Libraries return to full service

More than a year after South Wairarapa councillors voted to save $160,000-odd dollars by reducing library hours _ causing a serious negative community response _ the former opening hours have been restored.

Under the upgraded schedule, libraries in Martinborough, Featherston and Greytown opened from 30 September from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. _ 12 noon Saturdays.

“This is fantastic news and we are looking forward to welcoming the community during these longer hours,” Louise Dowdell, WLS Library Services Manager, said in a statement.

Three new staff would bring staffing levels back to normal. 

“Libraries provide more than books. They mesh the community together, providing a sense of

belonging to people by providing a place to connect with others outside the home, as well as

utilising the services we offer,” she said.

“A lot of people come in to use the wifi, printing and scanning services … as well as to read hard print and access digital materials, which supplement the physical library’s offerings.”

The restored staffing and hours will allow the libraries to grow community services, school holiday programmes, community workshops, author talks, digital literacy support and events for all ages, she added.

“Libraries provide a strong connection for a lot of people to meet, touch base and have an interface

with someone outside their home and use all the services we offer,” Dowdell said. “There is space for everyone at our libraries.”

Caption: Children absorbed in a library school holiday programme.