20 April 2012

Ngaruawahia Library Building Safety Issues

The Waikato District Council has announced that the Ngaruawahia library building will be closed from 5pm on Friday 20 April for safety reasons.

The 56-year old library building on Jesmond Street has been identified as being below the required standard of earthquake strength as required under the Building Act, and poses a safety risk.

“The reports we have received indicate the building is at risk of collapse in a moderate or strong earthquake, and so to protect the safety of our staff and library-users we have decided to close it immediately,” Stakeholder Relations general manager Jo Ireland said.

The council will assess a full range of options for the Jesmond Street building, ranging from carrying out the necessary work to make the current structure safe through to demolition. The council is also investigating whether the library can be temporarily relocated within Ngaruawahia.

“We understand what a pivotal role the library plays in the Ngaruawahia community, and we are committed to minimising the disruption this closure will cause,” Ms Ireland said.

Until the library is re-opened, Waikato residents will be able to visit the council’s office on Galileo Street, where a limited book issuing and return facility will open from Monday. Waikato district residents are reminded that library services are also available from Hamilton and Huntly.

ends

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