Banks Peninsula Library Improvements

Further improvements are afoot for the four Banks Peninsula Libraries.

Three years ago Christchurch City Libraries took over responsibility for Banks Peninsula libraries, and gave a commitment that it would maintain existing levels of service until 2011. As part of its planning for further service improvements for the Peninsula’s libraries, Christchurch City Libraries has been asking residents what they want from their libraries in future.

“We had a pleasing response, with 66 people and organisations from all across the Peninsula sharing their ideas and desires for their library service,” says Carolyn Robertson, Libraries and Information Manager. “This is a great help in planning how we manage Banks Peninsula library services in the future.”

“Lots of suggestions were received, and we have sorted our responses to those into three groups: things that we can do right now; initiatives that are already underway and will impact on Banks Peninsula; and initiatives that can be considered as part of our normal forward planning process.

“I hope that Banks Peninsula library users will soon benefit from some of the immediate changes. They’ll see more magazines and children’s resources going into their libraries and will see information about our online resources and services.

“Then they will start to see information about library services for people with special access needs, and will be able to use services to group care facilities such as rest homes.

Another very exciting development is the introduction of free internet use at the Akaroa and Lyttelton libraries.

“We’re really grateful for the input we’ve received so far and hope that people will very quickly start to use the new services,” says Mrs Robertson.

Information about service improvements will be available in each of the Banks Peninsula libraries.