Candidates asked about future of the library

Candidates for Napier City Council election are being asked their views on the future of the Napier Library.

Friends of Napier Library chairman Johanna Rodgers has emailed all candidates to ask for their views, and submitted a question to the Mayoral debate.

The central Library is at the MTG while the Station Street building is earthquake strengthened or a new build is proposed.

“The library staff are doing a fabulous job, even with these constraints. However, long-term we need our city to have a spacious, well-provisioned library for borrowing books and materials, for study and research, and for children’s holiday programmes. MTG would also like more space for museum and art exhibitions.”

Funding of around $15 million has been allocated by council for the relocation or new build of the library, but no proposals will be finalised until after the new council is operating.

“That funding won’t go far for a new build which makes it important for all candidates — especially those in the central suburbs — to tell us how they will support the redevelopment and consultation on this essential service for the community,” Johanna says.

The candidate feedback to these questions will be published on Friends of Napier Library Facebook page.

1. Do you consider the future of the library — a new build or relocation back to the previous site — a high priority for council?

2. Do you and/or your family support and use the Library? Do you have any comments about the present location of the library?

3. Would you vote to change the ‘suppression in camera’ rules that prevent councillors discussing what happens in meetings and what their opinions are?

4. The public need to have feedback on the future of Napier Library, so how would you report back on decisions made that will affect the library?