Decision on city library by February
Six months after Wellington Central Library closed because of earthquake risk, former patrons are holding onto hope that it would reopen despite strengthening work being expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.
Newly elected mayor Andy Foster has listed reopening the central library as one of his top priorities. Speaking to Stuff yesterday, Foster said he was in favour of saving the library, which closed mid-March.
‘‘A team of top engineers, facilitated by Professor Ken Elwood, is looking into what can be done with the Central Library.
‘‘Council will be briefed on the library and Civic Square before Christmas and we hope to make a key decision by February,’’ he said.
Foster was hopeful the repair would be eight figures, rather than nine. The cost to strengthen the building was previously quoted by outgoing mayor Justin Lester as costing upwards of $100 million.
Meanwhile, as they wait for a decision the 3000 people who used the library every day have had to go elsewhere.
Lily Joiner said for parents and babysitters the library’s closure left a gap.
‘‘It’s one of the only free indoor places to get kids out of the house and entertained on a rainy day.
‘‘It means many parents will be spending more money on kids’ entertainment during school holidays without the public library as an option,’’ she said.
‘‘Whenever you were stuck in the city, the library was always there,’’ said Wellington resident Nichs John.
‘‘My entire university life revolved around the library . . . I even first met my girlfriend there.’’
‘‘For me, the Central Library was the soul of Wellington,’’ said Judith Doyle, who had lived in Wellington for 42 years.
‘‘I liked the building itself with its wonderful nikau palm pillars. But it was what was inside that I truly loved and miss so much,’’ Doyle said.
Doyle used the library noticeboards to learn about classes and talks, and occasionally advertised a group that she was involved in.
Wellington entrepreneurs had also taken a hit, with the library having provided an important free working space in the city.
Robin Marshall, Wellington digital agency Springload’s head of innovation, said the library was instrumental when he was first getting his business started.
‘‘Having that base to just go and sit and work was great.
‘‘Quite often I’d have meetings at Clarke’s cafe´ . What was interesting is that I noticed lots of other people doing the same thing.’’
While the future of the Central Library building remained in question, the council announced in September a third new central city library in the Harbour City Centre, which would open early next year.
‘‘We’ve just opened He Matapihi in the National Library and Johnsonville’s Waitohi will open in December, so there are good options for where people can spend their time’’ Foster said.
‘‘We aren’t looking at relocating the Central Library anywhere else in the city. It has always been in Civic Square and that’s where it should stay.’’