The Alexandra Library refurbishment officially starts Monday 17 June

The Alexandra Library refurbishment officially starts Monday 17 June.

This means the Alexandra Library on Tarbert/Skird streets will be officially closed from Monday 10 June. A pop up library will open at Central Stories, Alexandra on 17 June. Staff will be doing a big pack up to move a fair portion of the collection to Central Stories, with the remainder put into storage during the refurb, which will take about six months.

The renovation, which includes a cosmetic internal renovation of the Alexandra Library, new office equipment, shelving and general enhancement has been on the cards for about 15 years. The project has been made possible by Central Government’s Better Off Funding that provided 60% of the total $1,035,000 cost. Since February, Central Otago Libraries has been converting its collection to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) barcodes, another better off funding project where the Council was granted $361,000 towards the installation of the wireless radio tagging system. Conversion is tracking well through the collection.

“The refurbishment has come about thanks to the mahi of our fantastic Alexandra Libraries team and our community who have one way or another fed into the refurbishment of this library,” CODC Group Manager – Community Experience David Scoones said: “A project that for many has been a labour of love for 15 years and thanks to the better off funding has been made achievable. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back into the newly refurbished space.

“We’re also thrilled to be able to offer the community toilet facilities within the building – something that had long been identified as lacking in the current space.”

While the Central Stories pop up is in place, people will still be able to reserve the books they want as usual, and all the services will remain largely the same, although some programmes may be in reduced format while we are in the pop-up. Reservations and returns will be automatically adjusted during the week the library is closed.

“This is a good time to stock up on your reading, and get a few books out,” Mr Scoones said.

Originally, the library was going to the premises next door on Tarbert Street, however the decision to temporarily move to Central Stories came about because the learning hub was ending its lease, and the space was more suited to the library’s needs.