Book lovers can now return to the iconic St Heliers Library which reopened on 15 August.
For about a year the much-loved library in the heart of the village operated from a temporary site as the heritage-protected building underwent earthquake strengthening and renewal work.
Built in 1926 as the Tamaki West Road Board offices and fire station, it became home to a public library in 1931, but was twice assessed as earthquake-prone, first in 2017, and again in 2020 when a revision found it needed to be strengthened. This work is now complete.
“We are thrilled to welcome you back to the library,” manager Wendy Nasmith says.
The project was one of four to receive Auckland Council seismic regional programme funding.
Ōrākei Local Board added renewal funds to the budget for St Heliers so other improvements could be made during the building’s closure.
“We’re excited to see this local heritage not only retained but enhanced,” says Ōrākei Local Board chair, Scott Milne.
“We thank locals for their patience during this upgrade, and hope they enjoy the refreshed St Heliers Library. It’s a beautiful building, and now it’s really fit for purpose.”
The temporary library location at Tāmaki Ex-Services Association Hall has now closed.
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