Aranui library opens tomorrow

Friday 7 September 2012

Aranui Library will be officially opened tomorrow by Mayor Bob Parker in a community-focused event.

The official opening will be held at 11am, following a powhiri, at 109 Aldershot Street, Aranui.

Mayor Parker says that he is delighted to be opening this library in the city’s eastern suburbs.

Libraries are more than books and buildings, they provide a hub for communities, a place to learn, relax and meet. With the area having suffered so badly in the earthquakes, the significance of the building takes on even greater importance, he says.

This library, which is set in park surrounds, is in the heart of the community.

The Council has a proud history of investing in libraries as a way of building strong communities.

The new 500 square metre library has been designed by the Council’s architects and uses the sun for natural heat and light, where possible, and is designed to allow natural air movement for ventilation.

Following the February 22 earthquake the library has been redesigned to ensure it met 100 percent of the new building code and would provide a safe and structurally sound facility for the community. The work included increased excavation and ground works, additional concrete for the floor slab and additional reinforcing steel, he says.

Carolyn Robertson, Unit Manager Libraries and Information, said the Council spent a lot of time engaging with the community about the features and services they wanted in their library.

We are delighted with the result. The new library collection and the wonderful artwork on the exterior of the building by local artist Raph Stowers reflects the local community’s diverse culture and demographics.

It will also provide for group learning and the meeting and community spaces the community requested.

The building has several innovative sustainability and security features. We needed a building that would withstand the day-to-day vigour of the many users, while still being architecturally enjoyable. Ms Robertson said.

Members of the Aranui High School kapahaka group will perform after the formalities.

The library hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Next week the first programmes begin with Babytimes at 2.15 on Tuesdays and Story Times at 11.15 on Thursdays.