City library to close for day on Sunday

The Palmerston North central library will close its doors on Sunday as the building undergoes structural assessments.

The assessment is nearing completion, but the structural complexities mean the library needs to shut its doors for an uninterrupted day of work.

Library and community services general manager Debbie Duncan said the work was complicated by the design and age of the building.

‘‘To give the assessment crew more time and a safe space to carry out further work, we’ve decided to close the central library for a day,’’ Duncan said.

The library was also closed in July for three days for assessment work as well.

The building investigations, including seismic assessment, needed to be carried out before the city council could begin its planned $5.2 million Library of the Future project.

Those proposals were on hold while officials looked at the construction, alterations and condition of the building.

Duncan said choosing a Sunday for the closure was the best option for the assessment crew, while minimising inconvenience for library visitors.

The Mobile Library will be parked by the library’s entrance ramp on The Square, cancelling its normal Sunday round to be of service.

The Youth Space on Coleman Place will also be open to everyone from 10am until 4pm and there will be extra computers available for the day.

‘‘Public reaction to the three-day closure in July was generally understanding and appreciative of the reasons behind it,’’ Duncan said.

‘‘We hope they understand the need for us to have a further day of closure to assist with the assessment.’’

Duncan was hopeful this would be the last time the library would have to close for the assessment, but said she would not rule out a further closure if more work was needed.