The Shirley Library and Service Centre next to The Palms shopping centre will close from Monday, March 23, for an upgrade as part of Christchurch City Council’s 10-year refurbishment programme.
The updated library will include improved security cameras, new floor coverings, internal painting and changes to the layout.
The facility will reopen on April 30 with new postal, bill-paying and Metro card services.
From March 27, a mobile library will visit the car park every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am, Friday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and Saturday from 10am to noon.
A “pop-up” customer service site will also be open at The Palms from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, from March 23 to April 29.
Council head of libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson said the library is an integral part of community life in the area.
“Shirley Library offers so much - from information to free internet access, and an amazing array of books and other items for all ages, along with communal spaces to support stronger community connections.
“However, the building is due for an upgrade to ensure that we effectively maintain those core services and improve the environment.
Council head of citizen and customer services Sarah Numan said residents can still access the centre's services at the temporary site near Kmart inside The Palms.
“We recognise that our services must continue to be available, and will ensure that people can easily use our nearby temporary site during the closure period," she said.
“The service centre ‘pop-up’ is only metres from the library, and the large temporary space allows us to offer full services.
“We will also offer a wider range of services - such as postal and bill-paying - when we reopen our main building, delivering a big boost to the local community.”
From March 23, hold items requested for pick-up at the Shirley Library will be available at the Linwood Library, unless another site is requested.
During the closure, items cannot be returned to Shirley Library.
However, they can be returned to any other city council library.
The nearest alternative libraries to Shirley are the Papanui Library, 35 Langdons Rd, Redwood Library, 339 Main North Rd and Tūranga at Cathedral Square.
Coastal-Burwood Community Board staff will work from the Fendalton Library and Service Centre during the closure period.
