Sumner Centre an open book at weekends

It will be easier to drop into the Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre at the weekend with the extension of opening hours.

Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre will soon be open longer hours at the weekend.

Currently, the library is open on weekdays from 10am–6pm, on Saturdays from 10am–1pm, and closed on Sundays. 

From this Saturday, 18 August, the library will be open from 10am–4pm on both Saturdays and Sundays.

The Sumner Museum, which is housed in the facility, is not changing its hours.

The longer library opening hours are in response to popular demand from the local community.

The Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community Board asked the Christchurch City Council to include funding for additional staff at the centre in its 2018 Long Term Plan.

An extra $43,000 has been allocated annually under the 10-year budget to cover staff working at the seaside library at the weekends.

Council Community Libraries Manager Dyane Hosler says Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre plays a central role in the local community and seven-day access is very important, especially for those who work during the week and children who travel to schools outside of Sumner.

“We know that people are really keen on the library being open at the weekends and we’re delighted the Council has been able to make that happen.”

Christchurch City Council Heathcote Ward Councillor Sara Templeton is also pleased by the change. 

“The Council has listened to the community's feedback and acted in response,” she says.

“We know that Sumner is a real weekend destination and to have the library and public toilets open for longer hours on Saturdays, and on Sundays too, is very welcome.”

Sumner has had a library since 1883 and the new centre continues that tradition of service. Since it opened in 2017, more than 73,000 people have visited Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre.