Devonport Library smashes records in first three months

Three months in and Devonport’s new library is smashing records for visitor numbers, WiFi use and new memberships.

Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua, the new Devonport Library, has drawn a record number of visitors, with 93,369 visits between February and April this year. There were 27,289[1] visitors during the same months in 2014, and 45,514 during that period in 2013.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chair Joseph Bergin says the community has embraced its new library and the positive feedback has been overwhelming.

“The number of people signing up for library cards has surged, with 532 people registering in the last three months,” he says.

In 2014, there were only 64 new memberships during this period, and 153 in the same period during 2013.

WiFi sessions have increased by 1004 percent, from 1,338 in February to April 2014 to 14,773 since the new library opened.

Auckland Libraries and Information General Manager Allison Dobbie says “We are thrilled that Devonport’s fantastic new library is being enjoyed by so many people.

“The building responds to changes in customer expectations of self service, digital and e-book delivery, and space to meet, relax and think.”

The brand new building on 2 Victoria Road was opened on 2 February with a dawn blessing lead by mana whenua. A civic opening celebration was held on 26 February.

With high ceilings and a mezzanine floor area, the library has 950m2 of floor space, but sits within the same footprint as the former library on Windsor Reserve.

ENDS

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