Christchurch’s Fendalton Library to temporarily close

One of the city’s most popular libraries will close for several months while the Fendalton Service Centre building undergoes much-needed improvements.

The Fendalton Library and Service Centre – on the corner of Jeffreys Road and Clyde Road – will be closed from Monday, 4 March to allow for an extensive site upgrade, including a new heating and ventilation system, roof repairs and general refurbishment.

It is scheduled to reopen on Monday, 29 July.

During the closure, a mobile library vehicle will visit the library car park for two hours on Mondays (1.30pm to 3.30pm), Wednesdays (9.15am to 11.15am), and Fridays (3pm to 5pm).

Fendalton Library will close for several months.

Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says Fendalton Library is an invaluable community resource but the building needs attention.

“Fendalton Library is an integral part of the local community,” Ms Robertson says.

“Apart from all the wonderful books on offer, many people use the library to check out the latest news, access the internet and find important information.

“We want to ensure this communal space remains fit for purpose, and continues to provide important services for many years to come.”

Council Head of Customer Services Sarah Numan says people can still access the centre services at a nearby temporary site in Fendalton Village.

“We understand the importance of the services offered by our centres, and will ensure that these can be accessed during the closure period,” Ms Numan says.

“The Fendalton Service Centre will operate from a temporary site on the corner of Ilam Road and Clyde Road, just 500 metres from the regular site.”

The “pop-up” service centre will be open Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm.

All of the current services will be available, including postal services.

From 4 March, any hold items requested for pick-up at Fendalton Library will instead be available at Papanui Library, unless another site is requested.

During the closure, items cannot be returned to Fendalton Library.

However, items can be left at Council libraries around the city and on Banks Peninsula.

Wi-Fi will also not be available at Fendalton Library during the closure period.

For those people wanting to visit another site, the nearest alternatives are Papanui Library at 35 Langdons Road and the new Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library and Community Centre at the Bishopdale Shopping Centre in Farrington Avenue.

The Citizens Advice Bureau, which is normally housed in the Fendalton building, will temporarily relocate to The Village at 460 Papanui Road.