A new chapter is being written in the history of Point Chevalier Library.
Local book lovers will be pleased to hear the library will soon have a new location in the town centre, relieving the Little Library at the community centre of its duties.
“We are thrilled our beloved library in Point Chevalier is moving to a new home for its books,” says Albert-Eden Local Board chair, Margi Watson.
“Other community services will also be more accessible to library users and local residents.”
The new library space is expected to be operational early in 2024 and details about its location and updates on events and activities will be available once finalised.
“The local board and the council are committed to delivering a high-quality library service in Point Chevalier and we think this new location will restore much of the library experience that locals were used to,” says chair Watson.
Point Chevalier library’s new home will provide:
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the library collection
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meeting room
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public computers
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printing / scanning services
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work/study spaces and wifi access
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outreach services – schools/pre-school
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homebound service
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staff work area.
Point Chevalier Little Library, a pop-up facility, has been operating at a limited capacity at the Community Centre since February 2023, after the original library site at the corner of Point Chevalier and Great North roads closed due to significant water damage.
Further damage has also occurred over the past year and the old building will not be able to reopen in its current form.
The board welcomes the feedback it’s received over the past few months.
“We’ve heard what you have said about how frustrating the current situation has been, and we’ve done our best to find this new solution while longer-term options are being explored,” says board chair Watson.
At its October business meeting, the local board approved the new location’s lease with a minimum term of seven years, while longer-term options are being scoped.
Funding for the set-up and ongoing costs of the new lease will come from savings made through changes to the Point Chevalier and Sandringham community centre services and consolidation of library resources.
Community centre space taken up by the Little Library can now be returned to local hirers.
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