Library on the move

LIBRARY MOVES ON: Dargaville public library staff members, from left: Alison Martin, Kathryn Milich and library manager Paula Guy-Stuve.

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The Dargaville public library is coming to town.

Readers will now be able to do their shopping and get their books out in one central location when the library moves from its old offices in the town hall on Hokianga Rd to the old I-site building located on Poto St.

The move is expected to be in May.

The decision to move the library was made at last week's Kaipara District Council meeting.

Councillors felt that their main office on Hokianga Rd was at maximum capacity and the free space made available by the removal of the library meant staff from the council's main office would be more accessible to the public.

Library manager Paula Guy-Stuve says the team are really excited and can't wait to go down there.

"Being in a central location will make access easier for the public."

She says the move will have many benefits to the public and staff.

The buildings design
means the books will all be on one level.

"Books will be more accessible this way and we'll be able to see everything that is going on. Being on one level means it is wheelchair friendly," she says.

The building which has many windows will also have more natural light than the previous site.

"In the old building the use of flourescent lights made it difficult for those with poor vision to find books."

Mrs Guy-Stuve says the building is about the same size as the old site on Hokianga Rd.

She says the Librarys Aotearoa People's Network free internet programme funded through the National Library of New Zealand has been a huge success and they intend to continue the programme after the move.

Members of the public have been concerned about a lack of parking around the I-site but Mrs Guy-Stuve says that parking will be better for the public.

"Parking at the current building gets impossible when the town hall hosts events, so this will be a better location."

She says parking is available on the gravel area behind the I-site on Normanby St, as well as the back side of the building on Poto St.

"Many people will do their shopping and park in town and walk to the library."

- © Fairfax NZ News