Keen on library but not on cost
Nelson residents tend to agree that a library upgrade would be nice but eyes start watering when it comes to the budget for the new Elma Turner Library.
People braving the weather at the Saturday market were asked for their thoughts on the project, which Nelson City Council hopes will be a city-activation anchor that draws people into town and helps them linger longer.
Tanya McMurtrie, a Tasman resident who works in Nelson, said the $44 million budget (without inflation) was ‘‘an awful lot of money’’ that could be spent elsewhere but said she was somewhat cynical and thought the project would go ahead regardless of public opinion or feedback to the council.
However, putting aside the budget, she said the modernised, city-anchor concept did sound like a good idea.
‘‘The concept of libraries is dying a little bit.
‘‘A library is not what it was when I was really young . . . a lot of people just download [ebooks] these days.’’
McMurtrie said the recent upgrade to the Richmond library, which was completed over budget but still a fraction of the budgeted cost of the Nelson library at almost $14.78m, was a good model and having an attached cafe was a good idea.
Nelson student Ruby Harrison was also keen on the city activation and place-making aspect of the plans.
‘‘There probably does need to be a place to hang out, a place to plan events or spend time with friends . . . for free.’’
She also referenced the upgraded Richmond library, which has art, and room for music and recording.
‘‘If they incorporate the view of the Maitai, it could be really nice.’’
Joanna Millett did not think much of the proposal, especially the budget.
‘‘Were people complaining about the old library?
‘‘I use libraries for printing and the internet, not for a cafe. That would not be a large drawcard – if the facilities are there, what else do you need?’’
She said the money would be better spent on other things, such as increasing funding for the arts. Lenny Wills also agreed the budget was too high. He admired the Christchurch library, Tūranga, but said the cost of such a development was hard to justify for Nelson.