The Trevor Inch Memorial Library in Rangiora will be closed between Sunday 16 March and Sunday 30 March to undergo minor refurbishments. The Chamber Gallery will also be closed to the public during this time.
During the two-week closure, nearly 90,000 books will be carefully removed from the shelves and placed into temporary storage before they are rearranged back onto brand new shelving units.
The existing shelves, which were installed when the library opened in 1996, are no longer fit for purpose and their replacement is essential for meeting the needs of the community, particularly for our older members and those with disabilities.
District Libraries Manager Luke Sole said there will also be some improvements to the layout of the space to allow more room for the growing number of people that pass through the doors.
“The Trevor Inch Memorial Library is an incredible asset to the community, with visitor numbers increasing each year as more people connect with us through the services, events and programmes we provide.
“People engage with libraries for so many different reasons and our spaces need to evolve and be agile to meet changing demands.
“Regardless of whether you visit to attend a Storytime event, musical performance, or just want to sit in a cosy chair and read, it’s important that our spaces are comfortable and inviting.”
During the refurbishment, the big castle – which has been a beloved feature of the kids’ area – will be retired and placed into storage. Not only is it too large for the existing space but, just like the original bookshelves, it has become outdated.
Luke says, “The area for tamariki will be reimagined. We will have much more modern and flexible components including sensory-based furnishings and plenty of space for little ones to get comfy with a good book.”
When the library re-opens on 31 March, the community will also get to benefit from Waimakariri Libraries’ new makerspace called the Tinker Zone. It will offer a range of technology and creative equipment including a sewing suite, 3D printing and a craft cutter.
While the library is closed, a pop-up library will be set up outside during limited hours. Members will be asked to hold onto their returns until the library re-opens.
More information about the reduced services can be found on the Waimakariri Libraries website.
The updates being made now will be used in the future when the library extension takes place. Money was put aside for this in the 2024 Long Term Plan.
Share your memories of the castle
Do you have memories of the castle over the last 28 years? Come into the library before 16 March and add them to the memory wall on the castle.
We also encourage anyone with photos to email library@wmk.govt.nz and we will add these to the memory wall.
A memory wall has been set up at the castle for people to share their stories.