Building of the new Aranui Library gets underway

2 December 2011

Work will start on the new Aranui Library next week, with contractors starting site works.

The new 500 square metre library is being built in Aldershot Street, bordering onto Wainoni Park. Being across the park from Christchurch City Council’s Aranui Family Centre, a kindergarten, Heartlands and the Aranui Community Trust (ACTIS) offices it is in the heart of the Aranui community.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says he is absolutely delighted to see the building get underway. “To have a modern, light and sustainably designed library with the latest library technology right in the heart of our eastern communities will be a very welcome addition to a community in need.

“The mobile library bus has been doing a great service, but what is really needed for the community is their own library.” he said.

The library will have a number of features requested by the local community, including a modern building that utilises natural light, a group learning and meeting space, homework support, free wireless internet access, gaming consoles, an enclosed courtyard off a children’s play area and several Māori works of art.

Carolyn Robertson, Unit Manager Libraries and Information says every aspect of the building has been evaluated for sustainability. “We can be proud that this wonderful creative building will be an enhancement to the neighbourhood and park by providing spaces to meet, learn and relax.

“The library will also reflect the local community’s diverse culture and demographics. A new library collection has been specifically chosen to match community needs and will feature a range of books, magazines and newspapers, CDs, DVD’s talking books and electronic games,” she says.

The building of the new library has suffered delays as a result of the September and February earthquakes. A subsequent geotechnical assessment of the land was undertaken resulting in a redesign of the foundations.

“Although the project has been delayed and project costs have increased we feel comfortable that the new geotechnical and structural design specifications will reduce the liquefaction susceptibility of the site,” Carolyn said.

The mobile library will continue to visit Eureka Street, Hampshire Street, and Breezes Road regularly and other locations by arrangement until the library is opened in spring next year.

Building work on the library is expected to be completed by Spring next year.

Christchurch City Libraries staff will be able to share more details of the new library with the community at AFFIRM, a family festival organised by ACTIS this Saturday, 3 December at Wainoni Park. They will be there to promote resources, give away well-loved library books and answer questions about Aranui Library.

Residents will able to follow the progress of the building of the library on Christchurch City Libraries website, facebook page and Twitter.