New Taumarunui Library Space Gets Warm Reception

Ruapehu District Council’s (RDC) new Taumarunui library was blessed and opened by local Kaumatua at its new Huia St location today.

The library now shares the same building as council’s Taumarunui office staff which is the same arrangement as in Ohakune and Raetihi.

Speaking at the opening RDC chief executive, Peter Till said that the new library space reflected everything that council had learnt from operating combined office/library spaces in Ohakune and Raetihi for many years.

“When RDC’s head office functions were combined into one building in 2007 the original concept was to combine the office and library spaces under one roof at that time,” he said.

“Due to opposition from some residents who objected to moving the library two blocks back from Taumarunui’s main street the idea was shelved.”

“Since that time the old library on Hakiaha St has needed significant structural work and has struggled to meet the demands of a modern library.”

Mr Till noted that libraries are constantly evolving and the customer demands and services provided by a library today are significantly different from a library ten years ago and will evolve significantly over the next ten years again.

“The new library space is an investment in Taumarunui’s future and is well suited to serve the evolving demands and services being made on a modern library,” he said.

RDC community librarian, Fiona Thomas, said that it was really exciting to have finally made the move into the new space.

“The reaction of library users has been overwhelmingly positive toward the new location and space,” she said.

“They just love the bright open atmosphere and all the natural light of the new building.”

“We have a fantastic new children’s area, new APN computers, comfy armchairs and plenty of space for people to read or access the free WIFI.”

Mrs Thomas said she really wanted to thank everyone who worked on the project in anyway who all have done an amazing job and helped to deliver this fantastic community asset.

“Now the library is sharing the same building as council’s Taumarunui office staff we are sharing the same opening hours as well which are 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.”

“The WIFI connection is still free 24/7 and seating has been provided outside the front of the building for people wanting sit out in the sun or access the internet afterhours,” she said.

Mrs Thomas added that the library was planning a special community event to celebrate the new library in the New Year during the school holidays.

“However there’s no need to wait until then before you come along to see our new space,” she said.

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