Library opens its doors
BY CLAIRE CONNELL
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A community effort to raise $140,000 for a new library at St Mary's School has paid off with the opening of the refurbished building.
St Mary's principal Alister Bridgman said the library had been planned since 2002 to improve the school's education resources.
Since then, the community had raised $140,000 through galas, and received a further $40,000 of funding from the Catholic Schools Board and community grants.
The library, built on the same premises as the former one but twice the size, comes complete with a data projector and screen, wireless internet service and improved teacher resource and librarian areas. New carpet, furnishings, 50 new books and a new television had been added, Mr Bridgman said.
"This whole project has been an awesome event. The fact that the school, parents, the parish and the community has all been involved has made it a stunning occasion for the school."
During Friday's ceremony, Archbishop John Dew blessed the new library and donated the first book, a new version of the Bible.
Pupils Holly Witterman, year eight, Liola Pulukamu, year one, and Summer Christie, year seven, cut the ribbon in front of the school students and 60 guests, including Marlborough mayor Alistair Sowman and Kaikoura MP Colin King.
- The Marlborough Express
