Hutt libraries seen as too cramped

BY NICHOLAS BOYACK

Any debate over the future of library services, or indeed the heritage building that houses our central library, sparks emotion. It is a topic voters may consider as they head to the polls this month.

In the Hutt News two months ago, Hutt City Council's libraries manager Sandra Mann spoke out about the state of our libraries, and argued tough decisions will have to be made about the future of the War Memorial Library.

She said the main library, like our branch libraries, is too small and is inadequate for modern technology.

Central Ward candidate Steve Lulich says Mrs Mann was brave to speak out, and the issues she raised are valid.

Mr Lulich qualified as a librarian in 1991 and has worked in a range of libraries, including the Upper Hutt public library.

He also spent six years on the executive of the Library Association of New Zealand.

Every Friday he goes to the library to take out videos, CDs and "the odd book".

He agrees the War Memorial Library is too small.

Staff have no work room and the new technology that has been installed is taking book space.

He says while staff are doing a good job, if residents want a modern library service the council will have to look at building a new library elsewhere.

"I think we are getting to the crunch point.

"We have to accommodate the books and the new technology, and what we have now doesn't achieve either."

So what would he do if elected?

"I would go back to a blank sheet and say we need to think again ... I would do a feasibility study and find out what people want and then put the options out [for consultation]."

It's a view other Central Ward candidates largely agree with.

Former city councillor Chris Milne says such a review would be useful, but warns it could create false expectations.

Building new libraries is expensive and what the council can afford and what people want, may be quite different, he says.

New technology and the internet cannot be ignored.

Government policy is to get fast broadband into as many homes as possible. That could mean in 10 years' time everything you get from the library now  CDs, DVDs, games, music and even books  will be available at the click of a mouse, Mr Milne says.

Traditional public libraries are based on a model created by Andrew Carnegie, who believed it was in the public good for everyone to have access to books.

Future generations, Mr Milne believes, will rely on the internet and not books to get information. That will create complex issues for libraries and he says the council has to be careful about investing in bricks and mortar.

Mayoral hopeful Ray Wallace rejects such talk and says libraries are becoming more relevant.

He says libraries are an important part of the social fabric of the community and new technology, and the wider services libraries can offer, are attracting people back.

Libraries which have offered new technology in areas such as Taita and Naenae have seen a surge in users, he says.

From talking to people, he believes people greatly value libraries like those in Moera and Stokes Valley, and the council needs to look at investing in them.

But he agrees with Mr Lulich that a review could be useful: the council has to make sure it is providing the services people want.

Mayor David Ogden is uneasy about talk of closures but says there would be little harm in having a review.

Libraries are a major council service and a review would at least establish what people expect, he says.

Each branch library has its own "personality and character" and the council needs to build on that.

The debate over library services was sparked by a series of questions from Cr Max Shierlaw, who visited the War Memorial Library and was surprised at how noisy it was.

He says a starting point for any review should be whether we need a purpose-built library in the CBD.

With the council looking at the $30 million Making Places plan to redevelop the Hutt downtown, the time was right to give the matter serious thought.

Glenda Barratt, who was a councillor when the council spent $5 million refurbishing the War Memorial Library six years ago, says the issue is a tricky.

At the time the public made it clear they wanted branch libraries to remain, but she says views were mixed on the future of the War Memorial Library.

She says the council should have looked more seriously at building a new library in the CBD, which would have rejuvenated the area and provided the city with a modern library able to cope with new technology.

She says the council needs to "loosen the purse strings" and make a serious commitment to libraries. A review would tell councillors what ratepayers want.

To Cr David Bassett the issue is simple one and he sees little point in a review.

The council spends $6.7 million, or eight per cent of rates, on libraries.

He says that is a major investment and it would be hard to justify an increase.

"I think libraries are getting a fair share of the cake."

As a councillor he believes his role is to look at the "bigger picture" and libraries are just one of many services that the council provides and funds.

Cr Bassett believes the library service is a good one, and does not accept that new technology could make libraries redundant.

He says it is older people, who are less receptive to new technology, who tend to use libraries.

- Hutt News