Necessary work at Blockhouse Bay Library to repair the roof and increase the usable space will begin in October.
The work will take around nine months to complete, and the library will be temporarily closed while it takes place.
Services will be available at libraries in surrounding areas – Avondale and New Lynn libraries, as well as Titirangi and Glen Eden.
Staff from Blockhouse Bay Library will be relocated to Avondale and New Lynn libraries while the work is completed to support an increase in visitors.
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says that the works will be temporary pain for the long-term gain of a more resilient building.
“We know that the library is a popular hub for our community and that the temporary closure will be inconvenient to all.
“While it’s unfortunate the library will be temporarily closed, it is important that we go ahead with the repair of the roof.
“These necessary works will ensure the library is a long-lasting facility fit for community use in the future.
“Doing these works now will protect the building against any further extreme weather events.”
Built in the 1980s, the building has served the community well. However, damage sustained during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods has affected the use and weather tightness of the building.
Currently, rainwater is entering the building through the internal courtyard during heavy rainfall.
The project will install a new wide gutter between the two main roofs, which will include changes to the internal courtyard and library entrance.
To improve water collection and runoff, the internal courtyard will be included as part of the internal building, creating more space for library users and other facilities in the building.
The locations of all West Auckland libraries can be found here.
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