, the library would offer longer standard loan periods of six weeks, as well as the option of extending.
Some books would be in long-term storage and unavailable, although there would still be a wide selection for loan.
Mr Rowley said it was a good reminder of the online services the library had available free of charge, and a home delivery service for people unable to physically access the library.
The council acknowledged there would be some disruption to library users and appreciated their patience and understanding.
Extending the library would allow larger groups to be accommodated and provide dedicated learning areas.
Council meetings will be held in the Waimate Event Centre when the chambers are unable to be used.
The council chambers refurbishment would address the poor lighting and airflow, create a multi-functional space, and future-proof the area to meet the changing technology demands of local authorities, including the ability to live-stream council meetings.
The total project budget is $1.925million, up to $900,000 of which is coming from the government’s Better Off Funding package.
