Public Invited To Library Opening

The much-anticipated Waimate District Library refurbishment and extension has been completed and will open to the public next Thursday afternoon.

The community is invited to attend the opening ceremony, to be held at 1pm on Thursday 5 December. Tours of the new facility will be available, followed by a sausage sizzle.

The space in the extended area includes an outdoor courtyard, an enhanced children’s area, a new youth space plus a technology hub.

Mayor Craig Rowley said it had been a long journey since the extension was first discussed by Council and then included in the 2012-22 long term plan.

“This has been a project we have wanted to do for several years. We decided to take the opportunity when the Government offered the Better Off Funding package, with Council allocating $900,000 from this to the project, which meant the project became more affordable for ratepayers,” Mayor Craig said.

“The library is more than just books, it provides a gathering place for our community and offers services such as internet, computer support and access, which are invaluable as the world moves increasingly online.” As part of the change, the Information Centre will move from the Event Centre to the library to be more accessible to visitors and residents.

Mayor Craig thanked staff involved in the design and fitout of the extended library and for all the hard work in setting up the new space. He also acknowledges the patience of our community during the period the library has been closed.

After the ceremony, the library will be fully operational and return to the normal opening hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and between 10am and 1pm Saturday.