FAQs
Is there a lift
Yes. This will be suitably located within the welcome foyer alongside the stairs.
Will there be meeting rooms
Yes. One in particular will be able to be divided into two smaller meeting rooms to accommodate small groups.
Why do we need a new library?
The 2019 Library and Museum Strategy highlighted that the current library was too small for the population it served and could not be extended or built up.
What will be different about it?
The new library will feature bookable meeting and study rooms, which will generate income.
There will be a flexible room and creative maker spaces for community creative activities, school holiday and after-school activities.
There will also be a café and a playground.
Will there be car parking at the new library?
The final street and parking layout is currently being finalised and approved, and this will be available to view. Landscaping is also being planned. The plan is to permanently close Richmond Quay to ordinary traffic, creating a grassed area. Ashton Lane will be one-way.
What will the opening hours be?
We want to test how things go in terms of hours and see whether there is any demand to open longer. After talking to other libraries, we think there will not be strong demand for Sundays; however, we have a ‘watch and see’ approach. We also have to consider the operational cost of longer hours.
At this stage, it will be open Monday to Friday, Saturday mornings, and one late night.
Will there be more computers?
No, this will remain for now at two sit-down Chrome stations and six Chromebooks.
Can I book a meeting room?
Yes, and there will likely be tiered pricing for the meeting spaces for community and commercial use. The small rooms will likely have time-limited free allocations for the public, and again, commercial rates.
Will Council run the café?
It will be leased to an operator who will sell cabinet food, coffee, drinks, muffins, scones, and light lunches
Won’t the café and playground be noisy?
Other libraries around the country run cafés without noise complaints, and there will not be lots of pots clanging. There are noise baffles in the roof
Will there be wheelchair access?
Yes, and there is also a lift to the first floor. We have worked with the disability sector.
What does it cost to run the library?
This year, the library’s operating expenses make up 2.55% of total revenue. Next year, they’re expected to rise to 3.24% of total revenue
How many people use the current library?
The current library is well used, with an average of 219 patron visits each day during the year ending June.
How will you clean the windows?
We already clean high windows at the Westland Rec Centre and are looking into the library.
Who owns what?
GDC has the library and one retail unit downstairs, Development West Coast has two retail units downstairs. There will be a body corporate.