Knocking down walls

To be released immediately 19 November 2009

On 25 November 2009, a wall will be knocked down at the Waipukurau Library to make room for a bigger area for children and a specific place for teenagers.

CHB District Librarian, Sue Fargher, said that it is more than just physical walls she is hoping to bring down. “Our libraries try to cater for everyone, and now the Waipukurau Library will have a special place where teenagers can feel comfortable. Our young people can come to the library and read, meet, and talk in a safe and easy environment. There might even be a reading couch!”

At the same time, a stand alone computer system which mirrors the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council computer system will be installed at the Waipukurau Library in case of emergency. Deputy Mayor, Michael Waite, said it was great to see both the Waipukurau and Waipawa libraries providing such popular services to the community. “Council has recently purchased the existing Waipawa Library building and three small shops behind it – rather than continue with an uneconomic lease – and the extra room can be used to combine both library stack rooms in Waipawa, leaving space to create a unique area for young people at Waipukurau. This, plus the improved services at the Waipawa Library is just wonderful for our community.”

Mr Waite also said it was prudent for Council to have a back-up computer system in Waipukurau if the Waipawa Council offices were ever compromised for any length of time.

The structural changes to the Waipukurau Library will be minimal except for demolishing the existing wall, and should only take a few days – with little inconvenience expected for library users. The Waipawa Library expansion which will also include an exciting new space for young people will begin in early 2010.

ENDS

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