Libraries  |  9 Mar 2020

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The Shirley Library and Service Centre will close this month for a six-week upgrade before reopening as an integrated community hub providing extra services.

The library and service centre – next to The Palms shopping centre – will close from Monday, 23 March to allow for a building upgrade under the Christchurch City Council’s 10-year refurbishment programme. The update includes improved security cameras, new floor coverings, internal painting and changes to the layout.

The centre will reopen on Thursday, 30 April, with new postal and bill-paying services – along with Metro cards – available at the site.

From 27 March, a mobile library will visit the car park every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am, Friday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and Saturday from 10am to noon.

A “pop-up” customer service site will also operate in The Palms, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, from 23 March until Wednesday, 29 April.

Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson says the Shirley Library is an integral part of community life in the area.

“Shirley Library offers so much – from information to free internet access, and an amazing array of books and other items for all ages, along with communal spaces to support stronger community connections,” Ms Robertson says.

“However, the building is due for an upgrade to ensure that we effectively maintain those core services and improve the environment.

“The improvements mean the library can continue to meet the needs of local residents for many years to come and that the building best fits its purpose.”

Council Head of Citizen and Customer Services Sarah Numan says people can still access the centre services at a temporary site near Kmart in The Palms.

“We recognise that our services must continue to be available, and will ensure that people can easily use our nearby temporary site during the closure period,” Ms Numan says.

“The service centre ‘pop-up’ is only metres from the library, and the large temporary space allows us to offer full services.

“We will also offer a wider range of services – such as postal and bill-paying – when we reopen our main building, delivering a big boost to the local community.”

From 23 March, any hold items requested for pick-up at Shirley Library will instead be available at Linwood Library, unless another site is requested.

During the closure, items cannot be returned to Shirley Library. However, they can be left at Council libraries around the city and on Banks Peninsula.

For those people wanting to visit another site, the nearest alternatives are Papanui Library at 35 Langdons Road, Redwood Library at 339 Main North Road and Tūranga in Cathedral Square.

Coastal-Burwood Community Board staff will work from the Fendalton Library and Service Centre during the closure period.

Find out more.