- Deconstructed Pt Chev Library reused in Tonga.
- More than 80 per cent of the old library was recycled.
- The library has been turned into benches, tables, furniture in schools and churches in Tonga.
Earlier this year the Point Chevalier community said goodbye to the library – and now it’s Mālō e lelei from Tonga after a successful recycling project.
Instead of undertaking a demolition of the site to make way for the new, modular library that is expected to open in October, Auckland Council recycled 88 per cent of the building, with less than 10 per cent ending up in landfill.
A number of items were carefully recovered and will soon have a new lease of life in Tonga.
Timber framing has been transformed into furniture, benches, tables and shelving that will be found in community centres, schools and churches across Tonga.
Auckland Council Senior Project Manager Alex Azevedo says it’s a great to know the old library has found a new purpose in the South Pacific.
“It’s great the teams were able to dismantle and reuse so much of the former library, and that parts of it are being put to good use in Tonga. It was a really coordinated effort to get so much additional use out of the old Point Chev Library.”
The new modular library will provide full library services including popular programmes, public computers, printing and wifi access.
The current pop-up service at Huia Road will close, and the site will return to the community as a venue available for hire.
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