Multipurpose libraries extend shelf life
There’s a gentle hum of conversation between the library shelves in Taita, Wellington.
A group of kids are gathering around a row of computers.
It’s what you might expect for a public library with school out for the day.
Take a closer look, and none of the kids are opening books or heading up to the counter, arms overflowing with a stack of stories to read.
They’re not alone. Figures from local authorities across the country from the past few years show Kiwis are borrowing fewer library books.
But Wellington City Library team leader Laurinda Thomas believes libraries are being used differently, not less.
"There’s a huge amount of services on offer now and there’s always that traditional aspect, reading for pleasure.
‘‘But increasingly, people are using us for learning new skills.’’
About 70,000 people came into Wellington libraries for events each year.
Thomas has seen the number of items issued rise and fall over time,matching trends in the economy. For example, during the 2008 global financial crisis, more people were taking out books.
Some visitors picked up a couple of books every so often, while others, like Gina Hamilton-Kohi, take their children to the library almost weekly.
‘‘It’s been a ritual to take my kids to the library since they were little, and my nine and 5-year-old boys still love going almost weekly. How else would I read a book before bed with my youngest every night?,’’ she said.
Meanwhile, more than 50,000 books went on sale this weekend as part of the Christchurch City Libraries Big Bargain Book Sale, a chance to pick up bargain literature in good condition but no longer in demand.
Head of libraries Carolyn Robertson said it was a great chance to stock up on winter reading before the cooler weather set in.
A report commissioned by the New Zealand Book Council found in 2016, 394,000 New Zealand adults didn’t pick up a book. Nearly a third of them said it was because they couldn’t find the time to read.