Tauranga council to build NZ$35 million library

New Zealand’s Tauranga City Council (TCC) will invest NZ$35 million (A$33m) in development to replace its central library, reports Sun Live.

Tauranga Libraries manager Joanna Thomas said a ‘community hub’ model has been adopted, which reflects a trend for libraries to offer much more than books.

‘In this digital era, a strong emphasis is on providing a wide range of services from homework programmes, to CV support, to computer and internet access, all encouraging civic participation. Libraries are a place for our people,’ said Thomas.

The council developed a strategy after community consultation and research on modern library trends. The new library aims to be a recreational and cultural attraction as well as a community hub for ‘learning, innovation and connection’. The new library will also offer a place to ‘share the stories of Tauranga’ in its Heritage Centre and Archive.

The mayor and councillors considered submissions on the options to replace the current central library and voted in favour of a new ‘future-proofed facility’, as part of the council’s 10-year plan.

The current central library has a long history of building issues—such as water infiltration, and air conditioning and service malfunctions—and has no room to accommodate the growing population. The new library is expected to open in 2022.

Category: Library news