Space is no longer in short supply at East Coast Bays Library after a $2 million dollar renovation has transformed the library’s interior.
Clever reconfiguration of the existing footprint has created a large, open community space for events, a big children’s area, and a sizeable space for a fiction book collection.
The occasion was marked on Friday afternoon with a karakia, a blessing from the local kaumātua and speeches followed by an afternoon tea. The library reopened to the public on Saturday with a gala day for families and hourly tours of the new spaces.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Gary Brown is pleased that the five-month renovation project finished on time and budget.
“East Coast Bays Library is indispensable to our community and has been for almost 40 years. The library had to close during the extensive upgrade scheduled as part of the council’s maintenance cycle.
“Our incredible library staff continued to provide library services, and we are grateful to our community for their support and patience during this time. It’s testament to everyone’s hard work and effort that the library will reopen on time.”
East Coast Bays is one of the busiest libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau with more than 1.5 million visits in the last five years.
Deputy Board Chair Victoria Short says that many people benefit from the programmes, events and book collections on offer at the library.
“The well-timed investment has increased the library’s capacity for hosting more programmes and events which will serve the community well now and into the future.”
Key improvements are:
- a large foyer entrance area
- a new programme and events space with kitchen
- a new downstairs workroom
- large areas for adult and children’s collections
- new and upgraded public and staff toilets.
Maintenance work included roof repairs, power upgrade with new lighting system, painting, new carpets, heat and air conditioning system including fresh air system, seismic strengthening, new furniture and shelves.
Elected members, library staff and patrons at the reopening of East Coast Bays Library.
Auckland Council’s East Coast Bays Library Manager Natasha Hallam says library staff and community groups have many exciting programmes planned over the next few months which will make good use of the newly refurbished spaces.
“We are welcoming back all of our groups including crafters, book clubs, Chinese Community events and all our children programmes such as Babies and Bubbles, and Terrific Tots.
“Equally exciting are the new programmes under development such as a tween bookclub, Mandarin Rhyme time, Te Reo conversation sessions and for seniors, programmes like Brain Fit.”
Key facts about East Coast Bays Library:
- The library was built in 1982 and designed by Dodd Patterson Architects.
- The library was so popular that it was expanded in 1993.
- Miss Ethel Baxter’s bequest enabled a magazine room to be added in 1999.
- The library underwent a major refurbishment in 2002 to open the library entrance to the Village Green.
