More libraries, please

I was very relieved to read ( Nelson Mail, November 11) that the controversial library concept is being shelved for now.

It wasn’t only the precarious location that bothered me – it was also the idea that it needed to be an amazing ‘‘iconic’’ structure, when in fact, to best fulfil its function, a library just has to be handy.

If we want to boast about our library, it should be that Nelson has more libraries per capita than most other places.

Ideally, all age groups, including children, should be able to walk or bike to their nearest library. It’s the only indoor space where we can spend time without spending money – for some, a home away from home.

As a young mum with a baby and toddler, I would walk to my neighbourhood library every afternoon. As they grew, my children were able to get to the library under their own steam. Nowadays, we focus on living locally for the sake of the climate.

The council should consider adding two more libraries to the three we already have – one in Victory, one in Atawhai – for much the same outlay as the central library currently planned, which most Nelsonians will have to drive to.

Kate Malcolm

Nelson, November 15