Papanui Library closes for upgrade

Papanui Library will be closed in stages over the next few weeks while a new air conditioning system is installed.

The closure will take place in two stages: the rear half of the library will be closed from Thursday 3 – Wednesday 16 July, during which time it will offer partial services, with limited access to the collection and no Babytime or Storytime sessions. The library will be fully closed from Thursday 17 July – Thursday 28 August.

The facility’s Customer Service Desk and Board Room will remain open throughout, offering wider Christchurch City Council services and a meeting space.

Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says Papanui Library’s heating system has been due for replacement since prior to the 2011 earthquakes.

“There have been issues for a few years now with hot and cold spots developing in Papanui Library – its current air conditioning system is inefficient, and it’s more cost-effective for us to replace it than to repair and keep it operating.

“Papanui is one of our busiest community libraries and we’d like to apologise to all our regulars for the inconvenience,” she says. “It’s a complicated process, but the installation is being completed as quickly as possible and will make Papanui Library a much more comfortable place to spend time in.

“The library’s ceiling is quake-damaged and is in need of some work,” Mrs Robertson says. “Ideally we’d be able to do these jobs at the same time, but the ceiling is still subject to an insurance settlement, so that work will come later.”

Papanui Library’s after hours return facility will be cleared daily throughout the closure, and items from Papanui Library can be returned to any library in the Christchurch City Libraries network. The nearest large library is Fendalton Library on the corner of Clyde Road and Jeffreys Road. Reserved items will be made available at Fendalton Library unless otherwise requested.

Papanui Library’s toilets and wifi will be unavailable throughout the entire period of the closure.

For more information about the closure, and which services will remain on offer, please contact the Fingertip Library on (03) 941 7923 or visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com

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