The first library visitor to borrow books, Jeni Wiggins, with mayor Neil Brown. Photos: Supplied : New library a hit with visitors

Cousins Dixie Smith, 7, and Thomas Copland, 3, of Ashburton, make their selections in the children’s section. : New library a hit with visitors

Ashburton sisters (from left) Libby, 10, Amelia, 12, and Charlotte, 8, Brockhurst, begin to fill their basket with books in the children’s section. : New library a hit with visitors

Liz Reed of Ashburton said the new library facility was ‘‘fantastic’’. : New library a hit with visitors

Technical librarian Phoebe Wang helps Ashburton resident Nikau-Robin Schimanski-Cootes update her library card. : New library a hit with visitors

Hannah Wakelin and her mum Joanne were among book borrowers on the library’s opening day. : New library a hit with visitors

Eight-year-old Lochlann Veint and his sister Lucy, 5, have fun at the Lego table. : New library a hit with visitors

Ash Watters of Ashburton with library manager Jill Watson. : New library a hit with visitors

New library a hit with visitors : New library a hit with visitors

Craig and Deborah Halliday take a look across Baring Square from the library’s upper level. : New library a hit with visitors