The Waimakariri Libraries are the place to be with record numbers checking out the facilities over the past two weeks.
During the School Holidays there were 20.000 visitors across the three libraries Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Oxford.
Waimakariri Libraries Content and Discovery Team leader Luke Sole says it’s hard to just pinpoint one thing that brought in the crowds, but staff were delighted to see so many faces.
“We had the Treasure Hunt running at all three libraries for the school holidays and we also had the robotics sessions which are popular with kids.
“Of course, we were also operating as polling booths for the elections, but that provided a great opportunity to sign up some new members to the libraries as well as welcoming back some previous members.”
Luke says some of the biggest feedback they get from people is how surprised they are by the range of things on offer at the library.
“I think people often just think it’s books. That was their experience of a library. Now they walk in and see our libraries bustling with events, tech to explore, and spaces to work or relax and connect with friends.”
Luke says the best thing about the libraries is how well they cater for multi-generations. He says staff will often see grandparents with their grandchildren, particularly in the school holidays and there is something to keep everyone amused and entertained.
Currently Waimakariri Libraries are conducting a customer satisfaction survey which people can fill in online either from their own homes or come into a library and access it from a library tablet or PC.
Luke says staff really want to hear from people about what they think is working well and what they think can be improved on.
“We love getting feedback from people and hearing what they enjoy doing at the library and of course how we can make their experience even better in the future.”